Happy May! Spring is usually when I head into a busy season – I think our long winters give us the itch to update when the temps start to rise. If your kitchen is looking a bit tired, but a gut job isn’t in the cards (or budget!), check out my list of inexpensive updates you can put to work right now.
1. Hang a New Light
Often overlooked, outdated light fixtures not only look tired, but can actually impede the workflow in your kitchen.
2. Paint Something (besides the cabinets)
I’m a big fan of painting cabinets, but let’s face it – it’s not exactly a simple fix. So how about painting a nook, a bump-out, or a backsplash?
3. Hang Some Shelves
Love the open look of shelving in a kitchen, but not ready to commit to foregoing upper cabinets altogether? Try something like these cute shelves from Wayfair.
4. Add a Rug
Not only is this a great option for adding a splash of colour and some softness underfoot, but it’s also great for covering (or at least distracting from) dated flooring.
5. Replace the Faucet
Choose a faucet with the same specs as your current one, and you won’t have to replace the sink or drill new holes.
6. Add Some Colourful Accessories
Splash some colour into your space with functional accessories or small appliances. Think mixers, canisters, or a cute kettle like the Pinky Up from amazon.ca.
7. Clear the Clutter
Ha! You knew this would make my list! A great way to combat that kitchen clutter is by finding clever ways to store the necessities.
8. Add Some Wallpaper
An alternative to painting those small feature areas in your kitchen is hanging wallpaper. Plus, with lots of fun new peel and stick options out there, it’s never been easier to get those fun textures like exposed brick or weathered barn wood!
9. Swap out the Hardware
Changing your cabinet hardware is one of the easiest ways to completely change the look of your units. If you’ve got a large number of cabinets, consider buying in bulk packs to save money.
10. Hang Some Art
All rooms in our homes need art! If you’re short on wall space, think about leaning a framed print or two on the counter for a casual look.
11. Replace (or Recover) Your Stools
If you’ve got an island in your kitchen, swapping out your old stools for something new is a great way to breathe new life into your space. If you’ve got good quality stools that are starting to show their wear, look into having the fabric replaced.
12. Incorporate Under-Cabinet Lighting
Aside from the obvious ambiance provided by under-cabinet lighting, there is, more importantly, the added visibility needed for certain kitchen tasks. Wireless LED puck lights like the ones below are a breeze to install.
13. Hang a Window Treatment
A simple straight valance is an affordable way to add another pop of colour or pattern to your kitchen.
14. Add a Backsplash
As with wallpaper, there are some amazing peel and stick options available – perfect for the DIYer!
