Inexpensive and Fresh Ways to Update Your Kitchen

This is part 2 of the Question and Answers from my blog giveaway. I asked all of you what design questions, dilemmas, and topics you’d like me to discuss. Previously, I talked about the planning stage that you should do before starting updates on your kitchen.  If you plan on taking on a full kitchen remodel, I highly recommend consulting an interior designer that specializes in kitchen design.  Look for one that is NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) certified. Places like Home Depot and Lowe’s also have trained designers that can help you and stay on budget.

All that talk can get tedious, so on to the eye candy. These ideas are geared more toward someone on a budget or someone that only has minor tweaking to do.

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Updates

• Update your cabinet hardware.
• Prime, sand, and paint your cabinets-  Check out these great ideas to update or update boring builder’s cabinets.
• Declutter and organize.-The quickest way to gain space and make your kitchen more functional.  I’m a big fan of Lazy Susans and drawer organizers. Also—do you really need 4 cans of chili powder?  Consolidate spices, pantry staples and dishes. Figure out which dishes you use the most and put them in the most accessible places. Items like plastic storage bowls take up a lot of space. Find all the matching pieces and toss the rest.
• Paint the walls. This is probably one of the cheapest ways to update your kitchen. I tend to stay away from really bright or cool colors for the kitchen. There’s always so much going on on the countertops, that I like warm and calm walls. My kitchen  is painted Benjamin Moore’s “Sag Harbor Gray”. I’m so in love with that color. It’s a very peaceful, warm gray-green. I did a post about some of my other favorite paint colors here.
• New window treatments. You don’t have to have custom treatments to get a good look. Here’s my suggestion though.---Pick your fabric/material for the window treatment BEFORE your paint color. There are thousands of paint colors to match to the treatments vs. the other way around.  Target and JCPenney’s have some great window treatments.  If you have only one window, it’s easy to find clearance items.
• New utensil holders, trashcan, and canisters Go to Target, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Home Depot, etc. and get new accessories. Just like jewelry can do for an outfit, kitchen accessories can really change the look of your kitchen.
• New lighting. Something as simple as changing out a shiny brass 1980’s chandelier to an updated polished chrome can make a big impact. You don’t have to spend a lot either. Lowe’s and Home Depot have very affordable lighting.  I’ve changed out lighting before, and it’s really easy, but this might be the time to call an electrician.

Have you done any updates to your kitchen that has really changed the look? I’d love to hear or see pictures.

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!!