Kitchen is the heart of every home. This is where delectable meals, that gather people into one table, are prepared. Money-wise, this space holds the highest value and could be a key selling point of one’s home, whether you’re selling an old bungalow or a modern prefab kit home.
That being the case, it’s not surprising that some well-off homeowners put a huge amount of time, effort, and money on enhancing their kitchen space, from buying beautiful countertops and cabinets to picking top-of-the-line appliances.
If you’re remodeling on a very tight budget, you might think you can’t do so much to create a highly-functional, visually interesting, and luxurious-looking kitchen space – but you can! Some simple enhancements can make your old and dull kitchen look extra chic and fancy – and they don’t break the bank.
- Clean up and declutter
Want to transform your kitchen for free? Start with getting rid of the dirt and clutter, which truly cheapen the look of your space. Next, to cleaning grimy surfaces, try to limit what you display on your countertops and open shelves. Organize your pantry items too and get rid of items which may be expired.
2. Refresh your cabinet paint
Many older kitchens are pulled down not by their old-fashioned cabinets but by poor surfaces that have been stained, scratched, and worn down.
It takes a quick weekend home project to revamp them at low cost. Sand down the cabinets. If you have lovely wooden cabinets, you may preserve the rich grain with a varnish.
3. Stick to neutrals
If you’re opting for an expensive-looking kitchen space, you can never go wrong with neutrals. Since you spend a lot of time in your kitchen, you want it to look neat and pleasing to the eyes – and neutral tones do just that.
Opt for whites, light taupes, creams, and grays, which are easy to match with kitchen accessories and appliances. Make use of earthy tones in the form of wooden elements, from shelves and cupboards to the tiniest of accessories.
4.Get the marble look
Nothing says “first-class kitchen” better than marble. The problem is, this elegant material is expensive.
Quartz makes it possible to recreate the marble look without spending a lot. Go for an upscale, quartz countertop with marble façade. Invest in marble-looking backsplashes too. Not only they look expensive – they’re easy to clean and maintain as well.
5. Update your kitchen hardware
Don’t have the budget to update your cabinetry? Take a look at your outdated cabinet and drawer handles and knobs. They tend to be the first things to show their age. Pick up a new set and see the difference.
An old cabinet can be refreshed with sleek and clean handles with nickel, gold, copper finishes. If your kitchen lacks character, be extra creative with jeweled handles or quirky artisan knobs and pulls.
6. Have more than one light source
Experts recommend having at least two sets of dimmable lights. The first one should be overhead lights (which, you probably have right now), that shine down when you’re preparing meals. The second should be more ambient, which may be placed under cupboards or kickboards.
Consider under-cabinet task lighting new task lighting, which adds a new dimension to your kitchen. It’s affordable and easy to install. Just make sure to keep your counters neat, for these may highlight dust and dirt.
7. Invest in one standout light fixture too
Still using ugly fluorescent tubes? If your budget isn’t ready for a full kitchen renovation, you can start by installing an eye-catching light fixture.
Choose from today’s wide variety of light fixtures with different shapes, styles, and sizes. Your kitchen will surely look stunning under brighter statement pendant lights, especially when placed atop a lovely kitchen island.
8. Think of installing expandable shelves in cabinets
Pullout shelves are a great way to add extra storage to your kitchen for food or tableware, without taking up precious floor space. And they are not just highly-functional – these custom expandable shelves in cabinets also give your kitchen a sense of personality.
You can also repaint them with a timeless hue, like white, gray, creamy neutrals, or lighter pastels. Just make sure to pick a color that goes well with walls and appliances.
9. When in doubt, make it glossy
While glossy and matte finishes can both look upper-class, the former is a bit more eye-catching. Glossy cabinets have a 3D feel because of their reflective surfaces. They are easy to clean and maintain as well. Sleek and shiny accessories work too.
You may also dress up your bare walls with a statement tile backsplash. Tiles add subtle sheen and interesting texture, color, and style to any kitchen, from clean subway tiles or intricate mosaic tiles.
10. Accessorize wisely
Accessories can go a long way. To create a well-curated kitchen design, start by ditching the eyesores. Get rid of plasticware, outdated kitchen accessories, and of course, clutter.
Update your condiment jars and containers. Swap flimsy, mass-produced tableware, racks, pot holders, and other accessories with luxe-looking counterparts, like matte ceramics, wood, glass, and marble. Then, refresh your textiles – that includes the curtains, towels, mittens, table runners, placements, and aprons.
Display something fresh. You may place real fruits in rattan, crate, wire, or marble baskets, and situate them on the countertop. Add fresh plants too.
Author Bio:Mina Corpuz is a daytime writer for PAAL Kit Homes, a renowned construction company that specializes in manufacturing and supplying top-quality steel-framed kit homes in Australia. She loves writing articles focused in real estate and interior design.
