Simple Kitchen Upgrade Ideas to Elevate Your Home
Your kitchen serves as the heart of your home, a place where cherished memories are made, meals are prepared, and loved ones gather. It's a space that deserves special attention when it comes to upgrades and renovations. However, undertaking a full-scale kitchen renovation can come with a hefty price tag.
Luckily, there are simpler and more budget-friendly ideas to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your kitchen. Read on to discover eight inspiring kitchen upgrade ideas, ranging from easy to challenging, that will breathe new life into your space.
This blog is a case study, showing how a 90's kitchen (photo credit: Family Handyman) can be transformed with cost-effective and straightforward update ideas. If your kitchen is in need of a refresh, this list of inspirations and practical solutions is a great starting point to guide you.
Accessorize Your Kitchen
Cost: $-$$$ | Difficulty: Easy
Functional and tasteful kitchen accessories like trays, functional decor, and storage can add color, texture, and personality to your kitchen. Additionally, you can showcase some of your cool kitchen appliances or fine dinnerware on display if you have glass-front cabinets or open shelves.
In the image below, I swapped the curtain swag with a roman shade in linen with black ribbon details in the middle, updated the dinnerware in the cabinet display, and added various accessories such as a plant in a black planter, soap dispensers, paper towel holder, and a lazy susan that holds kitchen essentials.
The black accents in the decor choice accentuates the backsplash accent tile and flooring, making the space more cohesive.
Update the Cabinet Hardware
Cost: $-$$ | Difficulty: Easy
Outdated kitchen hardware can detract from the overall appearance of your kitchen. However, by replacing it with new knobs or pulls, you can instantly give your cabinets a fresh and updated look. The options for hardware styles are endless, ranging from sleek and minimalist designs to more ornate and fancy ones. Choose the style that best complements your kitchen's aesthetic.
Taking inspiration from the updated decor, we selected cabinet knobs with stepped details and hinges in an oil-rubbed bronze finish. This choice creates a softer and more sophisticated look, which pairs beautifully with the cabinets. It adds a touch of elegance without feeling overly modern or stark.
Paint the Kitchen Walls and Ceiling
Cost: $-$$$ | Difficulty: Easy to moderate (may require a painter)
One of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform your kitchen is to paint the walls and/or ceilings with a fresh coat of paint of your choice. A color that complements the cabinets and countertop can have a huge impact in the kitchen, making it feel more intentional and inviting. Paint swatches, peel and stick samples, or small sample pots are affordable, making it easy to find the perfect color without making a huge investment.
I have tested two colors below: the first is Lush Green by Benjamin Moore, a subdued olive tone, and the second is Van Courtland Blue, also by Benjamin Moore, a luxurious powdery blue that beautifully complements the warm oak cabinets with orange undertones.
Replace Light Fixtures
Cost: $-$$$ | Difficulty: Easy to moderate (may require aN ELECTRICIAN)
If you have existing fixtures, replacing them with updated lighting accentuates your kitchen's design while promoting functionality. A well-lit kitchen is helpful with food prep and sets the mood if there is an eat-in nook or counter eating area. Consider layering of lights by installing under-cabinet lighting that illuminates kitchen countertops or a stylish pendant lamp to light up your dining area, in addition to a ceiling light fixture.
A ceiling flushmount with similar stepped details as the cabinet knobs was added to the case study kitchen.
Difficulty Warning The next few suggestions will present more of a challenge, potentially requiring the expertise of trade professionals. However, if you're a DIY enthusiast or willing to put in some effort, please plan accordingly and proceed with caution.
Upgrade the Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances
Cost: $$$-$$$$ | Difficulty: moderate to challenging (may require a trade professional)
Enhance your kitchen experience by upgrading the plumbing fixtures and appliances.. Not only will this improve efficiency, but it will also enhance user-friendliness and functionality. Before embarking on this task, evaluate your current conditions, select fixtures and technology that align with your style and requirements, and gauge whether you can tackle it yourself or require a trade professional.
In the kitchen example provided, I upgraded the faucet to a sleek, single lever pull-down faucet in an elegant oil-rubbed bronze finish. Additionally, I replaced the sink with a brushed stainless steel single basin sink, enhancing both style and functionality.
Install New Countertops and Backsplashes
Cost: $$$$-$$$$$ | Difficulty: moderate to challenging (may require a trade professional)
Countertops and backsplashes have the power to become the focal point of any kitchen, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. By replacing outdated laminate countertops with natural stone or quartz, you can infuse your kitchen with elegance and long-lasting durability. The options for backsplashes are limitless - you can opt for a contemporary look by using the same slab material as the countertop (which also makes cleaning a breeze without any grout!) or choose from a variety of tiles and exquisite mosaics to add a touch of personality to your kitchen.
I explored three alternatives in the 90s kitchen case study below.
Replaced countertops and short backsplash with the same countertop material:
Replaced countertops with full wall backsplash in the same countertop material:
Replaced countertops and added mosaic tiles as the backsplash:
Refinish the Kitchen Cabinets
Cost: $$$$-$$$$$ | Difficulty: challenging (may require a trade professional)
Refinishing kitchen cabinets can give your kitchen a fresh and updated look without the expense of replacing them entirely. It's a cost-effective solution that offers a wide range of customization options, including different stains or paint colors, allowing you to breathe new life into worn-out cabinets. However, it's important to note that refinishing cabinets does present its own set of challenges. The process can be time-consuming, involving thorough cleaning, sanding, and applying multiple coats of paint or stain. Proper preparation and attention to detail are essential to achieve a smooth and professional finish.
Since this blog post is about simple upgrades, the kitchen cabinets were preserved in the mock up project because the millwork is one of the most expensive components in a kitchen renovation.
Replace the Flooring Finish
Cost: $$$$-$$$$$ | Difficulty: challenging (may require a trade professional)
Replacing the flooring has a few advantages - a fresh aesthetic, improved durability, and increased safety based on the chosen finish. However, it's important to consider the potential challenges. The process may be overwhelming and disruptive, requiring thoughtful preparation such as removal of appliances and furniture and dealing with dirt & construction dust. It could also unveil underlying subflooring issues and may need careful installation. Having said all these, the ultimate reward is a stunning and practical kitchen floor that makes every effort worthwhile.
I didn’t test out this suggestion to the kitchen because the existing floor tiles with the small black diamond accent are perfect with all the ‘upgrades’ presented.
These are the selections chosen for the mock kitchen project:
