10 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen Without Renovating

Since most of us consider our kitchens to be the centers of our houses, remodeling them is one of the most thrilling projects. However, upgrading your kitchen doesn’t always need a complete makeover: Think about the various ways you can improve this area without getting out your power tools or hiring a contractor before you start ripping down walls or replacing countertops. Your kitchen can be transformed into a gathering place you feel very good about with a few small adjustments like painting it a fresh coat of paint or doing simple DIY projects like changing out your faucet and taps.

Apply Paint to Your Walls

A fresh coat of paint on the walls of your kitchen is a simple way to breathe new life into the area. According to Alexandra Peck, principal and owner of Alexandra Peck Design, “you can’t go wrong with brighter colors like white or light gray as they will make your kitchen feel fresh and clean.” “Earth tones such as sage green and beige also lend themselves well to kitchens as they feel cozy and are reminiscent of being out in nature.”

Put in some wallpaper

Adding pattern and texture to your kitchen with wallpaper is a simple way to make the space feel more elegant. “To create a captivating focal point, infuse personality, and bring a touch of unexpected charm to your kitchen, consider applying wallpaper to areas like the backsplash, an accent wall, or the inside of glass-front cabinets,” suggests Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab. Make sure the wallpaper you add to your backsplash is wipeable so you can quickly clean up cooking grease splatters.

Display Artwork

You could have artwork in your dining room or living room, but have you ever thought about putting it in your kitchen? This is a really nice technique to give this area some color and texture. “If you have a large, empty wall space I suggest curating a gallery wall of prints, photography, and paintings,” Peck adds. “If your kitchen is clean-lined and sleek, an oversized photograph in a crisp black or white frame would be the perfect complement.” Artwork with hints of blue, green, or peach will provide a lovely splash of color in a light-colored kitchen.

Change Out Hardware

Changing the hardware finishes that came with your cabinets is an easy way to improve the appearance of your kitchen without sacrificing functionality. “Consider materials like brushed brass or polished nickel for a luxurious and timeless touch, or opt for matte black or stainless steel finishes for a modern and sleek aesthetic,” Kelly advises. “These small details can make a significant impact, adding a touch of sophistication and cohesiveness to your kitchen design.”

Put Different Lighting Layers

If the only lighting in your kitchen is ambient, think about adding task and accent lighting for a more upscale appearance. “For accent lighting, consider incorporating under-cabinet lighting to showcase decorative items or architectural details,” Kelly advises. “Task lighting is essential for areas like the countertops and sink, so consider installing adjustable LED recessed lights or pendant lights.” Upgrades to your ambient lighting can also be made with chandeliers or controllable ceiling lights.

Raise Anything That’s Visible

Although having necessities like coffee and hand soap on hand on your countertops could be practical, they might take away from the overall design of your kitchen. “I find product labels on bottles can be visually distracting and take away from the beauty of your kitchen, so I love putting everyday kitchen products like soap and coffee into glass or metal containers to create a clean look,” Peck explains.

Apply Paint to Your Cabinets

Refinishing your cabinets is a simple method to give a worn-out kitchen new life. According to Kristin Marino of KozyKasa Design, painting outdated cabinets is a simple and reasonably priced option to change their look and style if you’re not ready for a complete overhaul. “To me, a white kitchen is timeless and classy however, I also love a bold cabinet color for a focal point as well.” If you’re looking to add color to your room, think about classic hues like blue and green.

Change the Faucet

To obtain a sleeker look, change youar taps and faucet for new ones instead of replacing your sink entirely. “Updating any metal in your kitchen such as tapware can elevate your kitchen’s style without breaking the bank,” Marino advises. “Swapping your brushed nickel for a matte black or gold will elevate the look and bring your kitchen’s style to modern day.”

Establish a Coffee Station

Coffee aficionados can gather a lot of things, from the steamer and grinder to the coffee maker and beans. To give your kitchen a more ordered appearance, give this section its own station. “Consider adding details such as a decorative tray to corral coffee essentials, stylish canisters for storing coffee beans or pods, and a collection of beautiful mugs or cups displayed on a shelf or mug tree,” Kelly advises. “These thoughtful and visually pleasing elements not only enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen but also make your morning routine more delightful and organized.”

Include Shelving

Including shelves in your kitchen is both useful and practical. “Open shelving offers the opportunity to display beautiful glassware and plates as well as increase functionality for frequently used items,” Peck explains. “A timeless and elegant alternative that complements a more traditional style is clear glass shelf with metal brackets. I suggest floating shelves with raw wood or paint with a satin lacquer finish for a simple, contemporary aesthetic.”

FAQs

How to upgrade a kitchen without renovating?