It’s not surprising to note that the one room in the house that people are most dissatisfied with is the kitchen. The kitchen is truly the hub of the home, and nothing turns a homeowner off more than old cupboards, mismatched appliances, and worn plumbing fixtures. If your kitchen makes you feel depressed just walking into it, there are ways to improve it quickly.
If you have a decent sized budget, the world is your oyster. Renovating a kitchen is one of the most expensive renos you can do in your home, and the best way to conserve money is to sit down and draw up a plan. List what you really dislike and what you feel you can live with.
Once you have done that, start pricing out the more expensive portions of your list and try to find ways to cut costs. With the Internet and construction cost cutting, you should be able to find great deals on appliances, countertop, and cupboards.
Having a small budget for your kitchen means taking what you currently have and improving upon it. If you have painted cupboards that are showing their age, a fresh coat of colorful paint can significantly improve the look and feel of your kitchen. Look for bold colors, such as blue, green, or red.
When you have bold cupboards, you can pair them with a neutral tone on the walls. The result is that your cupboards really pop when you enter the kitchen and the color will make the room warm and inviting. If you have wooden cupboards and painting them is not an option, you can still change them up with wood stain.
Gel stain will dye the cupboards a different shade. A word of advice about gel stain: You cannot get your cupboards lighter with stain. Darker is the only option. Once your cupboards are a color you love, upgrade the handles. Nothing dates cupboards as much as older style handles and knobs.
The floor is another area that will really show wear and tear. Linoleum or old tile can make a room feel less clean than it should be. One of the current trends in kitchens is to have hardwood throughout. Focus on a color that matches your countertop and cupboards, and get ready for a clean, sleek look that will make your kitchen a cozy haven.
If you find it chilly in the morning, add a braided area rug by the sink and stove; the modern indoor outdoor braided rugs are ideal for the kitchen.
A kitchen island is another wonderful addition that a lot of older homes don’t have. You can add stools surrounding the island and enjoy a little breakfast bar, or use it as a place to prepare food. An island is extra cupboard space that you can really use in any type of kitchen.
When planning your kitchen, don’t forget about lighting. You will need task lighting, ambient lighting, and a lamp or two here and there for mood. Kitchens are the heart of the home, so make it as light, airy, and welcoming as possible. Don’t despair when it comes time to remodel your kitchen. Focus on getting the most improvement for your money and watch the transformation begin!