Whether your family follows a dedicated dining out or takeout ritual, the kitchen is still your home’s focal point. If anything, it sets the stage for a good first impression should guests decide to traipse uninformed for a random visit.
Homeowners are going full throttle with their kitchen remodels. It was found that the median spending in this area was $1,200 during the second quarter of 2023. What is your current cookhouse like? Are you tired of the 80s-style cabinets? Perhaps you’re dreading the uninspiring backsplash?
On top of all these issues, budget can also be a roadblock. A complete overhaul can cost anywhere between $12,000 and $60,500. What if you do not wish to take everything down and build from the ground up?
The good news is it is still possible to design the kitchen of your dreams with a few relevant tweaks. In this article, we will discuss 5 kitchen renovation ideas that can be executed without a sledgehammer.
Let the Wallpaper Double Up as Backsplash
We just mentioned the boring backsplash in the intro. This area of the kitchen is highly functional as it keeps off grease, damage, and pests from the walls. It’s also designed to be durable and heat-resistant, acting as an extension of the countertops.
Over time, this space can become dirty and rugged-looking. Plus, it can be challenging to replace it with tiles every time. A more practical and affordable alternative would be wallpapers. They can easily add color, depth, and a sense of personality to the area.
If you do opt for a wallpaper that doubles up as the backsplash, choose based on the following factors –
- Durability – Make sure the wallpaper is resilient, sturdy, and can be cleaned easily. A good material of choice would be vinyl.
- Protection – The wallpaper should not disintegrate due to heat or moisture. Choose those specifically designed for kitchen backsplashes.
- Style – Go for something interesting and vibrant so that it becomes a focal point. You may even find options for customizable printed wallpapers.
Install Statement Lighting Fixtures
Many cookhouses, especially modest kitchenettes, suffer from poor lighting. This can make the space look more cramped and dull. Sleeker lighting fixtures placed strategically can make it easy to eye all ingredients and carry out the slicing and dicing process.
Modern lighting fixtures can impart a cohesive and well-put-together feel to the kitchen space. For instance – flush-mount lighting can be placed to complement any metal elements in the area. Besides the aesthetic appeal, strategic placement over the workspace or island can further elevate the functionality of the kitchen.
There are other options available, including under-cabinet lights, chandeliers, and pendant fixtures. We recommend installing a combination of these lighting fixtures so that the ambiance of the space can be controlled effectively.
Suppose you have guests over and wish to dim the space a bit, then leaving on the under-cabinet lights alone will do the trick. Similarly, if you require extra illumination for prep work, the directly overhead pendant lights can help.
Renew Dated Countertops
Kitchen countertops are among the most widely used areas of the space. After a certain time, they show signs of wear and tear via stains, scratches, and cracks. A simple change of these fixtures can improve both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the space.
According to Artistic Stone, every countertop in the kitchen is a conversation starter. What could be better if the next conversation starts because of how great the countertop looks, right? While you consider this project, try integrating a cutting board into the countertops if possible.
As for the material, color, and design, a wide variety of options are available. For a contemporary look, your kitchen countertop installation can involve stones like soapstone, marble, or quartz. In fact, quartz emerges as the most durable countertop material. Other options include concrete, epoxy coating for laminates, and ceramic tiles.
Give the Cabinets a Facelift
Speaking of cost-effectiveness and innovation, giving your kitchen cabinets a facelift is the way to go. You will be surprised at the level of change achievable simply through a fresh coat of paint. Elevate your cookhouse with a new paint color on the cabinet doors and drawers.
You can choose a bright color if the rest of the kitchen features neutral tones. Even metallic shimmery shades are quite sought after. Besides the doors and drawers, consider changing the knobs to something sleek and modern. Some of the top materials to choose from include bronze and stainless steel.
Acrylic handles are high on demand to appeal to modern sensibilities. In case you wish to opt for a more rustic and traditional design, go for wooden knobs.
Open Things Up
According to an article published by Forbes, upper cabinetry and open-floor kitchens were becoming outdated trends in 2023. They may appear to be controversial topics in the interior design world but are relevant when done properly.
In other words, storage is always welcome in a kitchen space. However, nobody wants to see boxes of cereal and dirty dishes lying around, which is fair enough. You do not need to open up the entire kitchen, only the upper cabinetry for a change of look.
Moreover, ensure that all the stuff you do not wish visitors to see is placed in closed cabinets. The open shelves can be utilized to display expensive chinaware, houseplants, and other decorative items.
This guide should have provided a reasonable avenue for your kitchen remodeling ideas to culminate. Nebraska-based interior designer, Katelyn Cheek, states that the one element every kitchen should have is something natural.
This could range from refreshing plants to wood-stain cabinetry or marble countertops. A kitchen where everything is too ‘mass manufactured’ becomes easily dated.
Besides this golden advice, explore other areas discussed in this article and see what matches your needs. With a few smart tweaks, you can create the kitchen of your dreams (no sledgehammer needed!).
