1. Update Your Hardware
It is easy for kitchen cabinets to look dated, but replacing them can be a significant expense. Luckily, you can update your current cabinets with one simple trick: replacing your hardware. Simply changing the knobs and pulls can bring a completely different feel to the surface of your cabinets and drawers. It is also fairly inexpensive. When replacing your hardware, make sure you choose a finish that is in-demand today. You also want to pay attention to the holes that are in your cabinets, so you can pick items to match. For example, a knob requires a single hole, while a pull handle needs two. Pull handles can also come in different sizes, so measure the distance between the holes and use that to guide your selections.
2. Paint and Paint
If you want to go the extra mile on your cabinets, consider adding a coat of paint. It can be a cost effective, though a bit labor intensive, way to completely change the look of the space. It can also make outdated cabinets look more current. For example, the look of honey oak cabinets was huge in the 1990s, but isn’t so popular today. A coat of paint can give them new life at a fraction of the cost of replacing them. Your walls are another spot where new paint can give you a big bang for your buck. Find a color that leans towards neutral for a wider appeal. However, if you have white cabinets, you may want to choose a color other than white to give the space some variance.
3. Focus on Your Faucet
Another piece that is easy to update is your kitchen faucet. Look for a design that complements the style of your kitchen, but also feels up-to-date. You want it to move smoothly, and have a steady flow of water as well. As with cabinet pulls, you need to make sure you get the right faucet design. You don’t want to get a faucet that has two separate knobs for hot and cold water when your current option features a central lever attached to the base of the faucet, or vice versa. Otherwise, you don’t have the right holes for the new piece, and that makes the process much more complex.
4. A Better Backsplash
Backsplashes can have a significant impact on the look of your kitchen. If you don’t have a backsplash now, then it may be time to add one. Or, if yours is outdated, then replacing it may be ideal. When it comes to backsplashes, tile is your go-to option. It is highly water resistant and can add instant style. If you want to avoid using a tile saw as much as possible, look for small or mosaic tiles that come in sheets. The mesh backing helps maintain the spacing, but it can easily be cut to create a custom fit around outlets and light switches.
5. Update Your Lighting
Another place where old fixtures can seem dated is lighting. Finding a more modern fixture can be the crown jewel of the space. Look for a fixture that aesthetically works while also providing the function you need. No one wants a dark kitchen, so make sure you bring in the light.
