Kitchen upgrades are one of the most popular home renovation projects, and they’re worthwhile – the average homeowner will see as much as an 80% return on their investment in a kitchen overhaul. However, these projects can also cost a lot of money and take a long time to complete. If you aren’t looking to break the bank or be displaced from your kitchen for weeks on end, there are still several easy upgrades you can make that won’t leave you eating out every day and dealing with construction dust. Here are a few smaller project you should consider, that will still breathe new life into an older kitchen.
Cabinets
If the storage situation in your kitchen is sufficient for your needs, but you want to give your kitchen a new look, consider refacing cabinets rather than replacing them. This could mean simply replacing the doors, drawers, and hardware, or it could mean covering or replacing the exterior with new paint or veneer. The cost of refacing will depend on the materials used but you can be assured that this project will be much cheaper than a full cabinet replacement. Gutting a kitchen for a full replacement could also take weeks and even months, while refacing can usually be completed on your own over a long weekend.
Backsplash
Adding a backsplash if you don’t have one, or updating the look of the one you have, can give your kitchen a whole new look. A color and material that will complement your cabinets is best, and luckily you can achieve this quickly and easily yourself by using peel-and-stick backsplash. Since backsplash applied in this manner isn’t permanent, it gives you the flexibility to give your kitchen a new look periodically without undergoing a major renovation. It also means that mistakes can be corrected quickly and easily, making this an ideal first project for a new DIYer. Depending on the size and style you choose, backsplash options are available for as little as $8 per square foot.
Shelving
If you want to open up the look of a small kitchen, you could join the growing trend of having open shelving rather than cabinetry for storage. Floating shelves are a creative way to use space, though they are best suited for people who are willing to go a bit overboard on organization and neatness. Your local home improvement store will have plenty of options in shelf size and color to suit your taste. If you will be loading the shelves up with heavy dishes or cooking implements, consider using additional shelving supports to hold up the weight.
Lighting
Changing the lights in any room can result in a completely new look and feel. If your kitchen currently contains old fashioned long fluorescent lights, you can create a more modern look using can lights with LED bulbs. If you have tall ceilings, installing hanging pendant light fixtures will help bring the light down to you. Another popular trend currently is installing lighting underneath cabinets. These lights make food prep easier by shining a spotlight on your work, and they are also a great light to leave on at night so that your way to a midnight snack is already lit.
Appliances
Out of date appliances can really drag down the look of your kitchen, which means that trading them out for newer models can instantly make your kitchen look new and modern. Stainless-steel pieces remain the most popular, and smart appliances are also all the rage currently, allowing you to control everything from your oven’s preheat to your refrigerator temperature from anywhere with an internet connection. Opt for professional delivery and installation, and removal of your old units and the job can be completed in just a few hours.