Refreshing your kitchen can breathe new life into your home and enhance both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. From updating your cabinetry and countertops to incorporating texture and pattern into your space, there are countless ways to transform your kitchen into the most stylish, functional, and inviting room of your home!
Whether you are looking to make small changes or go all out, here are eleven ways to refresh and elevate your kitchen design:
- Update Your Cabinetry: A good way to start your kitchen refresh is to update your cabinetry. You can do this by painting or refinishing your existing cabinets, replacing cabinet doors with glass fronts, or installing new custom cabinets for a fresh new look. Custom cabinets will give you the ability to include spice racks, lazy susans, and designated areas to store your cookware and utensils. Consider installing soft close hinges on your cabinets to prevent wear and tear and reduce loud slamming noises that can happen with non-soft close cabinets.
- Replace Your Hardware: Swapping out old and outdated cabinetry hardware with new, stylish pulls and knobs can instantly refresh the look of your kitchen! Choose hardware that complements your overall design aesthetic and consider incorporating a combination of finishes such as polished nickel, brass, black stainless steel, or chrome to add more depth and character to your space.
- Add a Backsplash: Installing a new backsplash is a great way to add visual interest and personality to your kitchen. Consider using subway tile, mosaic tiles, or even a bold patterned wallpaper for a unique and stylish look. Check out brands like Datile and Clé Tile for quality tile options you can use throughout your home! Zellige tile is a great kitchen backsplash option that requires little maintenance and is also water resistant, heat resistant, and very sturdy.
- Upgrade Your Appliances: If you have outdated kitchen appliances or appliances that are not functioning as well as they should be, consider upgrading to newer and more efficient models. Stainless steel appliances are a popular choice among homeowners, but you should also consider built-in kitchen appliances that match your cabinetry for a more seamless and luxurious look.
- Install Open Shelving: Open shelving can help to open up your kitchen and make it feel larger and more spacious. Consider removing some upper cabinets and replacing them with open shelves to display your favorite dishes, glassware, and decor! Open shelving is typically more budget friendly, easier to install and more convenient to access dishware compared to the traditional closed cabinet options.
- Upgrade Your Countertops: The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in a home so it’s important that your countertops are both durable and resilient! High quality countertops are strong enough to withstand daily use and can last you a lifetime. If your current countertops are looking worn or outdated, consider upgrading to a new material such as quartz, granite, soapstone, or marble. Not only will new countertops add a fresh look to your kitchen, but they will also improve the functionality, durability and are likely to increase your home’s resale value.
- Upgrade Your Lighting: Updating your kitchen lighting can make a big impact on the overall look and feel of your space. It is crucial to make sure your kitchen has adequate lighting, not only for the ambience but also for safety concerns – nobody should be chopping fruit and veggies in the dark! Consider adding pendant lights over the island, a statement chandelier, or track lighting to lighten up your space. Lighting under your cabinets or open shelving can add a nice touch to your kitchen and be used for task lighting or to highlight decorative statement pieces.
- Add Texture and Pattern: Incorporate pattern and texture to your kitchen design by including elements such as a textured backsplash, a woven throw rug or runner, textured wallpaper, or a wood accent wall. Mix and match materials such as wood, metal, glass, and natural stone to add more depth and visual interest to your space.
- Add Architectural Details: Consider adding architectural details such as crown molding, wainscoting, or ceiling beams to take your kitchen design to the next level! We often like to use V-Groove beadboard by Nantucket Beadboard to add character to the walls. These extra architectural elements can add detail and sophistication to any space!
- Incorporate Greenery: Bringing in some plants or fresh herbs like cilantro and basil can add a pop of color and life to your kitchen. Consider adding a small indoor herb garden or a potted plant on the countertop or windowsill for a fresh and organic feel. One of our favorite plants to keep near the kitchen is the Jade plant, as it brings good luck!
- Declutter and Organize: One key step to refresh your kitchen is to ditch the clutter and organize what remains into designated zones! Consider investing in storage solutions like drawer dividers, pantry organizers, and cabinet organizers to help keep your kitchen clutter-free and organized. Recycled glass jars are great for storing pasta, oats, and spices. Don’t be afraid to get creative when organizing your kitchen!
If you have read all of these ideas on how to refresh your kitchen but need help getting started, consider booking a free design consultation with Amy, here!