8 Ways to Update Your Kitchen (Without Purchasing New Cabinets)

Kitchens are one of the most important rooms of any home. Here are ways to help you update your kitchen without breaking the bank.

1. Paint

Paint can be your best friend when it comes to updating a kitchen. Dark wood cabinets have you down? Or wishing you could have a two-tone moody look? Painting cabinets is an efficient and great way to change up the look of your kitchen! We suggest hiring an experienced professional for a quality paint job. However, if you are a DIYer and insist make sure you purchase the right kind of paint, so it doesn’t chip off after all your hard work.

Not just painting the cabinets but also painting the walls of your kitchen is a great way to add a pop of color or use a nice neutral tone to let your countertops or backsplashes do the talking.

2. Hardware

Dated hardware is a real downer. New handles or knobs can really modernize your kitchen. If you are getting new pulls make sure to order the correct size for each cabinet and drawer.

3. Countertops

There are so many options in the world of counters these days! Replace your laminate with a beautiful natural stone such as granite, quartzite, or marble. If you like the look of stone but not the maintenance then you can go with quartz countertops, the selections are endless. If stone or quartz isn’t your thing, butcher block or concrete counter tops are also very aesthetically pleasing options.
If you have a base cabinet that is damaged on the end, you can do a waterfall edge with your countertop selection to cover any damage. Waterfall edges are especially beautiful on an island.
Pro Tip: Keep your current countertops on until the new ones are ready for install. That way you can keep your kitchen while you wait for your tops to be fabricated (which can take up to 2-3 weeks). Most companies can template with the old tops on.
If you do choose quartz, the brand Cambria has an online paint matching tool to help you choose a paint color that will coordinate with your countertops. https://www.cambriausa.com/paint- match/#!/designs/newquay/paintCode/?paintKey=2108-30

4. Sink & Plumbing Fixtures

If updating countertops- its also a great time for a new sink and faucet. When replacing the sink make sure you get the measurements of your current sink cabinet. You may not be able to replace your sink with a farmhouse apron sink depending on your cabinets, but we do suggest choosing a large undermount sink. Elkay and Franke are brands that make great sinks. They have quartz and granite coated sinks in multiple color options. If you are on a budget many countertop install companies will provide you with a free sink, or will have one at a discounted price.

As for the faucet, we suggest going with a one hole faucet with the sprayer and handle attached. The advantage of only having one hole is that it’s easier to clean around. When choosing a faucet, a reliable quality brand is important (such as Delta, Brizo, Kholer, or Moen). These companies have great warranties and will replace parts if something breaks.

5. Lighting

Remove all outdated and fluorescent lighting and replace it with updated modern light fixtures. This is an easy way to make a difference and there are plenty of lighting options no matter what style you prefer.

6. Backsplash

A dull or old greasy backsplash can really date a kitchen. There are many backsplash options and materials for you to choose from. Subway tile is a very classic and timeless solution (check out our other blog post on subway tile). You can also choose a bold glass or ceramic tile in a variety of shapes and colors. If you don’t love the look of grout, using your quartz, or granite countertop as a full height backsplash is a great way to make a statement in your kitchen.

7. Appliances

New appliances are not only a great look for the kitchen but also very exciting to use. Purchasing energy efficient appliances can help save you money in the long run. It’s important to take exact measurements of what you currently own so that you know the new appliances will fit correctly in your space. For example, if your current fridge is a 30 in wide refrigerator and you purchase a 36in wide, it most likely not going to fit in the space allotted, and you will be very upset and disappointed. If you
want new appliances but your budget is tight try shopping open box or the scratch and dent section. Do your research! Be sure to read all the reviews before making your new purchase.

8. Declutter

This is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to make a difference. Get the clutter and appliances off the kitchen counters! Kitchen appliances sitting on the counters is not aesthetically pleasing to the eye! (Yes, your kitchen aid mixer is acceptable if you have the space). Appliances you use daily such as a coffee maker make sense to stay on the counter, however an over abundance of large bulky appliances is unattractive and takes up too much counterspace. Remove anything off your counters that you can! It’s time to clean out that junk drawer and go through all the serving and bowls. Organizing the inside of your drawers and cabinets will not only make you feel better but can also clear up extra space for the appliances that have been living on the counters.