Most people spend a lot of time in their kitchen. It's more than just a place to cook- it's where you gather with friends and family, chat over coffee, or watch the kids while they make their morning cereal. But there comes the point when even the most lovingly cared for kitchens need an update. So if you’ve been dreaming about a brand new looking kitchen, these tips will give yours that facelift you've wished for!
1. Throw out old kitchen accessories
The first thing you need to do is purge your kitchen of old, outdated accessories. Those fuzzy dice you got as a souvenir from the state fair? That dog-shaped oven mitt that's been hanging on your pot rack for years and doesn't even match anymore? Toss 'em!
Take everything out of all cabinets and drawers and put it into boxes - things you use often should stay in their designated spaces, but other than those few items, give everything else away or throw it out. This will open up space where new updates can be placed. Keeping them around isn't doing anyone any good taking up room in your cabinet!
2. Add plants
Next, you need to add some plants! Plants are an easy way to update your kitchen and, if done right, can really bring the space together. There are a few rules for picking out the perfect plant, though! First, you want something that's not too exotic or complicated because it might die on you - there's enough going on in this room as is without adding any more stress about keeping another living thing alive.
Next, pick according to what kind of light your kitchen gets. If you have low window sills with lots of direct sunlight streaming through them, then go for succulents or cacti, which don't mind full sun exposure. You should also pick according to the size of your space. If you have a large kitchen or are adding several plants, you want something that won't get too big for its container over time - a good rule of thumb is one plant per window sill.
Lastly, pick based on how often you'll be able to water them! People tend to overwater their indoor plants, which can lead to root rot and even death in some instances, so make sure whatever variety you choose will work with your schedule (succulents need very little watering while cacti might do better with more regular attention depending on the type).
3. Hang new kitchen curtains
It's amazing what a difference new curtains can make! Not only do they bring a pop of color to the room but it also makes the space feel bigger and more open, especially if you have lower cabinets. This is another simple update that doesn't require much effort on your part - just measure out where you want them to go (keeping in mind any existing hardware). Then, hang up those drapes, and voila! You've never known such joy from an empty window before.
If you're not into hanging curtains from ceiling hooks, don't worry; there are other options out there, like tension rods that grip onto shelves without making holes in walls/cabinets. You can also create the illusion of more space by adding a mirror to your wall. Mirrors are great because they reflect light and make any room look bigger than it actually is - plus, there's no extra work needed beyond hanging!
4. Replace old kitchen appliances
Last but not least, replace those outdated appliances. Again there are a few rules for picking out the perfect appliance that will suit your space. First, pick according to how often it'll be used. If cooking isn't one of your biggest priorities, or you just don't cook all that frequently, go for smaller appliances like microwaves and coffee makers rather than big things. This way, you can save some cash and still have a fully functional kitchen.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to replace anything right now, you could just carry out a little spring cleaning project! You can learn more here about how to clean your dishwasher and make them look brand new again without spending any money!
5. Add another color to your kitchen
One of the best ways to give your kitchen a facelift is by adding another color. Instead, use this as an opportunity to add something small like a few new tiles on the backsplash or fancy hardware on cabinets (just make sure whatever you choose is in line with the existing style). In doing so, it'll give your space more character and charm without having to do too much work.
You can also take advantage of patterns - even if they aren't all over the room many times, people only need one patterned piece per room, but it makes a world of difference aesthetically speaking.