Guest Blogger: How to Update your Kitchen in 6 Easy Steps

Guest Blogger #432, Entry #1048, March 28, 2012

Kitchens are for most people the main room in the home and for good reason.  We spend a lot of time in the kitchen – eating, cooking, hanging out or enjoying a coffee and doing the Saturday crossword puzzle. If your kitchen has seen better days then maybe it’s time to give it a facelift. Remodeling a kitchen does not need to be expensive or way out of your budget. You can have the kitchen of your dreams with creativity, planning and most important, a DIY spirit.

The first step is looking at the kitchens basics – cupboards: good condition but unattractive; appliances: still working and in decent shape; the layout: lots of counter space, room for everyone to move around easily. If you have a strong foundation for the kitchen then you can remodel your kitchen in 6 easy steps.

Update your kitchen in 6 easy steps

Image via: Milk and Honey Home

1.  Paint

A coat of paint will go a long way to reinvigorate your kitchen. Decide on what you want to paint whether it is cupboards, ceiling, one wall (accent walls make a big statement), or the entire kitchen, and then select the paint color. If you want a Tuscan vibe opt for reds and yellows, neutrals for a more traditional vibe, and greens and blues to modernize the look. Don’t be scared of color.

When you are picking out paints remember to keep in mind the paint will need to stand up to food, grease, finger prints and moisture. Look for paints that are easy to keep clean and resist moisture and grease. A good rule of thumb is paint the ceiling with flat latex paint; walls – semi gloss latex or eggshell oil and woodwork/cabinets – semi gloss oil.

Before you start painting, figure out what kind of paint was used before (oil or latex) and stick with the same. You can never paint latex on oil or vice versa. Oil paint never fully dries but latex does so all your hard work could start peeling and flaking off. If you’re not sure what type of paint was used then use a primer paint to prepare the area for painting.

2.  Cabinets

If you want new cabinets but cannot afford them then consider upgrading the cabinets. This can be done in a few different ways.  The easiest way is by replacing the cabinet hardware. Updating the knobs/hinges can take years off the look of your cabinets. Knobs that are brushed nickel or pewter can give your cabinets a modern style. If you like the look of your cabinetry, resurface them. If you want to give your cabinets an antique look aim for a faux finish or try over-glazing (works really well on old cabinets). Add some detailed paint to the cabinets to create highlights and shadows and give the cabinet doors a sense of depth. Add some new hardware and you have brand new looking cabinets.

Premade cabinet doors are another option and can be found at the local home improvement store. Remember when purchasing premade cabinets to measure all your cabinet doors and also count how many doors you’ll need. If you want to make a bold statement then remove the cabinet doors from the upper cabinetry and paint the frames to create an open look or remove the center face of the cabinet doors and install glass fronts.

Update your countertops and backsplash

Image via: The Kitchn

3. Countertops/Backsplash

Updating the kitchen countertops can dramatically renew the kitchen. You can remove the laminate countertop from their plywood deck. Laminate countertops are available at the home improvement store and keep an eye out for countertops that are on sale. If you’re tired of laminate then consider ceramic tile. They can be installed on the existing plywood and you can do it yourself! If you have a stone countertop then have it professionally polished to remove any marks and give it a clean fresh look.

Backsplashes make a big impact on any size space. They protect the walls from grease, moisture and add a nice design touch. Backsplashes usually extend 4 inches up from the countertop or all the way to the base of the cupboards. Some suggestions for backsplashes include galvanized steel flat sheets, great for a sleek seamless effect, or the classic ceramic tile.  They can be updated when your design style and tastes change.

4.  Lighting

Create a kitchen that`s friendly and warm with a new lighting system. Update the existing fixtures or install track lighting.  You can create additional ambiance with puck lighting, lighting under the cabinets or pendant lights over the breakfast bar or sink area.

5.  Flooring

Are the floors the bane of your existence? Have a linoleum blight you want to vanquish? Removing linoleum floors can be difficult and most of the time the best solution is to cover them up. Peel and stick vinyl tiles can be put over top the linoleum floors. They come in a variety of color and styles and are great for creating a high end look.

Outfit your kitchen with new appliances

Image via: Pink Wall Paper

6.  Appliances

If your appliances are still functional and work well with your space then give them a face lift. You can paint your appliances using acrylic appliance paint to match your decor. This type of paint is available at the local home improvement store or from online sources. If you don`t have the confidence to do it yourself then contact the local auto body shop and they can paint it for you. This is much cheaper than buying new appliances.  Another idea is to replace the front door panels. You’ll need to locate your appliance model number and do some research to find out if the panels that model can be replaced. You can also cover up your appliances with stainless steel or aluminum covering. The rolls can be found either online or at the local home improvement store. Stainless steel never goes out of fashion and is a great way to tie your beloved appliances into your overall design plan.

All of these ideas will cost you much less and will be much quicker than a normal kitchen remodel. Most of these suggestions can be done yourself, reducing the cost of labor. Once you organize your thoughts, it will become much easier to give your kitchen the face lift it needs. The end result will enhance your home and you`ll be the envy of your friends and family.

Jeremy is a writer and home decor enthusiast who works at EasyApplianceParts.com as a Community Coordinator. He is an advocate for doing it yourself and saving money.

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