We pin DIY photographs on Pinterest and are inspired by the kitchen redos on HGTV. As we stand in the doorway of our own kitchens, we dream about the possibilities. The problem? Large renovations can be an enormous undertaking that often require more tools than a hammer and screwdriver, and more knowledge than dipping a brush into a can of paint. Tearing down walls requires structural knowledge, not to mention electrical and plumbing skills, and many of us lack the know-how. However, maybe our kitchens do not need a complete overhaul, rather we are simply bored with its current look. A few simple budget-friendly tricks can revive kitchens.
A thorough cleaning is one of the most effective, yet free, tips. Clear clutter and wipe down countertops and cabinets. Remove and store seldom-used small appliances from sight. Hide your plastic bottle of detergent under the kitchen sink. Find an interesting catchall for miscellaneous items, like keys and bills, or simply organize them in a drawer. Don't forget to look up and clean light fixtures too.
Declutter your refrigerator door, and then coordinate a select number of decorative magnets in an artistic fashion. Or, remove them altogether and hang a small decorative chalkboard nearby for to-do reminders. Chalkboard projects are easy to make.
Find a decorative bowl or basket currently stored in your cabinet. Place it where your appliances once loitered, and fill it with fresh seasonal fruit or vegetables.
Update walls, doors, or trim with new coordinating or contrasting colors. Paint is cheap, colorful, covers faded and dirt-stained surfaces, and is easy to change. Sponge painting and rag rolling are easy to do and hide discrepancies. Most paint stores even have test samples that can be tinted with your prospective color choices for test patches. Go bold and daring with bright colors, or keep it simple with white.
Hang cooking utensils on a rod behind the stove or on a nearby wall. If there is no wall space, then purchase a flea market object, such as an old crock or interesting vase, to substitute as a caddy.
Simply put new knobs and drawer pulls on your kitchen cabinets. Kitchen knob styles become outdated over time. Be sure to measure and purchase same-size drawer pulls to save from filling old holes and drilling new ones. Note that the diameters of screws in knobs are not necessarily generic either.
Replace your sink faucet. With extended use, minerals found in water often leave stains that cannot be eliminated. More options are available today, like the ever-handy soap dispensers. Note the number of holes in your sink, and replace with a like faucet system.
Fresh herbs and succulents in small pots placed in kitchen windowsills bring life and dimension to the room.
Replacing outdated globes or light fixtures can dramatically enhance the look of your kitchen.
If your kitchen is too small to accommodate a full-sized island, consider a slimmer movable island or utility cart. Think about your needs, including storage and counter space for extra guests. Unfinished and unassembled furniture is usually cheaper - Rita Rowe
