Feeling tired with how the kitchen is looking and wanting to do a makeover with a limited budget or still in the works with how to overhaul it? Or is the kitchen set up with all the bells and whistles, but it is lacking personality? Here are some quick and easy fixes to spruce up the kitchen and enjoy the space more than before.
Pick a Style Theme for the Kitchen and Go with It
The kitchen is seen as the heart of the home to many, so it’s important to have a space that feels welcoming for meals. No matter what “mess” a kitchen is in, it’s still possible to have a great “fashion” makeover. The first thing to do is decide what kind of style and vibe is wanted from the space. Look through home renovation and home decor magazines to get ideas about what best suits one’s home and personality. There are many to pick from and combinations are also possible; think country-kitsch, traditional, modern chic or European bistro to name a few.
Get a New Table and Chairs to Add Flair to Kitchen
Invest in a table and chairs that set the mood and can be statement pieces for the kitchen or eating area. Remember to think about the size and functionality of the pieces. Even if a person loves a grand table to seat a dozen, if it’s going to look to cramped if there isn’t the space for it. Check out furniture stores or even think about getting pieces custom-designed if there is the money. Secondhand stores are a great option for finding something unique or for those on a budget.
Tablecloths Can Set the Mood and the Table
If a new table and chairs aren’t in the financial picture, a good tablecloth or two could be the answer. There are all sorts of great fabrics and patterns out there. It’s also a great idea to have a variety of tablecloths on hand to change the mood of the kitchen and not just for holidays like Thanksgiving of Christmas. Make the table a showpiece by going all out with coordinating cloth napkins, napkin holders, cutlery, glassware and plates. Make the table invite people to sit down and have a good time.
Cabinetry or Hardware can Spruce Up the Kitchen
Putting in new cabinetry is a great way to give a kitchen a facelift. If a budget is limited, one quick fix is to paint the cabinets to either refresh them or to put on a totally new color to brighten up the room. Another easy way to update a kitchen is to put in new hardware like fancy knobs and handles to upscale the space.
Make Art a Part of the Kitchen
Create exciting artwork areas in the kitchen. Buy an interesting bowl, vase or several to put in the middle of the table, on the counter and/or on shelves as decoration. Fill with fruit, flowers or found objects like shells or pretty stones. Change them for the seasons or to match one’s moods.
Artwork on the wall is another way to give the kitchen a boost. Find a large focal piece to go over the eating area or pick a selection of art pieces to put up. Blowing up favorite photographs and framing them or getting them transferred on to a canvas are other great ways to make for a more interesting and personal kitchen.
Painting the Kitchen Walls
Sometimes a fresh coat of paint on the walls or some wallpaper on a feature wall can make the kitchen have the luster a person is looking for. There are so many great colors to choose from these days, and depending on the space, more than one color could be used for the room.
Light Up the Kitchen
Maybe a kitchen seems a little dark or dreary? Invest in some good lighting to brighten up the space, track lighting is very popular. Another idea is to have lighting as a focal piece in the room. Why not get a chandelier with all the glittering trimmings or find a unique antique lamp to help the kitchen shine.
Throw Down a Rug
Maybe there is old laminate on the floor and all the kitchen needs is good new flooring. If still deciding between tile, laminate or hardwood, there are some quick fixes. One pick-me-up idea for the kitchen is investing in a nice rug or mat. Depending on the set up of the kitchen, a mat or rug can go anywhere from under the kitchen table to in front of the kitchen sink or oven. Remember the goal is to make the space personal and inviting.
The key to making a kitchen look good is to pick a theme that suits the owner’s personality and then add pieces that go with it. Good places to make changes are with the cabinets, tables and chairs and lighting. Other ideas include dressing up the table, the floor and the walls with color and accessories.
Also check out Ideas for Small Kitchens.
Tami Nicholson - Tami is the Topic Editor for Parenting Methods at Suite101. She is a mother of two with a background in education and journalism.
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