For many families, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where we share ideas over delicious dishes and it’s where we recount the events of the day while cooking together. The kitchen is the hub where we strengthen our ties to friends and family. Considering the kitchen is so integral to daily life, it should be welcoming and a place that inspires sharing and bonding.
When you walk into your kitchen, does it render a sense of warmth and community? Or, perhaps your kitchen is feeling a little lackluster these days. If your kitchen is leaving you feel a bit uninspired lately, there are some simple ways to boost its energy without spending a ton of money.
Easy Kitchen Facelifts Without Breaking the Bank
Thankfully, sprucing up your kitchen doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Sure, you could do a total renovation, but if you’re like most people these days, that kind of expense is out of the question. Here are a few simple, cheap design ideas to liven up your kitchen and put the pizzazz back into your family’s gathering space.
Accents That Accentuate
You’d be amazed at how little changes can create a powerful impact on the overall look of your kitchen. To wit, consider changing the knobs and handles of your cabinets and drawers. Switching out old and tired hardware with new, updated pieces is simple, inexpensive, and can make an amazing transformation. Think about selecting new hardware that is funky, modern, or colorful to change your kitchen appearance from “blah” to “huzzah!”
You can play around with other accents too, and it doesn’t have to be costly. For example, go treasure hunting at second-hand stores, or yard sales where you can pick up unique knick-knacks and wall accents that can put your kitchen over the top. Think about redesigning your kitchen with a theme in mind, and start searching for accents within that niche to give your kitchen a unified yet creative appearance. Remember, little changes can go a long way (and won’t drain your bank account).
Refresh Your Kitchen With Natural Elements
Nothing makes a kitchen come to life better than introducing live plants into the space. Think about adding potted plants in various areas around the room for a pop of color. Plants are natural energy-boosters as they release oxygen which is healthy for the mind and body. If you think you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry.
Some plants such as global green pothos are extremely easy to care for and require very little maintenance. Succulents and cacti are also simple to keep happy and will add a punchy look to your kitchen. You might even consider starting a small herb garden on your windowsill. This is a great way to add fresh herbs such as parsley or basil to your cooking while also enjoying verdant vibes that will surely spruce up your kitchen.
A Touch of Paint Goes a Long Way
One of the most inexpensive yet radically effective ways to overhaul the look of a kitchen is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Depending upon the size of your area, kitchen paint can cost around $50-$300 per can. Of course, that price will change according to the quality of paint you buy. Opt for semi-gloss or satin finish paints, as these are ideal for kitchen cleanups.
If you can’t afford to paint the entire kitchen, then consider applying a unique color on only one wall. This creates a striking accent wall that can reenergize a tired-looking kitchen. Or, think about painting only the kitchen cabinet surfaces or trim. This one DIY adjustment can revolutionize the entire look and feel of your cooking space.
Illuminate Your Space
This renovation tip might cost a little more, but the results can be illuminating. We’re talking about changing up your kitchen lighting. You can keep costs down by going DIY and replacing your own light fixtures. Also, you can shop for new decorative overhead lighting or wall sconces at overstock hardware stores to further decrease your costs.
Whether you choose to add a splash of paint or uplift your kitchen with attractive new lighting – any investment you make is sure to improve this crucial space in the house. Luckily, these simple ways to spruce up your kitchen don’t require a big investment in money. With a little sweat equity and imagination you can reinvent your kitchen into the space you and your loved ones will savor for years to come.