The kitchen is the hub of the home, it is where family gathers and dinner parties are centered around. It also is the most expensive room to renovate. Due to the complexities of plumbing and a layout reconfiguration, it can be a true challenge and costly to redesign. But don't worry-- you can get that inviting kitchen without shelling out tens of thousands of dollars! I've listed 5 easy ways to create an impact while not breaking the bank!
P A I N T
You can instantly transform this space with a fresh coat of paint on the walls and/or cabinets. A pristine, crisp all white kitchen is timeless and classic. Or you can be bold and paint the cabinets a deep green, navy or dark grey. This can add depth and interest to a large kitchen. Go ahead and paint the interior of the cabinets as well to freshen them up. If you went with a classic white exterior, a fun accent color could be a great surprise!
H A R D W A R E
While you're painting your cabinets, go ahead and update the pulls. If you are still working with 90s and early 2000s pulls and knobs, it's time to replace them. This will modernize the look of the kitchen immensely.
S T O R A G E
Regardless of the size of your kitchen, make sure you utilize your cabinet space and pantry for storage. Organizing and arranging inside of your cabinets can help you keep the counter clutter free. In the pantry and larger cabinet use baskets, bins, jars, canisters, etc... and group items together (ie... snacks, canned foods, cleaning supplies) and hide appliances that you do not use often.
L I G H T I N G
I probably sound like a broken record, but lighting in a room is like the jewelry to an outfit. It adds so much interest and weight to a space. A pendant light over the sink, a group of pendants over an island and a fixture over the table are perfect places to start.
A few key tips to remember:
1. Lighting fixtures over the table should be hung 32"-36" from the top of the table to the bottom of the fixture.
2. Pendant lights over an island should be hung 30"-34" from the top of the counter top to the bottom of the fixture. And the lights should be centered on the island, spaced 30" apart. If you have a set of 3 pendants, make sure the lights are spaced evenly apart and placed 6" off either end of the island.
A C C E S S O R I Z E
Who said accessories were only for living rooms and bedrooms? Like I said earlier, the kitchen is the center of the home, so you want to make it cozy and aesthetically pleasing, as well as functional. If you have open shelving, think about what items you'd like to display. This is a perfect place for art, gorgeous platters, ceramic pitchers, vintage bread boards, beautifully arranged stacks of plates, the possibilities are endless. Just don't overwhelm the space with too many items. Keep it simple and streamlined. You can also add a runner or rug, roman shades and tea towels for layers, textures and a pop-of-color or pattern.
Xx-
Jessica