Many people consider the kitchen to be the “heart” of their home, as it is a place of nourishment. But what if you’ve got an older kitchen that needs a new vibe? We’ve got some great tips for how to spice it up on a dime.
Fresh Artwork
Art is the best way to liven up any room, and it’s a great way to liven up the kitchen. Did you know that old calendars are a great source of cheap artwork? Check your discount bookstore for some great sells, and then hit up a local dollar store for affordable frames. A few good pieces can easily cheer up your cooking corner.
New Paint Job
If you don’t mind a brief mess, repainting the walls will give your kitchen area a fresh facade. This is a simple DIY project with the right tools. Tape off any edges and corners you don’t want painted, lay down some newsprint to protect the counter tops, and get going.
If you want to stay true to the color theme you’ve already got, be sure to bring home some color swatches for a trusty color match. For a pop of color without a full-on wall paint, go for a fresh coat on the cabinet doors.
New Hardware
Old hardware and appliances can give the whole room a dated look. Depending on the age of your home and its accoutrements, it may be time for some replacements anyway. Stainless steel offers a sleek post-modern appeal, but there are more cost-efficient options if you’re not in the market to replace larger appliances.
A new coffee pot, blender, or toaster oven can affordably update your kitchen, but it’s possible to go even smaller and still give the room a modern makeover. If your knobs and handles are old-fashioned, you can replace them with shiny metal upgrade for a sharper look. Even a new cutting board or paper towel dispenser can offer a stylish accent.
Lighting Options
Replacing bulbs and light fixtures can renew an entire room all on their own. Go for bright, energy efficient bulbs that go thousands of hours before burning out, and check your local hardware store for attractive fixtures with easy installation. For a bright nuance, you may consider installing bar lights or rope lights beneath your kitchen cabinets.
New Backsplash
Your oven’s backsplash area is a prominent focal point in the kitchen. Is it stained, oily, and dingy? It may be time for an upgrade. A durable new backsplash is easy to install, and it makes a quick one-and-done face-lift for your kitchen if you’re in the market for a singular update.
Window Treatments
Just like the backsplash, kitchen windows have a significant impact on the overall feel of your kitchen because of the wall space they consume. Blinds and curtains are often overlooked, so it’s easy to let them get dusty and outdated.
However, window treatments can be updated with little effort. Is it time to replace that old farmhouse gingham with a trendier tapestry? Doing away with kitchen blinds altogether can optimize sunlight and give the room an airy ambience.
Plants and Flowers
For a well-lit kitchen with access to natural light, plants make a great addition. Studies show that being in the presence of plant life can decrease stress levels, which is a great feature for such a busy and well-loved space as your kitchen.
Vine plants fare well with limited sunlight, and flowering plants offer a burst of color that will change the feel of the whole room. Wire hanging baskets can also be used to hold edible vegetation such as avocados, peppers, onions, and fresh fruit. Just be sure they’re kept fresh to avoid pests like fruit flies.
Conclusion
- A few new art pieces can easily refresh your kitchen’s facade.
- A fresh coat of paint can liven up the color of your kitchen, with just a bit of prep work and creativity.
- Shed some light with some well-placed fixtures to brighten your counters.
- Both the backsplash and the windows are prominent “faces” in your kitchen. Renewing either or both can change the look of the entire room.
- Bring new life to your kitchen with flowers and plants from the back yard, or by setting out fresh produce.
There’s no need to fully remodel an older kitchen in order to give it a fresh feel. Any one of these affordable options can renew the room without the time and hassle of a dusty mess. Reach out to Birdseye Construction for a helping hand with any of your home design projects.
One thought on “Beautify an Older Kitchen with Modern Accessories”
It is amazing the difference small, modern changes can make to an older kitchen space. Fresh hardware, paint, and appliances, if one’s budget allows, can really help to beautify and bring life back into the kitchen. I remember the difference in my kitchen when I added new stainless steal hardware and a tile backslash. It was astounding! I hope to tackle the paint next.