Fashions and trends change quickly, especially in the world of interior design. If you’re not careful, your once-fashionable kitchen could start to age and look a little drab, especially if you haven’t taken the best care of it.
But don’t despair! There are many ways to keep your kitchen feeling new and fresh. Even by simply replacing countertops without replacing cabinets can make a huge difference in little time. Speaking of design and aesthetic, check out our guide on the best countertop and floor combinations work and look good. You can also learn how to build a kitchen island yourself to match your aesthetic!
Some require professional help, but some are easy to do yourself at home on the cheap. Either way, they add some TLC and vibrancy to help make your kitchen feel new again! You can also check out our best home improvement trends perfect for you.
In this Kitchen Infinity guide we cover 9 upgrades that will keep your kitchen looking new and fresh for years to come!
1. Paint or reface your kitchen cabinet doors
Your kitchen cabinets take up a lot of the real estate in your kitchen, so they make a huge impression when someone walks into the space, especially if you have wall cabinets at eye-level.
Try repainting your existing cabinets or refacing them (where you replace the cabinet doors entirely) to instantly change the feel of the space in a very eye-catching way. If you're still unsure about either, you can read more about the differences between painting and refacing here.
2. Install a granite countertop
While kitchen trends change, granite countertops do not go away.
These stylish, durable countertops are designed to withstand all sorts of heat, scratches, and damage, so they make a great addition to any kitchen both aesthetically and practically.
3. Try hanging lights for a contemporary feel
Hanging lights are very common in modern kitchens, especially if you have a kitchen island or breakfast bar where they can easily hang above.
If you can find the right light bulbs or lampshades to complement your existing kitchen, this detail could be the pop of color that you need to liven up a drab kitchen!
4. Install a kitchen island or breakfast nook
If you’ve got a big enough kitchen and you can afford it, consider installing a brand new kitchen island or breakfast nook to renovate the space.
An island is a great way to break up the space, make additional storage, create additional countertop space, and potentially give people somewhere to sit.
5. Try buying small, colorful appliances
They often say that kitchen appliances are the “cushions of the kitchen”. In other words, you can easily use them to add accents and pops of color when needed.
For example, try buying a mixer or a tea kettle in a vibrant color for a modern twist or a pastel color for a 1950s-esque classic feel.
6. Install a backsplash
Practical and stylish, a well-designed backsplash can make your kitchen feel much newer while also being a valuable way to protect your walls from moisture, splashes, and other forms of damage.
Subway tile backsplashes have been very popular for many years and show no signs of slowing down. If you don’t want to pay for real subway tile, you can also buy cheap stick-on versions at most hardware stores!
7. Make a spice rack
If you’ve got some DIY skills and you’re in the mood for a little craft project, why not make a space rack for your kitchen wall? Here are the best spice racks you should know about.
Assuming you’ve got the wall space to hang up a spice rack, this is a fun little way to create more storage in the kitchen and make your home feel cozy. And if you don't have the wall space there are amazing ways to convert your existing pantry into amazing storage solutions for spices.
8. Try under-cabinet lighting
Both cool and practical, under-cabinet lighting gives your kitchen a modern feel without you needing to spend too much money.
Ideally, you want to install a series of lightbulbs underneath your wall cabinets to illuminate the backsplash and the countertop space. However, if you’re short on cash, you can also buy strips of LED lights which are much more affordable (though not quite as nice in terms of light quality).
9. Get some plants in there!
An easy way to liven up any space is to get some plants in there!
Decorative indoor plants are very common in modern and transitional kitchens, though you can always opt for low-maintenance artificial plants if you don’t fancy another item on your checklist.
I hope you enjoyed these 9 upgrade ideas to keep your kitchen looking fresh! Whether you’re installing a new countertop or buying colorful kettles, I hope you find the right changes for your kitchen space. Good luck!
