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The kitchen is the heart of the home and a great place to show off your family’s style. We’d all like to have a kitchen straight out of a renovation TV show or home design magazine, but there are many quick and affordable upgrades that can capture that same fresh, modern look on a realistic budget. If you like to cook (or eat), you probably spend time in the kitchen every day, so investing in these 5 simple upgrades to brighten things up will really pay off in how much you enjoy your kitchen.
- Hang new curtains
Whether you have a tiny window over the sink or a gorgeous picture window in your breakfast nook, the sunlight and outdoor views of a kitchen can be a visual feature focal point. Look for airy sheers that let light in or colorful valances that give the room a pop of color and give the room a finished look. Privacy in a kitchen isn’t as important as light, so take down any dusty dirty blinds.
Hanging new curtains is a great easy DIY project anyone can accomplish because you don’t need the most powerful drill or other fancy tools to freshen up your window dressings. Many curtain rods can be installed with handheld drills and some can even be installed with a regular screwdriver and elbow grease.
- Upgrade the small stuff
Look around the kitchen for small areas that feel crowded or dark. You might need some new storage to get those areas free of clutter and more open feeling. Items that need to stay out on counters or shelves don’t have to be an eyesore, make them a feature that brings color and fun to the counters and shelves instead.
If you have a small dishwasher or hand wash only, you probably have a plastic drying rack you can upgrade to bamboo or teakwood for a more intentional look that is still functional. Pick up a funky breadbox or a set of drinking glasses pretty enough to keep out with pride.
- Invest in new art
Just because a kitchen is functional doesn’t mean it can’t be artistic too, kabinart kitchens are a good way to go.. A few big prints with food or plant themes can brighten a large wall, or grab some smaller frames to tuck in awkward small spaces or on open shelving. Look for greeting cards with food themes or a set of cute recipe cards for a cheap and colorful way to rotate your images.
- Paint a feature wall
Wall color is one of the most powerful tools for giving a room a new look, but you might feel overwhelmed with the choices and labor that come to mind when you think of paint. Painting doesn’t have to be an exhausting or expensive task, especially if you focus on a single feature wall.
For a brighter space, stick to lighter color palates like pastels, blues, or even grays. Look for inspiration with items you already own and love like your vintage teakettle or your favorite mug, but don’t stress about finding exactly the right shade. Since you’re only painting one wall, it won’t cost much or take too long; if it’s not quite right, you can try again in a few months.
- Increase your light
A quality new light fixture can make all your existing kitchen features take on a new look and most can be installed without special tools in a single afternoon. Look for lights that will be bright enough to let you check the middle of the chicken when you cook but also bring some whimsy to the room. Shop around at hardware stores and lighting specialty shops, as the range of fixtures is extensive and there should be multiple styles available in any price range.
Brightening up your kitchen doesn’t have to take tons of money or a crew of workers. Focus your efforts on light, color and function and the results will be dramatic. Follow these simple upgrades and swaps and you can be enjoying a fresh kitchen look.
