Often, we spend the most time in the kitchen, and while its primary need is to be functional, it should also bring you happiness with its style. Paint, clever storage solutions, and personal touches can all help to refresh your space, so if you’re in need of a revamp, try these 17 DIY ideas.
Upgrade Hardware for a Modern Touch
Cabinet hardware is a no-mess upgrade that will elevate your kitchen. Choose hardware that fits in the existing holes, or you can fill and drill new holes if necessary. Forbes says, “This small accent can make a major design impact. The difference between gold and silver, chrome and copper, or black and white can change the entire look of a kitchen or bathroom.”
Refresh Your Cabinets with Paint
Paint is the easiest way to refresh or add color to your space. It’s important to thoroughly prepare the cabinets by cleaning, lightly sanding, and applying a suitable primer, depending on the existing finish. A semi-gloss or gloss paint is the best choice, as it stands up to knocks better and is easy to clean.
Install Under-Cabinet Lighting
Adding light to your kitchen can create a warm atmosphere. LED strip lights are a great option as they are energy-efficient, have a long lifespan, and can be cut to fit the exact length of your cabinets. Be sure to clean the area before applying the strips.
Create an Open Shelving Unit
If you’re short on storage space or want a bit more light in your room, open shelving is a great addition to your kitchen. According to Living, Etc., it “can also help to make a small space look bigger by lessening the need for deep cabinets and offering more space on your countertop.”
Revitalize Your Countertops
Replacing your countertops is expensive and may not be an option, but contact paper allows you to switch up the look of your worktop easily and cheaply. You can select from various finishes, including marble, granite, or wood; just make sure to clean the worktops thoroughly so you get the best finish.
Fashion a Pot Rack from Scratch
Pots and pans are best stored on a rack, and you can create a unique look by making one yourself out of materials such as copper pipes or reclaimed wood. Choose a place that’s convenient for grabbing pans as you cook, and ensure that it is securely mounted into ceiling joists or wall studs to support the weight of the pots and pans.
Enhance Your Sink Area
Prevent your sink from becoming messy by adding storage solutions like caddies or over-the-sink shelves to help maximize space. You could also give the sink area an update by replacing the faucet; consider choosing one with a pull-down sprayer or water filtration system to enhance your kitchen.
Add Decorative Window Treatments
Fabric curtains can add a soft touch to your kitchen and bring new textures in. You could also opt for light-filtering shades or blinds to soften the light and ensure privacy in the room. Make sure you consider the placement of these additions so they don’t interfere with how you move around the kitchen.
Add a DIY Backsplash
A new backsplash can make a big impact, and you can DIY it using peel-and-stick tiles or paint. Better Homes & Gardens says, “Backsplashes can make a dramatic difference in kitchens, but they don’t have to cost a fortune to install. With paneling, tile, wallpaper, and more, there are plenty of cheap backsplash ideas to choose from.”
Implement a Pull-out Pantry
Using heavy-duty drawer slides and flat-packed shelves, you can create sturdy drawers that allow you to make the most of your space. Add labeled jars or storage containers so that you can ensure you are able to see what you have before you head out for weekly grocery shopping.
Update the Flooring
Vinyl tiles are cheap and come in a range of designs, so you can mimic the look of wood, stone, or ceramic tiles. You’ll want to make sure the subfloor is level and clean before you install the tiles; this way, you’ll prevent imperfections in the finished look.
Introduce Colorful Accessories
If you’re looking for more of a temporary refresh, you could add a new color scheme to the kitchen by using colorful accessories. Head to thrift stores for second-hand items, and keep an eye out for utensils and decorative pieces. You can change these out seasonally to keep your kitchen looking fresh.
Apply a Chalkboard Wall
Chalkboard paint means you can add a chalkboard anywhere, ideal for grocery lists, meal planning, or as a creative space. Ideal Home suggests using “blackboard paint on the strip of wall above an open shelf up to the ceiling for a touch of cafe chic.”
Optimize Your Storage with DIY Solutions
Think about the storage your cabinets offer you; consider which cupboards are overflowing and which ones you’re not making the most of. You could add dividers to create a set space for items such as baking sheets and chopping boards, or consider converting base cabinets into pull-out drawers for easy access to pots and pans.
DIY Kitchen Island
If you have the space, a kitchen island can offer extra storage and a place to eat. Have a look out for second-hand cabinets, and add a butcher’s block to the top to create a work surface. For flexibility, add wheels to the base so that you can move it to the side of the kitchen as and when you need to.
Refresh Wall Colors
The color of your walls can also make a big impact on your space. Consider the existing natural light and the atmosphere you want to create. Try lighter colors to make the area feel larger, or dark colors to add a cozy ambience. A semi-gloss is a good option for a kitchen, as it’s easier to wipe down.
Personalize with DIY Art
Wall art is a great way to add color and personality and can easily be switched out with the season or as you’d like. Use paints, pastels, or mixed media to create pieces that can be hung on a gallery wall or propped up on shelves. You could create kitchen-themed art featuring food and utensils to reflect the space.
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