5 Easy And Efficient Kitchen Updates DIYers Should Know – Forbes Advisor

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Updating your kitchen can be a simple weekend project. Updates like painting your cabinets, installing a new backsplash, replacing your hardware or faucet, and adding solutions to store drawers and shelves are quick ways to give your kitchen a makeover.

Bring a little color, texture, and surprising functionality to make your kitchen a fun place to prep, cook, and hang out with the family.

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Kitchen update vs. remodel

A kitchen update includes several DIY ways to freshen up the look of cabinets, appliances, and walls. Low risk projects like painting and replacing drawer slides and knobs are great ways to upgrade your kitchen on a tight budget and schedule.

Kitchen remodeling is bigger in scope and budget. A remodel involves tasks that are best left to professional contractors, such as:

• Removing a wall to make the room bigger
• Move the stove, sink, or refrigerator to create a “work triangle”.
• Adding fittings such as a pot filler or an island sink
• Adding sockets, recessed lights or switches
• Installing stone slabs

A well remodeled kitchen can sell a home or add to its value. Get the most out of your investment by hiring a kitchen remodel to carry out the project safely and in accordance with inspector standards.

1. Paint your cabinets

Painting cabinets is one of the best ways to modernize a kitchen. From white to blue to two-tone looks, you have almost endless color options.

Bring samples home and examine them in the light all day. How does it look in natural and artificial light? Find a color that looks great in both areas, enhances your theme, and compliments your faucets, appliances, and countertops.

Painting cabinet boxes, doors, and drawer surfaces is one of the most time-consuming do-it-yourself jobs (around three days total if you factor in curing time) Still, it’s one of the most noticeable and enjoyable updates when you’re ready to get the job done.

2. Replace the hardware

Replacing build quality knobs and pull-outs with new or vintage hardware adds character to your kitchen. In just a few minutes, you can quickly turn obsolete doors into what appear to be new cabinets.

The hardware doesn’t have to match the finish of your sink and appliances. Mixing metals – like brass handles with black appliances – adds visual interest to your kitchen design.

Most homeowners handle drawer pulls and cabinet door knobs every day. So choose a style that is easy to clean and matches the drill length of the old hardware (the distance between drill holes) for quick installation. If necessary, you can fill in holes or drill new ones to change the style.

Look for a hardware design that is as functional as it is beautiful. Elaborate styles could get stuck in loose dresses while novelties put off potential buyers. Consider if the style you choose is suitable for family members with arthritis or impaired dexterity.

3. Find new fabrics

A kitchen hardly feels like home until a towel is hanging in front of the stove. Fabric surfaces such as towels, carpets or upholstered bar stools give the room a soft feel.

A well-placed runner or rug makes it easier for you to stand by the sink or the counter. Add a non-slip mat underneath to keep it in place and add extra pillow. You can also buy washable rugs to keep your updated kitchen looking new.

4. Add closet accessories and drawer organizers

It feels like half of the time we spend in the kitchen is spent fetching ingredients, pans, bowls, and cutlery. Few households invest in storage solutions that go beyond a cutlery organizer. If you want to update your kitchen, this is your reminder to add cabinet accessories that you will be using every day.

Install roll-out trays to use all of the space in your closets. Lazy susan, corner pullouts or blind corner organizers keep everything you need within easy reach. Add door brackets, baskets, shelves, and dividers under the shelf to organize lids, utensils, condiments, and cookware.

5. Install a backsplash

Add pattern and texture to your kitchen with a new backsplash. These days, getting a new backsplash can be as simple as peel-and-stick.

One of the most popular styles is the white subway tile. However, you can choose virtually any size, shape, and color. Most are made of either ceramic, porcelain, or glass.

TIP: The smaller and textured the tile, the more difficult it will be to wipe it off.

When deciding on a tile, the next choice is the color of the grout. In general, something will look good near the tile itself, but you can add contrast by going for something darker, lighter, or metallic.

Designers sometimes capture the vertical space above the area using a herringbone pattern or vertical lines. Why stop with a splash of water of at least 5 cm? Install the backsplash up to the top cabinets or ceiling for a contemporary look. Consider edging exposed sides with metal trim.

You can also install splash-proof wallpaper for a pop of color or a dramatic backdrop. Hang it on an accent wall or paper it all up. Pay attention to how you want to balance the color and pattern throughout the room.

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