8 Simple Tips To Upgrade Your Kitchen

You have had that urge to do some updating on your house for some time now. The summer holidays are over, the kids are back in school and the festive season is round the corner, therefore you believe  that now is a good chance  to do some upgrading. Whether you’re eyeing a new counter top for the kitchen or just can’t wait to tear out some old tile in the bathroom, practically every home owner has a remodeling itch that’s just begging to be scratched.

Kitchen renovations are among the most expensive home-improvement projects, but it's possible to make a big impact in an outdated kitchen without the need to shell out big bucks. Whether you've lived in your house for years or you just got the keys, there are some easy ways to give it a refresh. At the most basic, walls can be painted and cabinet hardware changed to freshen the look.

Your kitchen can still be a place that you love and cherish — a place you enjoy, and not merely tolerate. So if changing tastes or wear and tear has left you with a kitchen in need of a lift, here are a few simple and affordable upgrades.

Add or change lighting.

If you're irked by your kitchen's decades-old light fixture, replace it with a colorful pedant. Since lighting is so important in any room, this one change can totally transform the entire space. Switching out an overhead light fixture is much easier than it sounds. It doesn't have to be super expensive, either. You can buy a vintage light fixture in our Electrical Department, or you can eye newly arrived options in stock. Don't forget about under-cabinet lighting! That might be all you need to feel like you've seen the light, literally.

Replace handles and pulls.
Changing out cabinetry hardware is one of the easiest and quickest updates, says our CSR in the Hardware Department. Switching out your old knobs or pulls for something more modern or decorative can really transform the look of your cabinets, particularly if they're bland contractor-grade.

Look for colorful options like a brushed nickel finish or check out our wide range.

Nice Up the Windows.
New drapes can really spruce up a space, but think twice about the type of treatment you hang on the window above your sink. You don't want something with too much fabric that could get ruined from splashing. An option that fits within the window — like a roman shade that you can easily pull up while you're washing dishes would be ideal.

Add a backsplash.
The beauty of it is that it's very limited in square footage. The average backsplash is between 10 and 40 square feet. It's an easy-to-tackle area that won't drain your pocket. Even if you're spending $5 a square foot, you're talking about a couple hundred bucks in tiles.

“If you don't have the skills to install tile or cash for a contractor,try paint instead. Just make sure you pick up a semi-gloss,” Sebastian, our paint expert adds. “The glossier the paint, the more it will resist moisture — and you can simply wipe it clean when dinner is over.”

 Replace or Cover ugly countertops.
This job is less expensive than you think — and it can make ho-hum cabinets look more special. If you're feeling ambitious, you can try painting your countertops. Or you can get a new laminate surface for a few hundred dollars. You might be surprised by the nicer laminate options that have surfaced since you last shopped for counters.

Place a rug in front of the sink.
It does double-duty by making your workstation more comfortable on your feet, and adding a splash of color. (Triple duty, if you count covering any ugly flooring!). They look cute and they're durable; if you spill on them, you can just hose them off outside.

Replace the faucet.

This is a very simple, straightforward way to upgrade your kitchen. Really, anyone can do it! Yes, faucets can get pretty pricey, but you can find single-handle faucets for as low as $82, and nicer, high arched faucet spouts for about $350 — a small investment for something you use multiple times a day.

Add more storage space with small wire shelves.

Wire shelves and under-cabinet baskets make sure you're using all the space available in your cabinets, and even your fridge and freezer. Utilize the often-wasted space between your cabinet shelves with our functional and attractive undershelf baskets. These shelves instantly add storage space to your kitchen cabinets for storing mugs, cups, linens and more. The baskets feature flat wires that offer a secure, snug fit on your existing shelf.