If
your kitchen is in need of a makeover but money is tight, try these
handy tips for brightening it up - without spending a fortune…
1- Instead of buying new kitchen
units, repaint or stain the doors and fit new handles. This can
give a whole new look to your kitchen at a fraction of the cost.
2- Paint the walls instead
of using wallpaper. Paint works out a lot cheaper, and choosing
something like a nice sunny yellow will brighten any kitchen and
make it more welcoming.
3- Don't like your existing
tiles? Don't worry - it's possible to paint over these too. You
can use a mottled effect with a sponge and a contrasting colour
if you don't want to have a solid colour.
4- Invest in some accessories
that will be seen - a fruit bowl, a new light fitting, or spotlights
that will highlight certain areas of the kitchen. These can all
help to give a new feel to an old room.
5- If you want a more permanent
change, you can always replace your worktops. These can be obtained
fairly cheaply nowadays if you shop around, but be aware if you
have tiles you may need to replace these as well.
If
you're thinking of making some changes and want to look for accessories
to spruce up your kitchen, yard sales and booth fairs are great places
to find bargains. Well worth a look during the summer months.
Latest Trends in Kitchen Renovation:
Flooring:
Are you tired of old style worn vinyl? Consider eco-friendly bamboo, or hardwood (the latest trend is extra-wide plank heritage hardwood reclaimed from old buildings) or faux-hardwood laminate. After years of lighter-tone wood, deep mahogany finishes are coming back. They look especially elegant with white cabinetry.
Appliances:
While stainless steel finishes are hot and can be suited to both modern and traditional interiors, white remains the most popular finish. It costs less and can be just as versatile as stainless. Both finishes reflect light and contribute an expansive feel to a room. Black appliances are also popular
Countertops:
Slate, soapstone, butcher block and stainless-steel counters are increasingly trendy and fit the moderate-to-high price category. Finally, laminate’s a perennial favorite owing to its low-cost and versatile patterns.
Cabinetry & Storage:
The pro-kitchen look is a growing trend, with stainless-steel counters and back splashes and open shelving.
