Easy Kitchen Updates
According to many surveys by house remodeling experts, the kitchen is the room most often renovated. Since the kitchen gets the most use we are quite demanding about how it should function. Perhaps the theory is, if it's state of the art the cooking will improve. However, if you can't rip out the appliances and cabinets and start from scratch there are many things you can do to make a more functional kitchen. Some won't cost a cent.
The Cheapo Redo
If your kitchen is of recent vintage, reshuffling may be all you need to spruce it up. Systematically empty every single drawer and cabinet in the kitchen and get rid of everything you don't use. Then reline each drawer and shelf and reorganize everything in or on them. Look at your well worn pattern for what you do in the kitchen (not always cooking) and try to find a better location for all the stuff that's now spread about.
Color
White has always been the most popular color for kitchens, combined with wood cabinets. Repainting the walls and restaining the cabinets will give the kitchen an instant lift. For a splash of color add a wallpaper border, country fresh blue and white plaid curtains and a basket of red geraniums on the table. Add color with a plant or herbs on the window sill. Keep a bowl of polished red or green apples on the counter.
Backsplash
A backsplash of floral tiles with an Old World English feeling adds elegance and charm. It's easy to install and an inexpensive way to update the look of a tired kitchen. If you can't afford to tile, a stencil design can be created to look like a border of tiles.
Make A Small Kitchen Look Bigger
Replace the cabinet doors with glass front doors. Add porcelain knobs. Paint the walls and window trims white. Use a light wood or pickling stain on the cabinets.
Copyright Leslie Linsley, author
Reprinted by permission HouseNet, Inc.