Fall seems to be a popular time of year to tackle kitchen improvements. I’m not sure if it’s the thought of all that upcoming holiday cooking, or the thought of doing increased amounts of entertaining in the home in general, but either way, it seems as though many people out there get a little antsy in the fall about the state of their kitchen and end up looking for ways to make it more functional, organized and well, for lack of a better word, nice-looking.
Whether you plan on doing a complete re-model and spending thousands, or you just want to spruce things up on the cheap-n-cheerful, there are plenty of things to consider when redesigning one of the most-used rooms of the home. Whether your home features a large chef-inspired masterpiece, or a galley-style apartment-sized kitchen, here are some of the items that go the furthest in terms of giving your space an updated look:
1) Backsplash – If you have still not installed a backsplash, what are you waiting for? This is such an easy project (DIY in as little as one afternoon), that instantly makes any kitchen look richer, cleaner and more modern. From subway tile to granite or stone and everything in between, there are colours, patterns, styles and materials to suit even the most eclectic of tastes, offered at varying price tags from pennies per square foot all the way up to tens of dollars. Whether you spend a hundred bucks or a few thousand, this is one project that will make a huge difference to the appearance of your kitchen space.
2) New countertop– Depending on the size of your kitchen and the material you choose, this can be an affordable option that packs a lot of punch. If your kitchen is dated with older laminate counters that are stained, warped, or chipped, replacing to newer laminate/plastic or upgrading to another material such as wood chopping block, granite, stainless steel, or tile can have a huge impact. If you're set on granite, consider using granite tiles as a counter top instead of a full granite piece. I've seen it sell for the same (and I've done it myself.) As long as its a great tile job it can be received very well and is a fraction of the material cost. If you’re looking for a much more affordable option, there are also products out there that can be purchased for painting counter tops, just be weary of the finishes that can be painted on, be sure to seal it properly when finished, and be aware that this option is most likely to be a temporary fix, and something that will either need to be replaced or re-finished again down the road.
3) Cabinetry and cupboard doors– Again here, if you plan on doing an elaborate kitchen renovation, It’s likely that you will include the replacement of your cupboards, yet it isn’t always necessary. Some of the cabinetry found in older homes is custom, incredibly well-built, and has stood the test of time for a reason. Is it possible to simply refinish them? Sand them down and re-stain? Or, instead of new cabinets, perhaps just consider new doors, facing and/or hardware. One thing I do a lot when preparing a house for sale is a quick sanding and fresh coat of high-gloss paint. So easy, and gives any dated kitchen a fresh, clean look.
4) Flooring– This is an option that often gets overlooked, but can make a world of difference to a kitchen upgrade. Still have faded, ugly, and mismatched sticky-tile in your house? Yuck! For me, hardwoods are the material of choice, but ceramic tile can be more affordable and looks great too. As I’ve mentioned in past blogs, if it’s the kitchen of a rental property you’re working on, picking ceramic is maybe a better choice, as they tend to wear better with tenants. That being said, really, there are dozens of materials that can be used for floors- cork, bamboo, engineered hardwoods, laminate flooring, and the list goes on. If you’re planning on doing a total overhaul, one thing I can recommend is to splurge on the heated floors. It makes SUCH a difference to a room’s warmth and comfort.
5) Extras – Another thing that any kitchen makeover needs is a few personal touches. Smart organization systems that maximize cupboard space, decorative hardware on cupboards that add a touch of uniqueness, a splash of colour in the decorating scheme (hello purple Kitchen-Aid mixer and Le Creuset cookware), the list is endless for what you can do to make your space a little special. Are you an internet-foodie? Instead of a shelf for recipe books, maybe for you a small office niche with laptop to search recipes, ingredients and keep grocery lists up-to-date makes more sense for you. Think about the way you cook, entertain, and clean up. This should help you organize the space based on your needs while incorporating your individual style.
The great thing about kitchen makeovers is that a lot can be accomplished without having to spend an arm and a leg. So often I’ve heard this from clients “We’ll finish the kitchen when we have the money”… but guess what? I’ve seen dozens of kitchens that look to have undergone $30K in renovations, when in fact, under $5K was actually spent. And the very best part? A lot of this stuff can get done quickly, with little disruption to the rest of your home. Of course, if you plan on moving walls and plumbing or gas lines, that might be a different story… but overall, tiling a backsplash, installing new counters, painting cupboards, etc. can be done in a weekend, or over the course of a week, for those who like to take their time. A small sacrifice of time and energy, but a huge payoff in the value of your home, and more importantly, how you enjoy your living space.
Do you have suggestions, tips, or other kitchen renovation stories to share? I welcome your comments. Need help planning a kitchen renovation big or small? Please do be in touch. That’s me in my element, so I’m always happy to provide advice or answer your questions.
Cheers!
Trish
