Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes—so it pays to keep your kitchen updated! However, it’s a common misconception that you have to completely redo or renovate your space to make a difference. In fact, sometimes the simplest updates go the furthest… and they don’t cost a lot (so you’re much more likely to recoup that cost when you sell). Easy kitchen updates, here we come!
These Small Kitchen Updates Make a Big Difference!
Need a little bit of fresh life in your kitchen? Before you start tearing down walls or planning a big renovation, try something simple! These easy improvements can really revamp your space—without a big investment. Here are five updates we recommend (and pictures from our recently completed projects to prove how well they work!).
Paint walls or cabinets
Painting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to transform a room from tired and faded to vibrant and new. Painting walls is a popular improvement, but painting cabinets is another, lesser-known, way to make your kitchen look totally new. You can even try using a bold or bright color to bring in some style.
Most paint jobs you can probably do on your own. However, kitchens can be a bit tricky, as they often involve more detailed painting around cabinets and fixtures. If you’re not experienced with this kind of intricacy, it’s definitely worth hiring a pro.
Replace hardware
Replacing hardware is another super-easy DIY update. Take a trip to your local hardware store to pick out something fresh and trendy. You’ve got a lot of options in both color and style, so try to envision what will work best with your kitchen.
While you’re at it, replace your kitchen faucet. Stainless steel single-handle pull down faucets are all the rage these days, so if you don’t have one, this can be a nice update. Not sure what you need? Bring in a pro for some expert advice and a quick install.
Add tile backsplash
Tile backsplash is an easy way to add sophistication and elegance to your home. And it’s practical—tile is much easier to clean than paint! There are a lot of options for tiling: color, size, style, and more. You can choose something simple and clean, like a brick-sized white, something more modern, like larger subway tiles, or even something truly extravagant, like handcrafted porcelain.
Regardless of what you choose, tiling is a fairly easy install. If you’re handy, you might be able to give it a go on your own—though it’s probably easier to bring in a pro.
Update your countertops
Stone or solid-surface countertops are in high demand, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re practical, low-maintenance, and very elegant. And there are quite a few options out there—granite, marble, quartz, solid-surface… and more. While price and durability will vary based on what you choose, countertop installation tends to be a fairly straightforward and relatively inexpensive update. And it definitely makes a difference—both to you and to potential home buyers.
Customize your light fixtures
How’s the lighting in your kitchen? If you have standard lights, or not enough lighting, then it might be time for an update! Consider some designer light fixtures, like pendant lights or a chandelier. Track lighting and recessed lighting are a bit more practical but can bring a lot of light into a dark space.
Replacing light fixtures can be a DIY project, but depending on the scope of the project and how much wiring you’ll have to update, it might be best to call in a pro for this one!
Need Help with Your Kitchen Updates?
Thinking about making some improvements to your kitchen but not sure where to start? We’d love to help! Whether you’re aiming for simple updates or dreaming of a major overhaul, we can guide you through the process, from start to finish. We even offer 3D design to help you bring your project to life long before construction starts. Ready to get started? Give Raleigh Woodworks a call and let’s chat!
