September 5, 2017

How Can I Freshen Up My Kitchen Without Doing A Complete Remodel?

Your kitchen is one of the most used rooms of your home. It is actually said to be the heart of the home, as it is the place where family and friends gather to share special times. Whether small or large, it is important to keep this space updated and clean so that at any time, you are ready to prepare a meal, or entertain, without much fuss.

A complete kitchen remodel could cost thousands of dollars, and requires your time and effort to research the perfect cabinetry, flooring, countertops, backsplash and appliances for your project. If your kitchen looks tired and dated, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg to get results. If you are not ready for a complete remodel, consider updating some of the key components of your kitchen to provide a completely new look.

If your kitchen cabinets and floors are in relatively good condition, consider replacing only your countertop and backsplash. Replacing this major element of your kitchen can transform this room instantaneously. As this can be one of the biggest expenses in freshening up your kitchen, consider a Formica laminated surface. Formica products have come a long way and offer a broad range of looks at an affordable price. Or consider upgrading to granite or a synthetic product, like Corian or Quartz. These types of surfaces will not only change the way your kitchen looks, it will change the way your kitchen functions.

If considering a countertop upgrade, it is important to speak to a professional to see what type of surface will work best for you, and to see if your existing sink or appliances would be affected by this change.

Consider painting your kitchen cabinets or the walls to bring a new, fresh look to your room. If you are lucky enough to have solid wood cabinets, consider refinishing them. This will take a little more effort and some consultation with a paint supply professional, like your local Benjamin Moore dealer, however, the results could be astounding. Your dark and dreary cabinet faces can be transformed with the use of some trending brighter colors. Or you can take a plain wood cabinet and bring in some richness with a new colored stain.

For a more simple way to update your cabinets give them a really good cleaning, and replace the knobs and handles. With today’s wide variety of pulls, cup pulls, knobs, handles, latches, etc. there is no end to the combination of hardware you can use to give your kitchen a new look, all at a very low cost.

By adding new dishtowels, wall art, fresh flowers or decorative plates, you can add life and a new look to your kitchen. You may even want to consider some new low cost window treatments, a new kitchen faucet set or seat covers to add to the beauty of your newly redecorated room.

Although this not the least expensive option when updating your kitchen, replacing your appliances will not only provide a whole new look, it will also provide energy savings. Manufacturers of kitchen appliances are always looking for ways to provide consumers with innovative technology and greater energy efficiency for their homes.

Homeowners can capitalize on this opportunity by purchasing “last year’s” model at a discounted cost. It may not be the newest appliance available on the market, but it is certainly an upgrade in efficiency from a 15 to 20 year old appliance, whereby making the investment a smart choice. Replacing your older, inefficient refrigerator, dishwasher, oven or range will save you money on your gas, electric and water bills, whereby making the replacement of your kitchen appliances not only a visual upgrade, but also worthwhile investment.

Replacing an existing light fixture or adding a decorative one can completely change the appearance of your kitchen or dinette area. With so many different options in the lighting industry, you can bling out your kitchen with a crystal chandelier, hang a pendant light over your island, install a ceiling fan with a light kit, or even install under counter lighting to provide your dark and dull kitchen with a new look.

Many homeowners today are replacing their existing inefficient recessed lighting with newer dimmable LED retro kits which provide flexibility in the way light is used in the kitchen, and at the same time provides a modern, clean look without having to change the housing and trim.

In general, updating your kitchen can be one of the best investments of time and resources in your home. You will create a more comfortable place to live, a nicer environment to entertain your guests and best of all, increase its market value.

Should you decide that your kitchen remodel requires a little more effort, you should consult with a local licensed, insured and qualified home improvement contractor. These professionals can provide you with some cost effective options for a kitchen renovation that can change the way you live, entertain and enjoy your home.

Michael DeFillippo – President Handyman For You Home Improvement Co.

(347) 683-0792 www.handymanforyou.net