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Updating Your Kitchen Without Breaking the
Bank
PAINTING WALLS AND CABINETS | CABINET
HARDWARE| APPLIANCE PANELS | COUNTERTOPS
| SINKS AND FAUCETS | KITCHEN
ISLANDS AND KITCHEN CARTS |
Most people at one time or another
would like to redecorate their kitchen. Unfortunately, many do not have the
funds available to make the changes they desire. However, there are ways to
update the look of your kitchen without having to apply for a major loan.
Actually, you don't need a designer or big bucks to make these changes. All
you need is a little elbow grease and some creativity.
Painting
Walls and Cabinets
One of the easiest and
cost-effective ways to make changes to your kitchen is to paint it. Use
light colors like white, pale yellow or almond to open up your space or
brighten a darker kitchen. Mix and match jewel-tone colors or opt for a
monochromatic look. Cabinets can also be painted to refresh your kitchen.
Spruce up dated wood cabinets by painting them white, choose black for a
look that's sleek and modern, or paint the cabinets bright colors to go with
whatever color scheme or decor you have in mind. You can also replace the
inside of your cabinets with lattice
door inserts for a textured look.
Additionally, the inside panels can be replaced with clear glass to display
your favorite dishes and glassware, frosted glass or chicken wire behind
glass to hide clutter or fabric hung from small curtain rods behind the
glass for a country feel.
Cabinet
Hardware
Changing the cabinet hardware is
another way to update the look of your kitchen. Kitchen knobs are now
available in so many different designs, shapes, colors, sizes and textures,
there's definitely something out there for every taste and style. From the
very simple and traditional solid brass to semi-precious metals and stones,
today's cabinet knobs make a large impression. Choose from designs that have
their roots in early American and European heritage, or find knobs that
express your individuality and celebrate your hobbies and interests. Many of
the knobs available have matching pulls, bin pulls and hinge plates so you
can create a total look for your cabinets, drawers and even furniture. The
selection is so vast, you're sure to find something that makes your own
special statement.
Appliance
Panels
Do you have appliances you'd love to
replace, but just can't at the moment? If you have always loved the look of
a suite of stainless steel appliances in your kitchen, now you can have that
look. You can purchase appliance panels and trim kits that will make your
old appliances look fresh and new. Designer colors, personalized bar
designs, sports designs and even chalkboard panels are available to
coordinate non-matching appliances or to make your dishwasher, compactor and
refrigerator look less humdrum.
Countertops
Update your work surface area with
new countertops. Kitchen countertops come in a variety of materials, like
ceramic tile, plastic laminate, stainless steel, wood, stone and solid
surface. Each surface has its benefits. Choosing the right surface for you
will mean deciding which material best fits your maintenance style and your
budget. If replacing the whole countertop is too cost-prohibitive, consider
replacing sections of your counter, or just replace the backsplash.
Sinks
and Faucets
Another approach to creating a fresh
look in your kitchen is to put in a new sink and faucet. Kitchen sinks are
available in stainless steel, porcelain and cast iron. You can choose a
traditional single bowl sink or opt for a double or triple bowl sink to
increase efficiency. A self-rimming sink is easier to install, as it just
drops into the existing hole and has an outside rim that sits on top of the
counter. An undermount sink makes wiping the counter a snap because its rim
sits underneath the counter for a smooth line. The type of faucet you choose
will depend on what style sink you have as well as how you plan to use it,
If you frequently fill large pots or buckets from your kitchen sink, you may
want a faucet with a high arch. Faucets come in many shapes, sizes and
finishes, so it may take some time to find what you want.
Kitchen
Islands and Kitchen Carts
If you're looking to gain workspace
and storage space, consider adding a kitchen island or cart. A kitchen
island will provide a work area that is stationary, so it stays in one place
in your kitchen. Kitchen islands are usually larger, and work well in open
kitchens. Kitchen carts
are best utilized in smaller kitchens where space is
at a minimum. They are usually on casters, which allow you to move the carts
wherever you need them, but the casters also lock to stabilize your
workspace when necessary. Both the kitchen islands and kitchen carts include
drawers and shelving to store all those items you need to have on hand.
There are many different types of kitchen islands and kitchen carts
available, so if you're looking for an alternative way to add space, the
kitchen island or kitchen cart is a great way to go.
Refurbishing your kitchen doesn't
have to break the bank. We've illustrated a few ideas that can change the
look of your kitchen without doing major work, but can have the same effect.
Choose one or two of these ideas or use all of them to create the kitchen of
your dreams.
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