Cabinet Facelift

Brand-new cabinetry can be costly. Consider instead giving your existing ones a facelift. A fresh coat of paint or stain can work wonders and make your space feel brand new. Consider a trending color scheme like crisp white uppers and a contrasting color for the lowers. Popular colors right now are green, blue, or gray. Swapping out old hardware with modern alternatives can also feel like a huge upgrade and costs very little.

DIY Backsplash

Backsplash can transform the look of your kitchen and they are fairly easy to install yourself without draining your savings account. There are lots of budget-friendly options like peel-and-stick tiles or classic subway tiles that are easy to install yourself. These cost-effective options make for a fun weekend DIY project and can really make an impactful difference in your space.

Open Shelving

Instead of replacing your upper cabinets, consider installing open shelving. This trend has grown in popularity in the last decade or so and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Open shelves are not only cheaper than new cabinetry, but they also create a more open and airy feel in the kitchen. You can use your shelves to display favorite dishes, glassware, cookbooks, or other decorative items to add personal touch and color to your space.

Budget-Friendly Countertops

Granite and quartz countertops can be expensive and sometimes take up a large chunk of the kitchen remodeling budget. Although there are some amazing perks to these more expensive options, wallet-friendly alternatives like laminate, butcher block, and concrete can make a huge difference in your out-of-pocket expenses. These materials offer durability and a trendy aesthetic without the large price tag.

Creative Lighting

Lighting can make a huge difference in your space as well. Simply swapping old, dated light fixtures for new, modern ones can make a statement in your kitchen. Consider adding a statement chandelier above your island or your dining space. Thrift stores and discount retailers often have hidden gems at a fraction of the cost, and even big-box stores have large lighting departments where you are sure to find something within your budget. Adding under-cabinet lighting is another affordable, easy way to brighten up your workspace and give your kitchen an effortless glow.

Upcycled Furniture

Gone are the days of the perfectly uniform kitchen. Eclectic-style homes tell a story and can be some of the coziest spaces. Consider repurposing or upcycling old furniture pieces for your kitchen. An old table can be transformed into a charming farmhouse-style kitchen island. Or an old hutch can get a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware and become a functional pantry. Antique or second-hand stores are treasure troves for finding unique, budget-friendly pieces looking for new homes.

Smart Organization

Sometimes your kitchen can feel brand new just by implementing some smart, functional organization. Organizational solutions can be super cheap, but just take some time and effort to implement. Utilize storage containers, drawer organizers, and shelving units to keep clutter at bay. Take it a step further and organize your refrigerator to make finding things a breeze. Having an organized space not only enhances functionality but also contributes to the overall aesthetic of a space which in turn calms your brain making your kitchen more enjoyable to be in.

A budget-friendly kitchen upgrade is not only feasible, but it can be a fun and rewarding project. With some extra thought, creativity, elbow grease, and a little shopping, you can achieve an updated kitchen that fits both your personality and your budget.

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Beyond the function of the space though, it is important to create a beautiful, warm, inviting, and unique space. Ultimately, it should be a place you enjoy being and that you want to show off to your friends and guests. It’s important to think about how you’ll add character and personality to your new space. How will you make it your own and make it feel like your family? Here are just a few ways you can consider adding character to your kitchen:

Wood Elements

All-white kitchens are a staple in kitchen design right now and they don’t seem to be going anywhere. However, choosing all white everything can quickly look sterile and boring. Consider adding some wood elements into the space to add warmth and depth. Gone are the days of having to match all the wood stains and types in a space too. Feel free to mix multiple wood tones in the space. Maybe instead of white cabinetry on the island you opt for a white pine or even a dark walnut. This will become the focal point of the space and add warmth and color to make sure the space doesn’t become too monotone. If you are married to the all-white cabinetry idea, consider painting one of the walls a darker color or adding a fun wood accent wall with shiplap or wooden slats.

Fun Lighting

The main goal of your lighting in the kitchen should be to light your workspaces. This can be done best with can or task lighting above your most used spaces. However, adding additional lighting fixtures that add visual interest and decorative elements to your space can make a huge difference. Add a chandelier above your eat-in kitchen for extra flair. Or consider adding hanging pendants or lanterns above your island to create more of a wow factor. Also, adding underlit cabinets can instantly make the space feel warm, cozy, and charming.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is making a comeback! We have been seeing more and more homes add wallpaper to accent walls or even to entire rooms. Wallpaper is an easy way to add trendy character and life into your cooking space. With so many different options, you can really go any direction you want with it. Choose from brick or stone-inspired wallpapers. Or go bolder with a colorful floral pattern. You can find designs that are big and bold, or even small and dainty. The options are practically limitless so you’re sure to find something that fits your style.

Open Shelving

Another easy way to add character and depth to your space is by adding open shelving in some areas. This breaks up the upper cabinetry and adds visual appeal. Floating shelves are a popular modern look and can be decorated with lots of color by adding fun cups, mugs, plates, bowls, or plants too! This is where you can get really creative and swap out some of those decorative pieces with the seasons. This allows your personality to shine through and your space will feel different with each little change you make.

We hope these ideas got your creative juices flowing and you have a better understanding of how to add character and personality to your space. If you’re just looking to add some flair via a simple DIY, these are some great options. Or if you’re ready to dive into a kitchen remodel we’d be happy to chat with you about your options and how we can help you along the way. Reach out to your local Kitchen Solvers today to get a free in-home consultation scheduled!

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When you’re getting ready to remodel your kitchen, learning about some of the hottest kitchen design trends is a good idea. If you want your kitchen to have a unique look, however, then you may want to consider a few overlooked trends that not many homeowners choose. Select a few of these ignored design options, and you should be able to give your kitchen a one-of-a-kind look that you’ll appreciate day in and day out. Check out these overlooked kitchen design trends so that you can get a few ideas for making over the kitchen in your home. 

Multifunction Furniture and Appliances

A lack of space is one of the most common obstacles that homeowners encounter when remodeling their kitchen. If you’re trying to give your kitchen a new look and feel but are dealing with limited space, then installing multifunction furniture is one of the best overlooked trends for you.

By combining several different pieces of kitchen furniture into one, you’ll be saving yourself a lot of space while also boosting the functionality of the room. For example, if you don’t have room for both prep and serving spaces, you could install a kitchen island that can convert into a dining table. In addition to multifunction furniture, you can save space with multifunction appliances, such as an in-sink dishwasher or a range with a built-in microwave.

Protect Your Island With Reclaimed Wood

An island can be the perfect centerpiece for most kitchens, but if you have children, the style of your island may experience a great deal of wear and tear. Fortunately, you can keep your island looking great while also giving your kitchen a unique design by building a kick plate with reclaimed wood.

Using reclaimed wood in kitchens is an often-disregarded trend that may be perfect for your home. Covering the seating area in your island with reclaimed wood can create a warm, homey look that you’ll love, and it will also protect the island itself from long-term damage. Once your reclaimed wood is installed, your young one can swing their legs to their heart’s content without scuffing or scratching your island.

Swap out Your Lighting

Just because you want to give your kitchen a new look, it doesn’t mean you necessarily want to spend your money and time on a full remodel. Fortunately, transforming your kitchen doesn’t always require a lot of effort or expense, and even small changes such as new lighting fixtures can provide big benefits.

Installing new, dramatic kitchen lighting is one of the most overlooked kitchen design trends. If you currently have recessed lighting in your kitchen, for example, swapping it out for pendant lighting can give your kitchen a completely different appearance. There are countless stylish lighting fixtures available, so you should be able to do a little research and find an option that will give your kitchen the striking look that you want.

Mix up Your Flooring Materials

When you’re trying to give your kitchen a new lease on life, installing new flooring is one of the best things that you can do. While it may be tempting to install the same flooring option throughout your kitchen, mixing and matching materials can be an effective way to give the room that signature look that both you and visitors will enjoy.

Finding the right mix of materials can certainly be a little tricky, but if you get it right, you can give your kitchen an attention-grabbing aesthetic that will feel fresh for years to come. If you’re interested in varying the floor materials in your kitchen, you should consult with a design professional to get help choosing the options that are right for your home.

Think About a Window Backsplash

If you know anything about kitchen design, then you’re probably aware that nothing ties the room together quite like the perfect backsplash. While you could choose the tried=and-true option of installing a tile backsplash, a window backsplash can result in an interesting look that you won’t find in many other homes.

With a window backsplash, you’re basically installing a window where the backsplash would normally be. For instance, a large window right above the cooking range is a bold style choice that will make your kitchen feel more open while also adding a lot of natural light to your room. Obviously, a window backsplash isn’t possible in all homes since you’ll need a suitable exterior wall, but if you’re able to add this feature to your kitchen, you won’t have any regrets.

Unfitted Kitchens

Some kitchen trends don’t stay overlooked forever, and if you’re interested in hopping onto a design before it becomes popular, building an unfitted kitchen deserves your consideration. An unfitted kitchen is one in which your cooking range and refrigerator aren’t recessed into your cabinets. Instead, they stand on their own, resulting in a modular design that can make your kitchen feel like it’s from the future. Unfitted kitchens are poised to explode in popularity, so you should think about choosing this trend while there’s still room on the bandwagon.

Bring Some Nature Into Your Home

Foods made with the freshest ingredients are in vogue right now, which makes it surprising that few people have taken advantage of this last overlooked kitchen trend: building your own indoor herb garden. If you get a lot of sunlight in your kitchen, growing your own herbs is actually pretty easy, and your garden can make it feel like spring in your kitchen year-round.

The great thing about kitchen herb gardens is that you can choose whatever size best fits your home. So, if you have a smaller kitchen, you can put a few plants on your windowsill, and if you have more space, you can build a larger garden that’s filled with plants. Building your own indoor herb garden is an excellent way to make your kitchen stand out from the crowd, and it will also make it easier for you to cook fresh, delicious meals your family will love.

Build Your Trendy Kitchen

After learning about a few overlooked kitchen design trends, you should be more than ready to get started remodeling your kitchen, and at Kitchen Solvers, we are here to make your project as fun, easy, and successful as possible. One of our remodeling professionals would be glad to talk with you about the design trends you’re considering and then help implement those designs in your home. Pay a visit to one of our many locations today so that you can get started building your dream kitchen.

The post Overlooked Design Trends That May Be Perfect for Your Kitchen appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.

While it may seem like a small issue, your lighting can actually play a big role in the look and feel of your kitchen, which is why you need to give your lights the attention they deserve. Here are some signs that you should update kitchen lighting and some ideas for improving the lighting and overall style of your kitchen.

Your Table Isn’t Lit

In many homes, the kitchen is the place where meals are both prepared and eaten, which means that every inch of the room needs to be lit properly. If the dining area of your kitchen is too dark, then it’s time to start thinking about a lighting upgrade.

While you don’t want your dining area to be so bright that it feels antiseptic, you do want enough illumination so that everyone can see their meal. You should choose a lighting fixture for your dining room table that offers warm lighting that will make meals more enjoyable. If you want this area of your kitchen to be more stylish, you can add a pendant lighting or a chandelier.

Brighten Up Your Sink

Your main goal in choosing kitchen lighting should be making it easier to use this essential space. If you think it’s time to update kitchen lighting in your home, take a walk around the room to see how well-lit the most-used areas are, taking particular care to examine the lighting above your sink.

The area around your sink will probably get the most use in your kitchen, which means it needs to be the brightest area of the room. You can install task lighting directly above your sink to make sure that you can always see when you’re preparing food or doing the dishes.

Boost Style With Accent Lighting

If you’ve been thinking about giving your kitchen a new look, adding new lighting is the easy and affordable solution for achieving your style goals. Simply adding some accent lighting to a few strategic areas of your kitchen can make it look like a completely new room without having to engage in a full renovation.

For instance, you can use a spotlight to highlight the biggest style points of your kitchen, and under-counter or in-cabinet lighting can add a little more warmth to the room. With the right accent lighting, you can transform your kitchen to the most attractive room in your home.

Get Help With Your Lighting

If you notice signs that it’s time to update your kitchen lighting, you can get assistance from Kitchen Solvers to keep your kitchen looking fresh. Our team is your top resource when you want to redesign your kitchen, and we can help you with everything from lighting updates to full remodels.

Be sure to check out Kitchen Lighting Designs – Transform the Feel of Your Kitchen! and Kitchen Lighting Trends to Brighten up Your Kitchen for more information on lighting options for your kitchen.  And be sure to research Kitchen Remodeling Costs: Get a Return on Your investment if you may be considering a remodeling project as part of your overall kitchen lighting design decisions. Stop by a Kitchen Solvers location near you to learn more about our services.

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