Canadians have been spending a lot of time inside lately, and many of us have started to notice all the areas of our homes that could use a touch-up. The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it makes sense to start there with a creative kitchen spruce up. Here are 5 quick kitchen updates you can safely do yourself.
1. Storage
If you can’t quite put a finger on what you aren’t loving about your kitchen, you might just need to clear off your countertops by introducing storage space. For most households, the kitchen doubles as a dining room, homework station and phone booth. Placemats, calendars and notebooks combined with multiple appliances can quickly clutter your countertops, making your space look messy and disorganized.
Before you tackle a larger project, we suggest taking the time to clear off your countertops. This will probably involve cleaning and reorganizing cupboards and drawers to make room for things that would normally sit on your countertop. Consider creative storage solutions like hanging pots and pans or a shelving rack. You’d be surprised at how much cleaner, bigger and better your kitchen looks without clutter.
2. Lighting
Adjusting your kitchen lighting is another quick and easy way to improve the look and feel of your kitchen. Start by replacing bulbs that have dimmed or burnt out. Dull lighting makes your kitchen look dim, dreary and cramped, especially during the rainy months. Don’t forget that energy-efficient bulbs are better for the environment and can lower your power bill!
If you’re looking for a more significant change, consider updating your fixtures or adding more lights. While we don’t recommend doing a full light installation yourself, you can order a set of adhesive led lights online. Simply stick them to the underside of hanging cabinets to brighten up the counter space below! If you’re handy, you can also try swapping out hanging light fixtures. Either of these quick fixes is a great way to transform the look and functionality of your space.
3. Paint
Painting is also a great way to spruce up your space. With so much extra time on our hands, we encourage you to execute this project slowly and carefully, especially when working on your kitchen. If you’re working on your cabinets, you’ll need to remove the original paint or stain and carefully prime the areas you’ll be re-painting. Make sure you buy the right kind of paint for the job and apply a base coat and topcoat. When done right, painting is a big job, so don’t start this project unless you’re committed to finishing it. That being said, once complete, your kitchen will look so much better!
4. Hardware
Another quick and easy way to update your kitchen is by adding some funky hardware. Updating your cabinets’ knobs and pulls is quick, easy and cost-effective. Experiment with different styles, metals and sizes to get the right fit for your space. You’d be surprised at the impact this small job can have, especially when combined with new light fixtures or paint. Take a look online for new fixtures you can install yourself.
5. Seating
Last but not least, don’t forget about your furniture! This project can also be safely executed from your home. Browse new island stools from the comfort of your couch, and order a set online when the time is right. Consider a bright colour for spring or a metal design for a more minimalist look. With so many affordable options on the market, you’ll be sure to find a great set of chairs to brighten up your kitchen.
While you may not be able to carry out a full kitchen renovation right now, we encourage you to take advantage of any downtime you have to try out any or all of these small projects. You’d be surprised at how much bigger, brighter and better your kitchen will look!
Article Updated June 2022.
