The kitchen is often the central space in one’s home. This is where we prepare meals and often enjoy some peaceful moments before going to work in the morning. Whether you live in San Diego, London, or someplace else, it’s important to make it comfortable, cozy, and also aesthetically-pleasing. If your home is old, or you’ve been living there for quite some time, then some renovation work wouldn’t be a bad idea. Kitchens are especially prone to wear and tear due to cooking and constant usage. So if you’re thinking about modernizing your kitchen, here are some simple hacks that you might consider.
1. Think about removing the upper cabinets
The upper kitchen cabinets are considered staple furniture pieces in every kitchen, but if you’re looking to modernize it, then removing the upper cabinets might be a smart idea. Sometimes, these cabinets can make the kitchen look stuffy and crowded, especially if it’s a small space, to begin with. On the other hand, open shelves are a quite interesting solution that fits well with the current minimalist aesthetic trends.
2. Spruce up the lighting fixtures
A kitchen needs a lot of access to natural light, as well as functioning lighting fixtures that will make it look well-lit during the evening hours. The proper lighting plays a huge role as it contributes to safety, ambiance, and attractiveness to your kitchen. There are 3 main types of lighting: ambient, accent, and task lighting, and it is totally up to you to decide which ones should be dominant in your kitchen space. Once you decide on lighting, make sure to make it as energy efficient as possible, in order to make your household more sustainable.
3. Modernize the countertops
The countertops are a crucial aspect of your kitchen, which means they shouldn’t be the afterthought. Back in the day, countertops could be either made of cheap vinyl or tile-and-grout, but nowadays, there are more convenient options: natural stone, marble, granite, and resin are only some of them. Before you decide to go for any of them, make sure to determine which one is the most suitable for you.
4. Update or replace the appliances
The appliances aren’t only necessary, they can also add a whole new dimension to the kitchen. Therefore, if you have any old appliances, be sure to upgrade them with something more functional and modern. A new fridge, microwave, and toaster will breathe a new life into your kitchen. In case you enjoy cooking using high heat, then feel free to opt for a gas burner stove as it’s lightweight, small, yet it has a wide variety of options to allow you to prepare your favourite dishes. If your run-down appliances are still functional, feel free to give or donate them to someone who’d need them more than you.
5. Add splashes of color
Some colors here and there can really boost the appeal of your kitchen. The current minimalist, white-oriented trend is fine if you prefer simplicity, but adding colors is generally a great idea. Whether it’s repainting the walls, installing wallpaper, repainting cabinets, or choosing colorful wood finishes, one thing is certain: your kitchen can greatly benefit from adding some colorful (and possibly) contrasting elements.
6. Replace the old flooring
The flooring shouldn’t be neglected, especially if you live in a cooler climate. For example, tiles are convenient, as they look good and are easy to maintain, but if you want to use them, make sure to install underfloor heat in order to keep your feet warm during the cold seasons. The type of flooring you go for should depend on your preferences, budget, and the amount of time you’re planning to invest in cleaning it, so make sure to pick something that will work for you.
7. Don’t forget about the seating
If your kitchen is spacious enough, then it should have a designated seating area. A casual dining space can make your kitchen more inviting and cozier. Even if you have enough space for one table, you might consider creating a banquette or a bar table with matching chairs. This type of addition can also act as a visual divider in case your kitchen and living room are merged together by design.
Conclusion
If you value comfort and coziness, then you might benefit a lot from sprucing up your kitchen. These hacks will help you make the right decisions, but feel free to add your own, especially if you’re creative and resourceful. You deserve to have a well-organized and modern kitchen, and with these tips, it’s possible to make that happen.