Summer Kitchen Refresh Ideas
Host family and friends in your refreshed kitchen this summer! From quick changes to larger-scale projects, you can create the kitchen you want. Here are ideas for updating your kitchen’s look, feel, and function.
Cabinet Hardware: A Quick and Easy Update
Adding or changing decorative cabinet hardware is the fastest way to inject some personality into your kitchen (and protect your cabinets’ finish from wear). Don’t worry about making the “right” choice and focus on what you like! Start with a trip to the local big box or hardware store and buy hardware in different sizes and finishes to try holding up your cabinets. If you don’t have any decorative hardware now, then focus on figuring out the size and placement you prefer and if you want all one type or a mix of knobs and pulls. Typically, a longer pull looks more updated (6” is a good starting point). If you already have hardware, measure what you have so you can put the new hardware in the existing holes. Looking at online decorating websites for inspiration is another way to get started. If you’re ready to see more options once you’ve settled on the size, look, and finish, you can confidently shop online with your narrowed parameters.
Backsplash Refresh: A Finishing Touch
A new tile backsplash is another big impact refresh. If you’re happy with your cabinets and counters, then the backsplash is a great finishing touch. In addition to it completing the look, it also makes the kitchen easier to clean. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the choices, try searching for inspirational pictures online of kitchens with similarly colored cabinets and counters as yours. Rectangular-shaped “subway” tiles are a good starting point and come in many types, colors, and sizes. Don’t forget to be thoughtful about the installation pattern and the grout color.
Increase Functionality with Smart Storage
Increasing the functionality of your kitchen is a great summer refresh. At Kitchen Tune-Up we recommend starting with a big cabinet clean-out. Assess what you have, and what you use, and consider if everything is stored in the most convenient way possible. Once you know what’s staying, then look at your storage with fresh eyes. Can you add a trash pull-out to a base cabinet that was holding an old blender you never used? Can you add pull-out trays to a pantry or cabinet, so dry goods and pots aren’t lost at the back? Can you add a spice pull-out or convert a drawer to hold your spices near your range so it’s easier to have what you need at your fingertips? Seemingly small changes like these are often a part of Kitchen Tune-Up projects and help make a kitchen feel like new!
New Lighting for a Fresh Look
New kitchen lighting is another way to update the style and increase functionality. Undercabinet LED strip lights are easily installed by an electrician and make a huge difference in the overall quality and amount of light you have for cooking. They also help show off all those other updates you’re making! Replacing outdated pendant lights and surface-mounted fixtures is another way to freshen up your space. Beautiful light fixtures are available in a wide range of prices.
Cabinet Transformations: Repainting, Redooring, or Refacing
There’s also painting, redooring, or refacing your cabinets. Give us a week and you will have a completely updated and refreshed kitchen without sacrificing prime entertaining time with your family and friends. At Kitchen Tune-Up we want to help you make the most of your home. We would love the opportunity to see your kitchen, show you door and hardware samples, and create a plan to update and upgrade your space to meet your needs. Contact us today for a free design appointment and estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My kitchen needs a makeover, but I’m on a tight budget. What can I do?
A: No worries! You don't need a ton of cash to give your kitchen a facelift. Swapping out your cabinet hardware or adding a new coat of paint can bring your kitchen to life even on a tight budget. Adding a new backsplash or even spending some time decluttering and reorganizing can make a huge difference.
Q: There are so many backsplash options to choose from, what do I do?
A: trying to land on a backsplash and feel overwhelming. A great way to get unstuck is to look at backsplash ideas online, make a short list of your top 5 favorites, and then whittle them down from there.