Most of us have a vision of what our dream kitchen should look like. That urge to revamp and renovate comes every once in a while. However, it is often the case that full renovations don’t fit your available budget. And it’s no surprise, seeing that the average value of renovated kitchens in Australia is around $25,000. Although it is expected that renovation activities will increase in 2019 and 2020, luckily there are still ways to make your kitchen look fresh without breaking the bank. Here’s how to do that:
Replace Old Hardware
Replacing your old cabinet hardware is one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to make a visible change in your kitchen. Removing the outdated and installing new handles is a task for which you don’t have to hire anyone. Even a novice DIY-er can tackle this job without worry. Maybe go with brushed nickel or brass hardware, which are growing in popularity over the last couple of years, and are easy to fit with stainless steel appliances.
Fresh Paint Job on the Cabinets
If you’re willing to dedicate a weekend, or a couple of afternoons, painting your cabinets can be a great way to add new life to your kitchen, without spending a fortune. All it takes is a couple of cans of paint and some effort, and you’ll have what it seems like a brand new kitchen in front of you! That being said, it is quite a bit of work, so see for yourself whether you’re ready to get your hands dirty. However, putting all on paper and seeing how much money you’ll save if you don’t buy and install new ones, will most likely compel you to pick up a brush.
Get a New Sink
Kitchen sink design has come a long way, and there are now countless styles and materials you could choose from. Self-rimming, drop-in sinks made of stainless steel are among the most popular sinks in Australia, while undermount and farmhouse sinks are growing steadily in popularity. If you aim to find the best kitchen sinks in Sydney, make sure to contact trusted professionals, who will help you find what best suits your needs.
Paint the Walls
Even if your cabinets are up to your taste, you could refresh and liven the atmosphere by splashing a new color on the walls. You could pick a color from numerous lighter or darker hues, as long as it matches your cabinets. Changing wall color once a year can set a whole new mood to the kitchen. All you need is a painting brush and some paint, and you’re ready to go!
Shop for Appliances
Getting new kitchen appliances can make a huge difference in your kitchen. Not only will they refresh the look of the space, but you’ll also save money on energy consumption, seeing that old appliances eat away electricity. So, observe and decide which machines you have the most issues with, and replace them. However, make sure you don’t go over budget. It’s easy to get distracted when shopping. The best way to go about this is to avoid expensive designer brands and buy the stuff on sale in your local store. You might even choose some used appliances if you’re up to it.
Consider Open Shelves
Open shelving has been one of the most popular kitchen trends in Australia over the last couple of years. Seeing that this trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, you might think about putting some up on your walls. They are especially great if you have a wall in your kitchen that needs to be filled. Open shelves are not just aesthetically pleasing, but also truly practical, providing you with easy access to all your kitchen items.
A New Backsplash
Backsplashes are often a centerpiece of a kitchen. So, getting a new one can dramatically change the look and feel of the whole space. Luckily, replacing old tiles or adding a new backsplash if you didn’t have one is not so hard to do. The best thing about changing a backsplash is the number of options available to you. You can go with simple tile, marble, glass or even wallpaper. If you’re really up to some DIY work, you can make a backsplash out of recycled wood. You only have to make sure that the material you’re using is water and dirt resistant.
Add Different Lighting
Lighting probably has a massive role in what vibe space gives, and it’s no different with kitchens. A general rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t install dim lights in the kitchen and that the warmer lighting is always a better choice, as it can make the room look larger than it is. You can get great deals on light fixtures in any home improvement store. If you’re up to adding more detail to your kitchen, think about hanging some pendant lights over the kitchen island, since they have been a popular trend for a while now.
Remodeling any room in your house can give you a headache, not only because of the money it requires but also for the time it takes to finish. And kitchen revamping is one of the most challenging tasks a homeowner could face. Luckily, there are many excellent, cost-effective ways to add a new spark to your kitchen. You just have to be a little creative, and know what you want!
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Bio: Patrick Adams is a freelance writer and rock-blues fan. When he is not writing about home improvement, he loves to play chess, watch basketball, and play his guitar. More than anything, he loves to spend his time in his garage, repairing appliances and creating stuff from wood.
