A kitchen is one of, if not the most frequented place in any household. We spend a lot of time opening the same cabinets, using the same countertops, and operating the same equipment. That’s why if you want to avoid “kitchen fatigue” you need to switch it up every so often.
I’m not just talking about rearranging your table and a few items, either. A little remodeling can go a long way towards making you feel like you’re living in a totally different house.
For those of you who want to break the monotony and freshen things up in your kitchen, here are 7 kitchen design and remodeling ideas to help you do just that.
Interior Design By: Urbane Design
- Replace Outdated Flooring
Kitchen flooring styles are very quick to change and can often feel dated. One of the best ways to bring new life into your kitchen is by replacing the flooring. There are a lot of great materials available to the modern homeowner when considering a flooring upgrade. Natural stone is a timeless option, while vinyl is budget- friendly resilient and comes in a wide array of colors. One of the most popular trends in open floor plan kitchen is to install hardwood flooring. Wood floors look amazing and offer natural vitality to a home that is unrivaled in texture, uniqueness and distinction. Many homeowners go with a reclaimed wood accent for extra personality, or keep it modern with American or European-style wood floors. Consider grey wood flooring over a natural wood finish for a modern design.
- Revamp Your Cabinets
Cabinets are prone to wear and tear, so a quick and inexpensive way to give them a makeover is with a fresh coat of stain or paint. Hiring a professional and using a high-quality paint means that your cabinets will look brand new and will endure the test of time. If you’re doing multiple remodeling projects in your kitchen, choose a color that meshes well with your floors, ceiling, and appliances — remember that staying neutral is usually a good idea here. This is an easy and affordable way to freshen up your kitchen.
- Add Under-Cabinet Lighting
Another way to make your kitchen feel brand new is to add some under-cabinet lighting. A lot of kitchens only have ceiling lights and under-stove lights, so adding some bright new lighting in new areas will not only look better, it will serve a functional purpose as well. Some popular choices for new under-cabinet lighting include puck lights, xenon fixtures, fluorescent fixtures, LED fixtures, and LED strip lights.
Some of these options such as LED fixtures, puck lights, and xenon fixtures are dimmable, which is great for adjusting the atmosphere of your kitchen depending on the occasion, or your mood. Others like LED strip lights and fluorescent fixtures are brighter, making them less likely to leave “dead spots” around your kitchen.
- Update All Hardware
Updating many small things at once is also a very effective way to make your kitchen feel brand new. Change out your cabinet handles, kitchen faucets, light fixtures, and anything else that can be easily removed and replaced. For maximum style points, choose a theme or color and stick with it for everything you replace.
- Choose a Durable Countertop
Countertops take a lot of abuse, especially if they’re made out of wood and plastic, marble, or other softer materials. Quartz is an amazing choice here because it resembles, and arguably surpasses the beauty of marble while being more durable and stain-resistant. Because quartz countertops are man made, they offer more control of the styles and patterns. With granite, though, you get a completely natural material which often makes your counter very unique. The debate of quartz vs marble countertops doesn’t comprehensively represent your options here, though. New materials like solid surfaces are rising in popularity. Solid surface countertop colors are unmatched in options, and their durability is rated very highly. If you want a truly unique and innovative material, this could be a good choice.
- Invest in a Multipurpose Island
This is another way to make you feel like you have walked into a completely different home. Adding a multipurpose island is great for introducing more seating space for bigger families or families who like to have guests over. It can also serve as a bonus space for you to cook, store wine, or anything else that comes to mind.
- Add an Accent Wall
If you have the space, or you’re willing to make the space for it, adding an accent wall will totally change the look and feel of your kitchen. Stone, brick, or reclaimed wood wall paneling make for a personalized touch that will impress dinner guests and make you smile every time you step into the kitchen.
Your Options Are Endless.
When it comes to spicing up your kitchen with some new design and remodeling ideas, any of the 7 mentioned here should do the trick. Of course, you might want to combine a few of them, depending on how brand-new you want your kitchen to feel. New lighting, flooring, hardware, cabinet colors, or countertops can bring a totally new style and flair to your kitchen while also giving you improved functionality.
Adding a multipurpose island or an accent wall can also really change up the dynamic of your kitchen, allowing you to give it new life and enjoy countless hours of cooking and family interaction for years to come.
Written By: Matt Lee
