Little things that can make a huge difference to your kitchen
If you have a kitchen that desperately needs some fixing up but you don’t have the budget to completely renovate, here are some tips on changes that can make a big difference. We’ll start with the least expensive items and work our way to some that are a bit pricey.
Paint, Kitchen Window Coverings and Lighting
Three improvements that can have a huge impact on the look of your kitchen are paint, window treatments and the lights in your kitchen. Paint seems like a pretty obvious change, and it is.
Painting the Kitchen
Painting can take a drab room and make it vibrant. It can take an overpowering room and make it cozy. It can take an overly white room and give it warmth. You get the picture. Spending some time and energy picking out a color that you love is worth the effort. Take my advice, look at a whole bunch of magazines to get an idea of color schemes that you like and then try to match up the color with swatches. It is really easy to think that a swatch will be a great color and then it ends up too dark, too pink, too yuck. Luckily, painting is relatively easy so if you do choose a bum color you can paint again. But it’s better to do it right the first time.
Windows
You have a big selection when it comes to window coverings. Drapes are one item that can soften up a room tremendously. If your kitchen is very linear or boxy, curtains can give it a luxurious touch. A hint with kitchen drapes; choose ones that are washable. You can guarantee some splashes and splatters once in a while.
If adding some softness isn’t your problem, consider wood or aluminum blinds. Wood blinds are usually chunky and are good if your kitchen can handle some heavy lines. Vertical blinds blend in well with contemporary kitchen looks. Many varieties of vertical blinds can be washed (ie – polyvinyl) and this is a definite plus in the kitchen. If you have a small kitchen, choosing blinds with small slats can help your kitchen look larger than it is.
Lighting
Improving the lighting in your kitchen area can make a world of difference. What was once an ordinary space can become extraordinary. Light has a profound effect on our view as well as our moods. Your kitchen will seem more open and inviting. Most lighting options are relatively inexpensive, and these days you can find some very funky and fun fixtures even at stores such as Home Depot or Wal-Mart.
Changes such as these will freshen up and add new life to your kitchen even if you can’t give it a major overhaul at this point in time.