When every penny counts, it is important to select projects that will make a significant impact for the least amount of money possible. This is true regardless of whether you plan to invest your sweat equity in a complete kitchen remodel or hope to make a few quick changes over the course of the weekend. If you are willing to get your hands a little paint-splattered and stay focused on the results you are after (put on blinders when you walk past those $1,000 light fixtures), you can certainly achieve beautiful results on any budget.
There are countless options for bringing your kitchen into the present day, what with the latest design trends showcasing inventive colour combinations, cutting-edge appliances, and practical layouts. Looking for kitchen renovation Melbourne? Look no further? Hitch Property Constructions has you covered.
Swap out hardware
Installing new hardware like pulls and knobs is a quick and easy way to modernise outdated cabinets. Cabinet hardware should be installed at this time if it has not already been done.
Old, rundown kitchens typically have metal fixtures from the 1970s or earlier. It could be time to replace your cabinet knobs and light switches in light of recent innovations in both materials and style. Hardware, pendant lights, and range hoods in matte aluminium, stainless steel, brushed gold, and copper are currently on trend.
Utilizing vintage fixtures is a low-key way to upgrade the room’s aesthetic. Having a large kitchen with numerous cabinets will significantly increase the cost per item.
Check if the price of the knobs and pulls you want is within your budget by counting the ones currently in your kitchen. All around town, you can find stunning jewellery for under ten dollars.
Mix up textures, patterns, and colours
Create a visually interesting space in your kitchen by combining a variety of different materials and textures all over the space. Cabinets in a kitchen with a cream colour, for instance, will automatically lighten the room while also adding an appealing contrast to appliances that are stainless steel. Install some chic drapes with a lively pattern in your kitchen window if you are in the fortunate position of having a window there.
To create a high-contrast look, paint only half of the cabinets. A kitchen that has a colour scheme of black and white with accents of wood and metal looks streamlined and contemporary. To achieve this look, paint only the bottom cabinets and the base of your kitchen island black, while leaving the upper cabinets their original white colour.
Show off cherished collectibles.
Your kitchen is a great place to add personal touches that reflect your lifestyle. Plant shelves allow homeowners to display plants, artwork, and other decorative items. Built-in shelves below your kitchen island can display kitchenware, cookbooks, or heirloom china. Flowers and lemons add colour.
Use the above-window shelving to display your prized antiques. This works well with a vintage island, an apron sink, cherry countertops, and gingham wallpaper.
Display your dinnerware on a rack on your counter rather than in cabinets. Replace parts. It’s important to make the most of small decorating opportunities. Display pantry items with pretty packaging and a woven tray.
Install creative lighting
After modernising your kitchen’s major components, update the lighting. Kitchen lighting is important for safety, ambience, and versatility. If your kitchen has only one overhead light, consider recessed lighting. Install a dimmer switch for versatility when entertaining, cooking, or snacking. Pendant lighting over a kitchen island, under cabinet lighting to illuminate countertops, and chandeliers are updated options.
Pendant lights can become the room’s focal point. Hand-blown glass pendants are beautiful, versatile, and under $200. Traditional glass pendant lights look great with custom cabinetry. Create a sophisticated kitchen with framed, lighted art.
Combine various furniture styles
A daring red-patterned area rug and Windsor stools may be somewhat more expected in the living room of your home; however, placing them in the kitchen can add a whimsical touch to the space. Utilizing boat hardware on your custom cabinetry will make it look even fancier.
Add storage with simple shelves.
Get rid of the top shelves. Walls of upper cabinets were used to store dishes and cookware in older kitchens. A kitchen could be completely overtaken by these cabinets. The removal of the upper cabinets can free up valuable floor space in a kitchen that is otherwise unable to accommodate an expansion. This makes it possible to have sleek open shelves where ornaments and dinnerware can be displayed.
Dishes for everyday use can be shown off on shelves made of rustic wood and mounted on metal brackets. There’s more room for plates and bowls to be displayed on open wall shelves.
Paint
White paint unifies the space. Fresh paint, especially white, modernises a room. One of the worst kitchen offenders? Cupboards! Painting cabinets white can transform your kitchen, but it’s time-consuming.
No new cabinets? Painting and staining kitchen cabinets is a budget-friendly option. You can cover up old wood and dingy cabinets with a bold blue or modern black finish. Distressing doors, painting glazes, and staining can transform old cabinetry into new.
If your kitchen cabinets are outdated or you want a personal touch, add colour. Try pale sage green, duck egg blue, or warm putty – all versatile colours.
Crackle
Color radically transforms. Color can transform plain cabinets into shabby chic, rustic, provincial, or modern ones. Here are our favourite kitchen faux finishes.
“Crackling glaze” gives this weathered finish. Glaze a dry basecoat in one direction (thick for large cracks and thin for fine cracks). Let it dry, then apply a perpendicular base-color flat topcoat. Paint cracks after an hour of drying.
Distressed
This aged and weathered look is achieved by applying multiple coats of paint in varying tones and splattering them randomly over the surface (to mimic fly specks). When the paint is completely dry, you can “distress” the finish by lightly sanding and then striking it with a chain in the areas of the cabinet that get the most use. This will expose the colours that were underneath the paint.
Antiqued
This rustic appearance conjures up images of a surface that has been gradually worn down. To hasten the process of ageing, lightly graze the surface of detail trim, corners, or seams after dipping the tips of a paintbrush in a colour lighter than the cabinets, blotting off the excess onto a cloth until the brush is almost dry, and then dipping the brush back into the lighter colour.
High Gloss
A high-gloss finish will not only resist dirty fingerprints better than any matte (and it is easier to wipe clean), but it will also give the impression that the surface is made of metal or glass, which is ideal for a contemporary environment. Applying a coat of high-gloss clear acrylic varnish over the top of your final coat will give the appearance of a glassy finish while also adding depth to your smooth cabinets.
The floor should be painted. If the condition of your wood floors is not great and you would prefer not to have them refinished by a professional, you could try painting them instead. White is trendy but will show every speck of dust or crumb that falls; pale grey and blue are also timeless colour choices. If you want to express your creative side, you could stencil a pattern onto the freshly painted floors.
Your appliances should be energy-efficient.
In an effort to lessen our individual carbon footprints, many of us are starting with our increasingly antiquated kitchen appliances. Investing in energy-efficient replacements for your home’s current appliances should be a top priority.
Benefiting the environment and your utility bills simultaneously, conserving water and energy is a win-win. Changing out plumbing fixtures, especially in the kitchen, can help save water, as newer models use much less. In addition to improving the room’s aesthetics, updating the kitchen should result in cost savings and reduced environmental impact.
Give people a place to sit.
The kitchen is probably the room in your house that sees the most foot traffic and is also the room in which people are most likely to congregate. The majority of contemporary kitchen designs incorporate seating into the space. Seating can give your kitchen an entirely new look and feel, no matter what type of seating you decide to go with: countertop stools, seats at a breakfast bar, a banquette, or a bench at a table that is situated next to a window. Seating has become an absolute necessity in today’s modern kitchens due to the prevalence of multitasking households in which both parents and children may be engaged in activities simultaneously.
Modernise your countertops
In addition, a significant amount of space in your kitchen is occupied by your kitchen’s countertops. Even though older homes may have work surfaces that are made of inconvenient tile and grout or inexpensive vinyl, there is an almost endless variety of options for countertop surfaces available today.
There is a wide variety of solid surfacing options available, ranging from those made of resin and polymers to those made of natural stones like marble and granite, so there is something to suit everyone’s taste and budget. In the recent past, designers have shown a marked increase in their creative capacity, and they have begun employing the use of high-strength structural materials for countertops. Therefore, you should also include concrete, brick, and tile on your list.
Liven up your walls
Consider painting the walls in a vibrant colour to draw attention to the furniture and artwork already present in the room. In a kitchen designed in the Mediterranean style, this works especially well.
Incorporating these simple and easy updates into your outdated kitchen will instantly modernise it without the hassle of an entire remodel. You will be able to transform your kitchen into a work of art where fun, food, family, and friends can congregate.
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Takedown walls
Having a kitchen that was built decades, if not centuries, ago can make one feel trapped and out of place. If you want your kitchen to feel more open and make the most of the view, you might want to consider knocking down some of the walls that separate it from the adjacent dining room or living room. This technique is useful for walls that do not support any weight and are therefore not load bearing.
You can either make your kitchen bigger by knocking down walls or by opening it up to more of the rest of the house. Though beautiful already, picture how much better your kitchen could be without that pesky wall in the way. Whether or not this is feasible for your kitchen, you may want to discuss it with a structural engineer or an architect.
Hitch Property Constructions has an extensive range of kitchen renovation Melbourne to take the hassle out of deciding the right furniture that matches.
From updating finishes and materials to bringing in colour, illumination, and space – the options abound for your outdated kitchen.
Stick to one special splurge
Have you been daydreaming about granite kitchen countertops but are worried about the price? If you keep your spending under control for everything else but the countertops, it is acceptable to splurge on something more luxurious. For instance, you can save a significant amount of money by utilising off-the-shelf cabinetry and inexpensive tile. Additionally, you can avoid moving the plumbing by maintaining the room’s original layout.
Add a Plate Rack
You have the option of stowing your crockery in a concealed location behind closed doors. Alternately, if they are visually appealing and colourful, you could make a space for them to be displayed, thereby reclaiming valuable storage space and injecting some much-needed colour into your cooking space.
Install a Pull-Out Cabinet Shelf
You can make the most of the storage space that is already available in your kitchen by installing pull-out shelves in at least one of the base cabinets, if not all of them. The shelf is designed to look like a shallow drawer and can be pulled out to provide convenient access to the items that are stored in the back of the cabinet.
Recycle and repurpose
You might want to consider making your kitchen island out of a repurposed counter from a hardware store. Spray painting your existing island pendants can provide an instant update for almost no additional cost at all, making this an excellent suggestion.
Use spots of bold colour
Even though the majority of people are afraid of wild, bold colours or patterns, using them in small places throughout the space can add just the right amount of decor splash. For example, using wild-colored tablecloths, artwork, dish towels, or countertop appliances can add just the right amount of decor splash.
Embrace contrast
Kitchen cabinetry made of solid oak that has been painted black creates a striking contrast with walls made of cream or white planked wood. On the other hand, if you want an even more striking and exciting appearance, you might think about juxtaposing contemporary white cabinets with boldly patterned wallpaper.
Include natural wood accents
A homey and conventional atmosphere is created in a kitchen by combining barn wood beams with a wooden island that is its entirety. Wood is a fail-safe material in any situation.
Indulge in high-end appliances
A kitchen will feel instantly more modern and fresh when it is updated with new appliances. Include a sizable range, a refrigerator made of stainless steel, and marble countertops in your kitchen design if your spending plan permits it.
Install a fun backsplash
If you want to add a lot of style and charm to your kitchen, you should think about getting a backsplash that is fun and colourful. You have a variety of options to choose from in terms of colours, styles, materials, and textures to complement the overall decor of your kitchen.
Add sconces.
Beautiful ambient light can be achieved by installing swing-arm sconces above open shelving; these lights also have more personality than standard recessed or track lighting. In a perfect world, an electrician would instal them so that the cords are concealed, but it may be possible to use plug-in versions that have cord covers that hide the exposed cords.
Mix the new with the old
The use of traditional country charm in the kitchen, such as beadboard cabinetry, an apron-front sink, and a repurposed barn wood island, provides a contrast that is not only warm but also interesting to modern stainless steel appliances.
Work in rustic elements.
A sterile kitchen can be instantly transformed into a homey and inviting space by adding farmhouse accents. Alternately, you could instal a sliding barn door in the kitchen or pantry, suspend copper pots from the ceiling using a rack, or bring in an antique wooden stool that has seen better days.
Install an extra-deep sink
The combination of a sink that is extra deep with convenient open shelving makes it simple to clean up, and it also makes it easy to wash even the largest of pots. The rustic appeal of farmhouse sinks is one of our particular favourites.
Create a cozy spot
The ideal place to sip one’s morning coffee is on a quaint window seat, preferably one that looks out onto a picturesque backyard. To improve the look of the room as a whole, you might try sprinkling it with throw pillows that feature intricate patterns and vivid colours.
Add unforgettable details
Guests are left with a memorable impression thanks to the original hand-carved elaborate scrollwork that surrounds the windows. This is paired with butcher-block island counters that are functional.
Incorporating these simple and easy updates into your outdated kitchen will instantly modernise it without the drama of an entire remodel. In addition, you will be able to transform your kitchen into a work of art where fun, food, family, and friends can gather.
Conclusion
With modern kitchen design trends highlighting unique colour schemes and state-of-the-art appliances, you can update your space in a wide variety of ways. Metal appliances and fixtures from the 1970s and earlier are typical in rundown, older kitchens. Modifying your kitchen to reflect your personality is a great way to improve the space. Homeowners can show off their green thumb and their artistic side by displaying plants and artwork on plant shelves. The kitchen lighting of today must serve multiple purposes, including safety, ambience, and adaptability.
A room can be made more contemporary by using paint, especially white. You can add colour to your kitchen cabinets to make them look newer or to give your kitchen a more individual feel. You can make your old cabinets look brand new by distressing the doors, painting glazes, and staining them. High-gloss coatings create the illusion that the material is glass or metal, making them a great choice for modern interiors. If done correctly, renovating the kitchen can have a positive effect on the environment and the bottom line.
Most modern kitchen layouts include barstools or other seating options. Due to the rise of multitasking households, seating in the kitchen has become a necessity. You can instantly update your kitchen without the hassle of a full remodel by implementing these simple changes. Options for solid surfacing range from man-made materials like resin and polymers to more traditional materials like marble and granite. Pull-out shelves are a great way to make the most of the available space in your kitchen.
An exciting and colourful backsplash can do wonders for the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. Be sure to incorporate luxurious touches like a marble-topped island, stainless steel appliances, and a gas stove. The addition of farmhouse details can turn even the most clinical of kitchens into a warm and welcoming space. When it comes to sinks, we’re big fans of the classic beauty that farmhouse models offer. Incorporating these quick and simple changes will modernise it without the hassle of a complete remodel.
Content Summary
- Swap out hardwareInstalling new hardware like pulls and knobs is a quick and easy way to modernise outdated cabinets.
- Create a visually interesting space in your kitchen by combining a variety of different materials and textures all over the space.
- Show off cherished collectibles.
- Use above-window shelving to display your prized antiques.
- Create a sophisticated kitchen with framed, lighted art.
- Add storage with simple shelves.
- Get rid of the top shelves.
- Painting and staining kitchen cabinets is a budget-friendly option.
- If your kitchen cabinets are outdated or you want a personal touch, add colour.
- Applying a coat of high-gloss clear acrylic varnish over the top of your final coat will give the appearance of a glassy finish while also adding depth to your smooth cabinets.
- The floor should be painted.
- Your appliances should be energy-efficient.
- Investing in energy-efficient replacements for your home’s current appliances should be a top priority.
- Give people a place to sit.
- Modernise your countertopsIn addition, a significant amount of space in your kitchen is occupied by your kitchen’s countertops.
- Consider painting the walls in a vibrant colour to draw attention to the furniture and artwork already present in the room.
- You can either make your kitchen bigger by knocking down walls or by opening it up to more of the rest of the house.
- You can make the most of the storage space that is already available in your kitchen by installing pull-out shelves in at least one of the base cabinets, if not all of them.
- You might want to consider making your kitchen island out of a repurposed counter from a hardware store.
- Install a fun backsplashIf you want to add a lot of style and charm to your kitchen, you should think about getting a backsplash that is fun and colourful.
- The use of traditional country charm in the kitchen, such as beadboard cabinetry, an apron-front sink, and a repurposed barn wood island, provides a contrast that is not only warm but also interesting to modern stainless steel appliances.
- Work in rustic elements.
- A sterile kitchen can be instantly transformed into a homey and inviting space by adding farmhouse accents.
- The combination of a sink that is extra deep with convenient open shelving makes it simple to clean up, and it also makes it easy to wash even the largest of pots.
- Create a cozy spotThe ideal place to sip one’s morning coffee is on a quaint window seat, preferably one that looks out onto a picturesque backyard.
FAQs About kitchen renovation
What is out of style in kitchens?
Even a mostly-white kitchen can be very stylish. It’s the all-white design that is falling out of style. Once considered the standard for kitchen design, the all-white option-with white flooring, white countertops, white cabinets, and white fixtures-has become a bit passé after being overdone for the past decade.
What kitchen cabinets are timeless?
The two most timeless colors of all, are white, and black. No one can deny the appeal of bright white cabinets streaming across a kitchen, they lighten the entire room and give it an airy, refreshing ambience. Likewise, black cabinets are equally timeless.
Why does everyone have a white kitchen?
White has been around for multiple design shifts. It’s always a clean, fresh look for a cozy coastal getaway place or a quick freshen up for an old kitchen until it can be remodeled. White is a great way to ground wood accents or a dramatic wall color. A mix of light and dark colors adds interest to a room.
What is the most timeless countertop?
Slate, soapstone, and honed granite are timeless materials for countertop and backsplash, for houses of almost any period. This marble look-alike surface material from Okite is a compound of natural quartz and resin, which complements this period-style kitchen.
Is granite going out of style?
The short answer is NO: granite won’t become dated because it’s a 100% natural material. Wood, stone, plants-these things don’t go out of style. The colors and pattern in each slab of granite were brought together without human intervention long before there were even such a thing as design trends.