Even if your kitchen really is “experienced,” it doesn’t have to look old. We don’t all have a big budget for major renovations, but these six easy and affordable fixes can ensure that your kitchen functions well and looks good, too.
1. Microwave on the Counter
A microwave sitting on the counter is not only a dead giveaway to the time since your last upgrade, it’s also a pretty easy fix. By moving it to where it belongs, within the line of upper cabinetry, it will expand the size of your kitchen by two and a half feet, at least on the counter-top. You probably have a hood above your range that holds a fan and light, which your new microwave will also have. For about $200, you can get a nice microwave that has features such as the all important magic popcorn button. For a little more, you can get the wonderful convection feature, that expands your cooking range, even browning meats and cooking breads without turning them to rubber.
2. The Old Refrigerator
If your fridge is over ten years old, not only will a new one provide a style update, but an energy lift as well. According to one source, an older refrigerator might be costing you from $100/year to $280/year to operate than a newer model. Replacing it with an energy efficient model can pay for itself in just a couple of years.
3. Black Plastic Toe Kick
A black plastic toe kick is possibly the least expensive of the outdated signs to fix. Tpically these plastic “moldings” were installed over vinyl floors to give a finished look at the edge of the cabinets. If yours is old enough, it may already be peeling away from the bottom of your cabinets. Order replacement moulding to match your cabinet wood color and finish through your local home improvement center, cut it to size, and affix with heavy duty adhesive, such as Liquid Nails.
4. No Back-splash
No back-splash, or counter-top back-splash that sticks up two inches above your laminate counter, is outdated. Tile back-splashes can add beautiful color and life to any kitchen. This is a relatively new trend, but most stone and engineered counters (Corian and similar) are installed flush to the wall, and the back-splash is installed to meet it at a 90 degree angle.
5. Outdated Knobs
No hardware or outdated knobs are the absolute easiest way to update your kitchen. If you already have hardware, then a simple screwdriver is all you need to make a switch. Many builder’s grade kitchens never had hardware at all. But even if you have to drill holes, use a template to ensure hardware gets mounted in the same spot on every cabinet, and enjoy a finished look that compliments your style and decor.
6. Mismatched Appliances
Mismatched appliances scream outdated. While many people look for stainless steel, these are not the only color choices. White, bisque, and black are still available. However, if your kitchen is sporting three or four different appliance finishes, it won’t have a pulled together look. Consider replacing older appliances (see item number 2 above), ordering front panels to match for some appliances, or possibly painting appliance front panels with specialty appliance paint to bring a consistent look to the whole kitchen.
Sure, it would be nice to have more square footage, a butler’s pantry, or marble counters, but if those things aren’t in line with your kitchen, maybe some of these more modest changes will update your space.
Photo Credits: ©HeartWork Organizing
