Kitchens are one of the most important rooms in the home, mainly because of how often they are used.
Homeowners remodel their kitchens for many reasons:
- tired of the outdated look;
- lack of space;
- They want to make room for new appliances;
- want to make cooking easier for an elderly or disabled family member;
- planning to sell their home and want to get the best price.
Every homeowner’s renovation situation is unique, with different goals and budgets. Here are a number of ideas for updating or replacing cabinets and storage space.
Inexpensive kitchen renovation: repainting
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to achieve an updated look for your kitchen. If your cabinets are in good condition, you can repaint them. If you have a typical suburban kitchen built in the 1960s or 70s, you may have dark wood cabinets that scream “TOO OLD!”
First, paint your dark cabinets and doors a bright white to make them look clean and fresh (remove the doors first). Don’t forget to degrease, sand and prime so that the paint adheres well. Replace archaic hardware with modern designs. You can buy new silver, black or glass handles and paint the old hinges with silver or black spray enamel, with significant savings compared to buying new hinges.
Repaint the ceiling to hide the dullness left by years of cooking. Freshen up the walls by removing the wallpaper and painting them in a grey-brown or trendy bright orange colour. Upgrade your lighting with a 4 or 6-light ceiling light.
You’ll be amazed at the difference this inexpensive upgrade makes. If you do the job yourself, you’ll spend less than $200-$250, including halogen bulbs.
If you’re on a very tight budget or planning to sell your home, this will give you the most bang for your buck.
Repair the cabinet doors
Alternatively, you can take the doors, finished or not, to a woodworking shop where they will install glass panels in them. You will need to paint or polish the edges of the wood that are cut in the process.
Reface your cabinets
Refacing means replacing all cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new wood finishes in a new style. The existing cabinet frame is covered with a matching veneer and the pulls and hinges are replaced. The installation takes a few days. The results are similar to installing new cabinets – except that the number or size of your cabinets does not change, although you can add an island in the same style if you have the space.
Replacing the worktop costs about 30% less and requires less effort than replacing the cabinets.
Replace the cabinets with standard cabinets
Home improvement stores as well as specialty stores sell assembled and disassembled kitchen cabinets in specific sizes, woods, and styles. You can add cabinets where you have special needs, but don’t expect to be able to match existing cabinets in style or colour.
Order customised cabinets
Call a custom cabinetry specialist or kitchen remodelling contractor for a complete kitchen renovation. Kitchen remodelers offer design as well as construction services. They can provide new layouts, lighting, windows and skylights, flooring and countertops, and custom cabinetry.
Add a kitchen island
If you have the space, you can install a kitchen island to gain more storage and cooking space. Islands can be purchased in many sizes, styles and wood finishes, as well as with granite, composite or wood countertops.
Add a kitchen trolley with wheels
A popular alternative to an island is a trolley on wheels, which serves as additional storage space and a work surface. Ideal for a portable induction hob, microwave or other appliance (depending on its height and storage space), it can be rolled out whenever needed.
So now you know how to improve the dated look of your kitchen on a small budget.
If you do choose a contractor for any part of your kitchen renovation, be sure to check references. Make sure you understand exactly what the contractor will do, what the cost of the renovation will be, and what the contractor will do if you are unhappy with any part of the result.
Then, look at more specific design options to help you decide what your dream kitchen will look like, so that you get the most out of your kitchen in the long run.
