Renew Your Kitchen Without a Redo
Show the heart of your home some loving with these easy updates that don't involve construction rubble
Louise O'Bryan
12 November 2016
Houzz Contributor with over 15 years as an interiors writer, stylist and content producer for digital and print media. Specialising in house tours, room renovations and decorating solutions, my previous clients include Inside Out (Aus), Ideal Home, The Times weekend supplement and Sainsbury's magazine. I never tire from the thrill of discovering a jaw-dropping, inspirational home to feature and having an insight into other people's spaces. Call me curious or just nosey!
Houzz Contributor with over 15 years as an interiors writer, stylist and content... More
Desperate to add some personality to your mundane kitchen? Eager to liven up your family’s central hub and encourage interaction? Here are some useful hints and tips that will help freshen up your existing kitchen cupboards and walls, without the mess or cost of removing and replacing them. We’re talking a new lick of paint, upgrading to some gorgeous accessories, or maybe even some new light fittings. And the result? A stunning, rejuvenated space that will put a new spring in the step of everyone who uses it.
Be daring with paint
The easiest and quickest way of updating a kitchen is to paint the walls – even a DIY novice can have a go. Extend a dark and dramatic paint colour up to the ceiling and you’ll be astounded by the contemporary impact it will have on units that have seen better days. Create further interesting contrasts by hanging eye-catching objects that will leap out against the deep coloured wall.
The easiest and quickest way of updating a kitchen is to paint the walls – even a DIY novice can have a go. Extend a dark and dramatic paint colour up to the ceiling and you’ll be astounded by the contemporary impact it will have on units that have seen better days. Create further interesting contrasts by hanging eye-catching objects that will leap out against the deep coloured wall.
Go beyond bland and opt for a zesty jump-out-at-you tone that will make heads turn. Using a bright tone that contrasts with neutral units will make a modern statement and keep the room fresh faced for longer. If you have plain white cabinetry, the colour world is your oyster. Experiment with a few shades before picking the one that works with the floor finish and any adjoining spaces, such as a dining room or play area.
How to create instant open shelving
How to create instant open shelving
Colour the base units
If you can’t add paint to your walls, consider updating the units with a new lick of colour instead. By using a darker shade on the base units and a lighter tone on the walls, the room will feel bright and spacious, as well as on trend.
If you can’t add paint to your walls, consider updating the units with a new lick of colour instead. By using a darker shade on the base units and a lighter tone on the walls, the room will feel bright and spacious, as well as on trend.
Pop in some shades that make you smile
Wake up the senses with happy colours. If you have an adjoining eating area, paint the wall between the two zones to create a cheerful breakfast spot. You can then continue this playful, light-hearted ambience into the cooking space by painting bar stools in similarly sunny shades that harmonise with the wall colour.
Wake up the senses with happy colours. If you have an adjoining eating area, paint the wall between the two zones to create a cheerful breakfast spot. You can then continue this playful, light-hearted ambience into the cooking space by painting bar stools in similarly sunny shades that harmonise with the wall colour.
Apply good cover up
Thanks to advancements in manufacturing, tile paint is now more effective and hard wearing, making it a great alternative to re-tiling. Tile paint can also be tinted to your preferred shade, giving you plenty of options for a wonderful new splashback. A grout pen can then be used to refresh the lines if you want to replicate the look of tiles, or simply paint over the tiled area for a fresh wall of colour.
Budget-friendly updates for your kitchen
Thanks to advancements in manufacturing, tile paint is now more effective and hard wearing, making it a great alternative to re-tiling. Tile paint can also be tinted to your preferred shade, giving you plenty of options for a wonderful new splashback. A grout pen can then be used to refresh the lines if you want to replicate the look of tiles, or simply paint over the tiled area for a fresh wall of colour.
Budget-friendly updates for your kitchen
On the flipside, you may want to introduce some standout tiles to add drama to white units. The trend for patchwork tiles is huge right now, but if you’re not a fan of intense colours, stick with mismatched tiles in the same subtle tones, such as blue or grey. This way you’ll still create an eclectic look but with a calmer and quieter effect.
Chronicle Books
Wow with wallpaper
Decorating with wallpaper in the kitchen can have its downsides thanks to the effects of moisture and cooking splatters. However, if you have a well-ventilated room and you only wallpaper a small area away from the stovetop, this decorating tool is guaranteed to change your kitchen dramatically. Just wait for the ‘wows’.
Hanging wallpaper in the kitchen
Decorating with wallpaper in the kitchen can have its downsides thanks to the effects of moisture and cooking splatters. However, if you have a well-ventilated room and you only wallpaper a small area away from the stovetop, this decorating tool is guaranteed to change your kitchen dramatically. Just wait for the ‘wows’.
Hanging wallpaper in the kitchen
Add striking lighting
Whether you invest in a stunning designer light fitting or you’re simply hanging an elegant pendant, a feature light will make a big change to the overall scheme by bringing in a renewed focus. The key is to go big and interesting for maximum impact.
Whether you invest in a stunning designer light fitting or you’re simply hanging an elegant pendant, a feature light will make a big change to the overall scheme by bringing in a renewed focus. The key is to go big and interesting for maximum impact.
Upgrade hardware
New door handles or drawer pulls can not only uplift cabinets and drawers, they can change the style of a space in an instant. For example, stainless-steel cup handles will convey some country charm, while sleek, timber handles will conjure a pared-down Scandi look.
New door handles or drawer pulls can not only uplift cabinets and drawers, they can change the style of a space in an instant. For example, stainless-steel cup handles will convey some country charm, while sleek, timber handles will conjure a pared-down Scandi look.
Super-style your accessories
For a touch of homey charm and warming nostalgia, declutter and restyle your benchtops with handcrafted beauties, such as ceramic milk jugs and chopping boards. A carefully curated and considered display will show off your styling skills and detract attention from your not-so-favourite features in the space.
For a touch of homey charm and warming nostalgia, declutter and restyle your benchtops with handcrafted beauties, such as ceramic milk jugs and chopping boards. A carefully curated and considered display will show off your styling skills and detract attention from your not-so-favourite features in the space.
Pretty it up with plants
Low effort but high impact, indoor plants add colour, shape, elegance and comfort, all in one go. Pick a spot that will show the plant off to its very best and your kitchen will feel replenished with a new lease of life and energy.
Low effort but high impact, indoor plants add colour, shape, elegance and comfort, all in one go. Pick a spot that will show the plant off to its very best and your kitchen will feel replenished with a new lease of life and energy.
Create wonder walls of fun
A great way of disguising or adding interest to a splashback area is by turning it into a wall of art. Stick up your children’s crafty creations and you’ll have a room packed with personality, not to mention endless conversation starters.
A great way of disguising or adding interest to a splashback area is by turning it into a wall of art. Stick up your children’s crafty creations and you’ll have a room packed with personality, not to mention endless conversation starters.
Pep up the floorboards
Painting floorboards in a noticeable colour has the same effect as adding a bold rug to a room. A rich, dark tone anchors the kitchen, giving it a cohesive feel that ties all the elements of the space together. Painting boards in a dark colour, such as black, also adds glamour and sophistication as they resemble luxurious woods such as wenge.
TELL US
How have you updated your kitchen without renovating? Share your tips in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more kitchen ideas
Painting floorboards in a noticeable colour has the same effect as adding a bold rug to a room. A rich, dark tone anchors the kitchen, giving it a cohesive feel that ties all the elements of the space together. Painting boards in a dark colour, such as black, also adds glamour and sophistication as they resemble luxurious woods such as wenge.
TELL US
How have you updated your kitchen without renovating? Share your tips in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more kitchen ideas
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I love a bit of colour but no matter how many times I see the pink floral wallpaper on the walls of that pink/red kitchen, I hate it even more. Have seen similar kitchens on the English show 60 minute makeover & I cringe every time. As for pink kitchen, no way. No pink kitchens for me.
There are so many "internal" renovations you can do to your kitchen cabinets that you'll LOVE! For example, remove adjustable shelves & add pull out storage. You'll actually gain more storage area (usually 30% more) and find everything at the back of the cabinet. The below stainless steel baskets are DIY friendly. Here is a great article showing how to maximise storage. http://tansel.com.au/maximise-space-for-pantry-storage/