Many people dream of remodeling their kitchens with sleek new appliances, functional cupboards and gleaming countertops. However, even if you don’t have the money and time to commit to a top-to-bottom overhaul, sprucing things up can go a long way to make your kitchen feel brand-new. All you need is a little creativity and some free time to complete these simple kitchen upgrades you can make over the weekend.
Restyle Your Kitchen Hardware
Some people balk at the slightest mention of hardware, assuming it automatically means an exhausting job ahead. Luckily, you don’t have to totally replace your existing cabinets to achieve the finishing touch that’ll make your kitchen the envy of visitors. Finding the perfect cabinet hardware will enhance their appeal in no time.
Knobs and Pulls
Replacing cabinet knobs or pulls can give your kitchen cabinets an entirely new look without breaking the bank. If you want a minimalist-style or contemporary kitchen, your choices here can make a massive difference. Knobs come in several styles — from round, oval or mushroom-shaped to conical or cylindrical ones. There are even novelty knobs that will fit perfectly with your desired kitchen theme.
Perfect that sleek, modern look you’ve had on your Pinterest board with a few quick upgrades. In this case, consider bar, cup or finger cabinet pulls to create the perfect aesthetic. You could even mix knobs and pulls to section off different parts of your kitchen. Think about it — you could install functional pulls on the cabinets you access most, like your dish cupboards and silverware drawers, and knobs on the nearby island.
Cabinet Faces
If you want to get creative, invest in skin panels for your cabinet doors to give them a brand-new face. This option is slightly pricier than replacing only the cabinet handles, but paneling can make a world of difference if your kitchen cabinets are unfinished or have old scratches and scuff marks you can’t remove.
Skin panels will only work on sturdy, plumb and properly aligned cabinets, so you should find a friend with DIY experience to help you fit them over the weekend. It’s a quick job compared to replacing or refinishing cabinets, but remember to factor in the weight that the panels’ standard quarter-inch thickness will add to your cabinet’s doors.
You could also refinish your cabinets, but this will take longer and involve cleaning, sanding and priming them. If you have an old kitchen with original cabinets, the finish might contain lead and require handling with professional know-how.
Kitchen Islands
If you don’t already have an island in your kitchen, it’s a worthy addition that provides an extra preparation space or seating area. Homeowners with kitchen islands seldom regret having them, as they are attractive and convenient. However, adding one to your kitchen can come with a hefty price tag.
Adding a kitchen island won’t take forever, as many retailers sell them ready-to-use. Custom-built ones are more expensive, so weigh your options before deciding. You could also invest in a ready-to-assemble preparation table and top it with a wood, stainless steel or granite countertop. It all depends on the style and aesthetic you want for your kitchen.
If your kitchen already has an island, you can repaint it to fit in better with your kitchen’s appeal and intrinsic style. Yes, you’ll need some DIY skills to make the result look good, but the task is quick enough to complete over a weekend if you’re handy around the house.
Get creative with your hardware upgrades to design a practical, attractive cabinet look that complements the rest of your kitchen.
Add a Backsplash
A backsplash is an attractive and functional addition to any kitchen. You can run your backsplash up the entire wall to the ceiling or only add a few inches.
Cooking and food preparation can be messy. Every household cook can recall a time when bubbling marinara sauce escaped its pot or frying grease splattered the stove. Backsplashes prevent oil, water and other everyday messes from damaging your walls. They are exceptional additions behind stoves and sinks. A backsplash also provides decorative appeal — you can add one to any wall in your kitchen for decorative and practical reasons.
Peel-and-stick tiled backsplashes in various colors, styles and patterns offer many options to complement your kitchen’s look. Because they are DIY-friendly, you can efficiently complete the task over a weekend. If you’re willing to invest more in a backsplash, use tinted glass for a modern look or choose cork, stones, seashells or wooden backsplashes for rustic appeal. If you’re a creative type, you can even design your own.
Brighten the Room
Brightening your kitchen makes it a more pleasant place to be. Consider how to improve the room’s existing light sources. Upgrading could be as simple as opening the blinds to allow extra sunlight or repainting your kitchen walls in a sunnier shade.
Using lighter colors on your walls immediately brightens the room as more light reflects off them. Decluttering your countertops also allows more natural light reflection, while adding mirrors or sections of mirror tiles will bounce light throughout the kitchen. Also, consider your existing kitchen lighting — replace globes with brighter ones or add attractive lamps to illuminate dark corners and enhance the room’s ambience. Lastly, consider replacing curtains with blinds or a translucent shade.
Add Personality
Adding niche items can be a unique upgrade that reflects your love of cooking. Look at your available space and decide whether a pot rack displaying your best kitchenware suits your ideal style. Fitting a butcher block over extra counter space is a handy and functional addition to any kitchen. These two ideas will likely suit your kitchen perfectly if you’re creating a rustic atmosphere.
Otherwise, floating shelves give contemporary kitchens a modern look with a splash of personality, but it may require eliminating unneeded cabinets. Choosing hanging plants or including some potted herbs on shelves or window ledges will bring a freshness and naturally homey ambience to your kitchen. Plants also brighten any room with greenery.
Thoughtfully chosen decor can take your kitchen’s personality to the next level, making the space feel even more like your own. A vintage sign or framed food-themed artwork can reinforce a farmhouse or retro aesthetic. Displaying unique items, such as a hand-crafted sword mounted on the wall, can serve as an unexpected statement piece, blending history and character into the space. A decorative bowl of seasonal fruit, an artisanal ceramic vase, or a sculptural candle holder can also provide stylish yet functional accents.
Upgrade Your Kitchen This Weekend
There’s no time like the present. If your weekend is free, decide which upgrades you want to implement and get going. You may need more time for a complete kitchen makeover, but even minor changes will give you a sense of accomplishment. Start fulfilling your kitchen dreams at a pace that allows you to return to work refreshed but still knowing you’ve achieved something fantastic.
