Simple Kitchen Upgrades You Probably Didn't Know You Need

Kitchen remodeling can be costly.

19:59 15 September 2020

The average ones can make you shell out more than $20,000. If you opt for a high-end, remodel then be prepared to spend at least $50,000. This is just how expensive a kitchen remodel is. So, if you do not have enough budget, yet it is best to just go for simple kitchen upgrades that do not require you to splurge a hefty amount. Kitchen upgrades can be a wise option regardless of whether you own the same kitchen for decades, or you have just been handed the keys to your new home. Here are some simple kitchen upgrades you probably didn't know you needed.

 

Maximize Your Kitchen Storage Space

 

Maximizing your storage space is a must, especially if your kitchen is not spacious enough. Kitchen upgrades are better done with custom cabinetry as it gives you the chance to design the cabinet in a way that perfectly fits the space you have. You will also be able to choose cabinet hardware that matches the interior design of your kitchen. Every inch of your storage space will be taken into consideration if you opt for customized cabinetry. The experts will also be guiding you right from the very first step of choosing the design of the cabinet and the color of the material to choose from. 

 

Provide a Charging Station

 

When things get too busy in the kitchen, many people will opt to charge their smartphones, tablets, and any other gadgets in the kitchen. However, this could increase the risk of one’s gadgets being accidentally splashed with water or getting dirty from a spilled sauce. This is when the need to earmark some space in your kitchen for a charging station. This is also a good idea if you have kids who tend to argue over free outlet space. With this charging station in your kitchen, they’d never have to look for any other places in the house where they could charge their gadgets. Make sure you have enough outlets, chargers, and space where everybody can put their gadgets so that there will be no more fighting over who got there first!

 

Conceal Your Appliances

 

Concealing your appliances behind cabinetry can do wonders in making your kitchen look clutter-free and stunning at the same time. When you camouflage your refrigerator or dishwasher behind beautiful uniformed cabinetry, you won’t have to worry about whether your refrigerator is steel or not. When designing your cabinetry, just make sure that it matches with all the other furniture in the kitchen. 

 

Uneven Counter Heights

 

This is a simple kitchen upgrade, and yet not many people are aware of its importance. However, this is a very useful upgrade for households who have little kids still learning to bake. You may install a counter over your kitchen shelves and see to it that its height is tall enough for kids to reach and comfortably perform baking tasks. You can have medium-height countertops, which you can also use as a buffet counter during special occasions. On the other hand, a countertop that is higher in terms of height is also just as useful when parents need to put their laptop and check their emails. It can also double as a place where older kids can do their assignments. 

 

Allow More Natural Light

 

One of the best ways to make this possible is to create large windows. This may seem a bit costly, especially if your kitchen only has small windows. But this can greatly transform your kitchen into something that not only looks spacious but feels spacious as well, no matter how limited your space is. Adding large windows can truly make your kitchen feel brand new. Also, you can now have a clear view of your garden outside. Welcoming more natural light to your kitchen also makes it look brighter and open.

 

Update Your Shelves

 

Start with removing everything you have in your cabinet. Then add a new look into your cabinets by putting decorative items. Make sure these items you put are also useful in the kitchen. Adhere to limited color palette options to ensure that your shelves match the overall color and design of your kitchen.

 

Make Your Old Cabinets Look Brand New Again

 

If your budget does not allow you to hire professionals for custom-cabinetry, you can just make some little tweaks to update the look of your old cabinets. You can either replace worn outdoors or have them refinished. Cabinetry installation can indeed cost a lot, so reusing what you have and making some minor repairs can already contribute much towards giving your kitchen a new look. Change the hardware by choosing a brand new set of pulls or knobs that can transform the look of your old cabinets.

 

Add Wine Storage

 

This is one kitchen upgrade that you need if you have several bottles of wine in your kitchen. Having your wines ready for your guests to indulge whenever they come over has become a necessity in every kitchen. This is why you need to consider having a dedicated space in your kitchen for wine storage. You may choose to have it as in-cabinet wine storage, wine refrigerator, wine rack, or a wine cellar. The choice depends on your budget and your overall kitchen design.

 

Consider Having a Tinted Grout

 

Many people think of tile sealants as something too trivial to even add to the kitchen’s overall design. However, the truth is that tile sealants can largely spell the difference between a tinted and non-tinted tile. The benefits of having tinted grout are many. It can make your kitchen tiles less prone to the adverse effects of discoloration. It can also make the tiles less likely to have dirt build-up. Plus, it also buys you more time before you can consider retiling your floor or any other kitchen areas that have tiles.

 

These simple kitchen upgrades can do wonders in giving your space a new look while also adding more value to your home. Although investing in a total kitchen remodel is also a good option, simple upgrades are enough when every penny counts. These upgrades may seem simple, but they can indeed create a big impact on how you and other people view your kitchen. Always remember not to sacrifice utility for looks.