DIY: Updating Your Kitchen
The Kitchen. The center and lifeblood of the home. In many ways, the kitchen is the most important space in a given house. It is “where the sausage gets made” if you will, literally and figuratively. It is where the messy parts of life take place, good and bad. It is, in fact, the area that is most difficult to keep clean. But that doesn’t mean we should not put just as much effort into making it our own as every other room in the house. If we are to spend so much time and make so many important memories in this space, then it should be a space we like to spend our lives in. Thus comes the subject of today's post: DIY Kitchen Updates.
Cohesive Arrangement
Perhaps the thing which most kitchens lack and which is easiest to remedy, is cohesiveness. This can be seen throughout the process of arranging a home but for now, we will focus on the element of a kitchen that should remain cohesive. First, and perhaps most obviously, the appliances of one’s kitchen should match, meaning the outer material such as stainless steel, plastic, black or white metal, etc. More likely than not your main appliances, such as your fridge and oven already match. If they don’t, it may be beyond your means to swap one or the other simply to suit your taste. In this case, choose one or the other to match every other appliance to, such as your microwave, toaster, blender, air fryer, etc. This will give your kitchen the feel of unity and a planned appearance.
Another way to create cohesion in your kitchen is to incorporate matching hardware. This does not just mean the knobs of drawers and cabinets, but the faucet and utensils and storage containers. This can be a great way to incorporate gold or copper into a space that is more than likely dominated by stainless steel and the like. A good choice of hardware can elevate a space immensely and add a much-needed personal touch to an otherwise standard-issue kitchen.
A Splash Of Color
As you move beyond large appliances and into the world of utensils and storage, it will be helpful for you to formulate a color pallet. This will involve browsing favorite design websites such as Pinterest and Instagram or perusing an assortment of interior decorating magazines. That will help you discover your likes and dislikes and what will work in your particular space. You should select one main or favorite color and three or four complimentary shades to go with it.
Consider the size of your kitchen and how it flows with the rest of your home. Does it need to be able to work into the mood and color choices of the rooms adjacent to it or is it closed off and prepped for a more unique style? As you choose your favored style you should not only be considering personal preference (an important element, to be sure) but also what will look best in the area you have to work with. For example, you may be drawn towards dark blues and greens, creating a very moody or mysterious atmosphere but if your kitchen is poorly lit and lacks a window, then moody can quickly degenerate into oppressive. So, you may want to stick to a lighter pallet.
Start Collecting
Now after you’ve made your selection, you should keep it in mind as you shop and accumulate wares. And I know what you’re thinking, “I don’t have the budget to go out and purchase a whole new kitchen arsenal.” Very few people do, and that is why I recommend playing the long game and slowly accumulating the items that suit your new design. Regular disciplined visits to the local Home Goods, TJ Max, and even the occasional well-supplied thrift store may reap abundant rewards. Additionally, as you peruse the sales be sure to pick up items that will elevate and not weigh down your kitchen. Some things to look out for are glass items as opposed to plastic containers, for smaller items and substances (These would be found in your fridge or on your counter), and baskets or cloth bins for larger storage spaces (In the pantry of cabinets). These are not only healthier choices for you and the environment but also better choices for the look and feel of your entire kitchen space. It will also be helpful if these containers match your chosen color pallet.
From Top to Bottom
This is all in an effort to allow you to feel comfortable with and proud of every aspect of your kitchen space, from the top to the bottom. When implementing the tips of this DIY you can know that the inside of your fridge, cabinets, and pantry, looks just as good as the newly washed counter tops and nicely folded dish towels. You can even make showing your wares part of the look of your kitchen by adding glass windows into your cabinets and displaying jars of ingredients on your countertop. From stem to stern, you should be satisfied with the look and feel of your kitchen. It is the heartbeat of your home after all.
Stray From the Path Well Trod
In conclusion, I would just encourage you to be bold when making these decisions. Don’t be afraid to experiment and think outside of the box. This is your home, after all, own it! Just because the kitchen is the “practical” portion of your living space doesn’t mean it shouldn’t also be beautiful. Well, that's all for this DIY! We hope you enjoy implementing these tips and that you read the many other posts on our blog!
