How to Make Your Kitchen Look Like a Million Bucks
Whether you just purchased a house that needs some TLC, are planning on selling your house soon, or just want to refresh your space, making your home look like a million bucks doesn’t have to break the bank. In this series, we will look at nine areas in your home that you can revive with relatively cheap fixes. Sure, none of this is necessary, but investing in the aesthetics of your home is going to make you fall in love with your place all over again. Today, we’re looking at the kitchen, so let’s get into it!
Replace Your Hardware
While replacing old cabinets or giving them a new coat of paint may be your biggest dream, it can easily become expensive. I recommend repainting your cabinets for a fresh look, but replacing the hardware can be a cheaper option that is just as effective. Yes, hardware may seem like a small, unnoticeable part of your kitchen, but updating old cabinet pulls and knobs for updated ones in a beautiful metal of your choice will quickly elevate your kitchen.
Update Your Lighting and Light Fixtures
It’s no secret that dimly lit spaces look cheap, but most people don’t think to use the power of good lighting in their kitchen. If you can, replace the lightbulbs in your kitchen for brighter lighting. Buying under-cabinet lighting strips can also elevate your kitchen by providing unique lighting. If you have counter space, adding a lamp in your kitchen is trendy, beautiful, and functional (more on this later). While updating your lighting fixtures is also a good option for elevating your space, it can get expensive quickly. Opt to take one of the smaller lighting changes mentioned above, and I promise you’ll want to live in your kitchen.
Add a Rug
If you’re terrible at dropping food and liquid onto your floor, this may not be your best option. However, if you aren’t clumsy, adding a runner rug to your kitchen is a great way to add color and dimension. This quick fix will only work in certain kitchen layouts, but it’s worth considering. Be sure to think about the aesthetic of your kitchen. For example, if it’s modern, then be sure to get a modern-style rug. Clashing aesthetics is not how to make your kitchen look like a million bucks! (Bonus: if you like to go barefoot in your house, a rug will keep your feet off those cold kitchen floors!)
Use Better Bottles & Containers
If you always have certain kitchen essentials on your counter, be sure to use nice containers and bottles. A bottle of dish soap on your counter looks average; a glass or nice plastic bottle with a cute label looks expensive. If you always have oil or salt on your counter, find containers for both that play up the decor in the room. If you have a modern-style kitchen, try a matte black salt shaker, and if you prefer the boho vibe, find a beautiful brown or amber bottle to store your oil in. You don’t have to overhaul everything. Find staples in your kitchen, elevate them, and try thrifting the bottles first. Thrifting is a great way to cut costs and find unique pieces for your room!
Declutter and Hide Mismatched Items
If your room is cluttered, it’ll look cheap and small. You should keep those cups that remind you of that baseball game or your favorite plate for ten years behind a cabinet door. If you have open shelving or need your tableware to be in sight, make sure you have matching pieces for people to see. Having glasses, plates, and bowls in sight can make a kitchen look well-designed, but you must have the right amount out and be aesthetically pleasing.
Invest in Beauty and Function
When you first move, it’s easy to buy the cheapest option. After all, kitchens are expensive to fill up! But as you have the money, invest in the beautiful options. Instead of plastic cutting boards, go for wood you can set up on your counter and use as elevated (and practical) decor. If you must keep a toaster or coffee maker on your counter, look for ones that don’t look cheap or clash with the aesthetic you’re going for. Dish towels are another way to combine beauty with functionality. I’m not saying you have to have decorative and useable dish towels if that doesn’t work for you. But when buying dish towels, be sure to purchase ones that don’t look cheap and match your kitchen well. If you’re already buying something, go ahead and pay a few extra dollars and see it pay dividends. Beauty and function coexist well in the kitchen.
Conclusion
There are so many quick ways to elevate your kitchen that I couldn’t possibly share them all with you today. If you want a part two for the kitchen, let me know. Otherwise, I’ll see you next week with some more tips on how to make your home look expensive without breaking the bank.
