Ways to upgrade your kitchen without renovating.

If you’re planning to sell your home, you’ll understand that it’s mostly kitchens and bathrooms that will sell your home faster and for more money. If your kitchen looks a bit tired and outdated, there are simple upgrades that you can do that don’t require a complete renovation.

A new coat of paint will do wonders

Take a critical look at the paintwork and colour scheme of your kitchen. Then, consider how this can be updated to give your kitchen a whole new look. Here are some tips:

• Select a more modern colour scheme. Black and white is right on trend as well as muted charcoals. Remember to keep the colours fairly neutral if you’re planning to sell. You can always add a few pops of colour with quality accessories.
• Paint walls in a neutral tone. You’ll be surprised at how fresher your kitchen will look with just a new coat of paint on the walls.
• Paint or replace the cupboard doors. You don’t have to replace the cabinetry in your kitchen to give it a more modern look. The doors can be taken off and painted in a complementary colour to match the walls. Or, if your budget stretches that far, you can even replace them with new ones. Don’t forget to upgrade the hardware while you’re at it.

Replace the bench tops

There’s no doubt that bright green or orange laminate bench tops have seen better days. Even if your bench tops are more neutral, but in an older laminate, you can easily replace them with something that’s a bit more modern and durable.

Stone bench tops are fabulous and add a touch of glamour to your kitchen. Even the laminates now available can give your kitchen a more updated look. Choose a bench top colour that complements the newly painted walls and cupboard doors but still adds a little contrast.

You might also want to incorporate a mirrored splash back to add a bit of gleam to functional kitchen areas while having the bonus of bringing in more light to a darker kitchen.

Add a few other simple touches

Sometimes, it’s the small simple touches that can make all the difference. Here are a few to consider:

• Install an island bench. If your kitchen is large enough to incorporate a table, why not install an island bench instead? Island benches are much more functional and give your kitchen a more modern look.
• Focus on lighting. Consider adding additional lighting to the main work areas in your kitchen. Strip lighting can be installed over your sink area and under overhead cupboards to illuminate key work areas. If you’re installing an island bench, a lovely pendant light would not only look great but add some extra illumination.
• Add a little greenery. Indoor plants can make any room look fresher and more inviting, and the kitchen is perfect for some lovely hanging plants. If you have wide window sills, why not add a small herb collection? Not only will this give your kitchen a more outdoorsy feel but you’ll be able to use the herbs in your cooking.
• Change the tapware. A new set of taps will instantly transform your kitchen into a more modern workspace. Choose taps that match your colour scheme.

Don’t forget the floor

Whether you have tiles or lino on the floor, consider updating this to match the rest of the decor. It doesn’t take much to replace the tiles with some more modern ones. However, if the tiles are in good condition, you might just want to refresh the grout instead. You’ll be surprised at the difference that this can make.

Need personalised help with your home?

If you’d like no-obligation expert advice about updating the kitchen, perhaps ahead of a home sale, please get in touch with our team. We’re here to help.