We are in the thick of summer and this is a great time to tackle some of those tasks that you have been putting off all year.
Maybe your kids are in school and it is hard to find some to focus on the renovations during the school year.
I thought it would be fun to do a series this month on different summer updates for your home, these are projects that ca be done in under 3 months and will be impactful on your home.
First up, your guessed it…a kitchen refresh!
I know what you’re thinking, what is a kitchen refresh?!
A full on kitchen renovation usually takes about 3 to 6 months for new cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, etc. This is not to say that a kitchen cannot be completed sooner or take longer.
As an interior designer who works in a renovation showroom, I work on dozens of kitchens per year (anywhere from 50-100) so I have a good understanding of how long things take in the design world.
During the summer you may not want to embark on a full on remodel when you’re traveling, hosting parties, or keeping up with you children’s summer schedule.
A kitchen refresh is awesome because it allows you to make your kitchen FEEL new without all of the time and stress.
I have compiled a list of several things that you can do that will make your kitchen feel like a…
Let’s get into it!
- Countertops
Countertops are so important in a kitchen as they are the MOST used item! Think about it while yes you open your cabinet and go in your pantry a ton but everything lands on the countertops. All food prep happens on the countertops.
I always tell my clients do not skimp on your countertop budget because this is what you will be living on daily.
What a difference new countertops can make in a kitchen refresh! I have seen the most dated cabinets come back to life all because of a new countertop.
In today’s market, quartz is going to be your most popular, best looking for the durability at the best price point. (try saying all that three times fast!) Quartz is man made and virtually indestructible and varies in pricing.
All of the magazines and Pinterest posts are featuring quartz.
There are other countertop materials such as…
-Marble which is STUNNING, however it is expensive and porous.
-Granite can be cost effective (can be is the key word here), durable but it isn’t always attractive.
-Quartzite (natural stone) is extremely durable, gorgeous, and very costly.
- Cabinet Hardware – Pulls & Knobs
Updating the pulls or knobs on your cabinets is a great and cost effective way to refresh your kitchen.
I would recommend opting for a different finish than what you currently have. Going with brass over chrome makes a statement. You don’t want people thinking…”did she change something?, I can’t tell”.
You want it to make an impact and you want the space to feel new and refreshed.
- Flooring
Updating the flooring is a great option to revamp your kitchen space because there are many options in this category. I have listed these from the simplest to the most invasive.
-Peel and stick tile: Cheap, easy to install, renter friendly…not a long lasting solution and limitations in colors/patterns
-Floating flooring: many LVP’s and LVT’s are meant to be floating and can be installed over existing flooring.
Pro Tip: Make sure to do your research, check for any existing moisture issues (you don’t want to trap mold under your kitchen floor), floor must be within a certain level state and usually requires floor prep for new flooring to lay on top.
-Prefinished flooring: this includes engineered and solid prefinished hardwood flooring so this instance would involve removing the current flooring and installing new flooring over the existing subfloor.
-Site finished flooring: if you currently have solid hardwoods in your kitchen and they are in good enough shape to sand and refinish them, this is an option for you.
I must say having your floors finished on site it my least favorite option for a couple reasons. Site finishing is messy and dusty and it takes intensive cleaning to remove all of those particles. Refinishing flooring is also not the most durable in comparison to products that have factory finishes that have been baked on.
I know the hardwood guy is a good guy however the finish just doesn’t last as long.
- Paint Existing Cabinets
A kitchen refresh may look like adding a new coat of paint to your cabinets. If you do opt to paint your existing cabinets be mindful of a few things:
On one hand this a great way to get a whole new set up kitchen cabinets without all of the demo and wait time. Plus you can choose from a variety of colors. However, this goes back to the site finished wood conversation. A handmade finish never lasts as long as a factory finish.
There are better ways to finish your cabinets than others. For instance, I would hire a professional for the best results. Painting your cabinets is not cheap so be prepared to spend thousands of dollars for this option.
Trust me, if you paint the cabinets yourself…we can all tell.
- New Kitchen Island
Consider a new kitchen island, especially if your current kitchen is lacking one or the one you have now is not functional. Updating your kitchen island is a great way to create more of an entertaining/hosting space while increasing storage space.
One thing to note, a kitchen island is an investment. We are not talking about a rollaway island you find on Ikea for $350. If you want new cabinets in your island it can run you anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 depending on the size island, decorative and storage features.
- New Appliances
Can I be the one to break it to you? Please get rid of those white appliances!
It is 2024 and you deserve stainless steel appliances at the very least.
Updating the appliances can feel like a breath of fresh air and a great idea on any kitchen refresh.
- Lighting
Adding lighting in your kitchen can elevate the space so easily especially if you’re living a new construction “builder basic” home. A new home is great and in theory you don’t want to remove newly installed materials, however most builders use the most cost effective and generic finishes and we all want to personalize our spaces.
Try updating the kitchen island pendants or adding a light fixture above your sink window.
- Paint
Another fun way to refresh your kitchen for those living in a space where things may be new or new enough and it doesn’t make sense to renovate the whole kitchen, consider painting your kitchen walls a new color to give a life to this space.
- Redecorate
Your kitchen might be great, maybe your décor sucks!
I’m sorry, someone has to say these things.
It might be time to throw out those generic word signs or test out new kitchen accessories.
- Organize
This tip is similar to redecorating…your home could also just be messy and needs some organization. It is amazing what clear containers and a label maker can do to a space.
Nothing feels more refreshing than a clean organized home.
I hope these tips will help you love on your kitchen!
Whether it’s 20 years old waiting for the perfect time to renovate or newly built and just needs some personal touches a kitchen refresh will make your space new.
Is your kitchen in need of love?
Still not sure where to start? Reach out for a consultation with one of our designers.
XOXO
-F