Is It Time to Upgrade Your Kitchen?

The kitchen will always be one of the most popular rooms in the house – but is yours overdue for an upgrade?

From preparing meals, grabbing a cup of coffee or eating a snack, to unpacking groceries and washing dishes, it really is the hub of the home. So it’s no surprise that many homeowners think of the kitchen first when it comes to renovations and improvements.

We’re in and out of the kitchen a lot and it’s easy to get tired of the same old look. This could be the time for a makeover, an overdue upgrade for the busiest area of the home. And don’t forget that even simple improvements can add genuine value to your home when your current kitchen looks a bit stale.

A kitchen project can be a major renovation that results in your dream kitchen, but let’s take a look at a more modest facelift, an easy path to a kitchen upgrade.

Paint the Cabinets and Walls

A cabinet paint job makes everything look brand new.

New kitchen cabinets can be a more expensive option, but a paint job can spruce cabinets up at a more moderate cost. If your kitchen is small, paint the cabinets a light colour to make them appear larger.

The look of your walls could also be dragging your kitchen area down. Peeling paint and wallpaper is never a pleasant look, so why not upgrade your surroundings with a fresh coat of paint or a new pattern?

Replace Handles and Fixtures

Consider replacing the taps, handles on doors and drawers and other fixtures around the kitchen.

It can give the kitchen layout a refreshing new look at a relatively moderate cost. In particular, more modern taps can really give the impression of an exciting, up-to-date look.

Try Some New Appliances

If your blender, toaster, kettle, microwave or any other appliances are showing significant wear, it could be time to modernise.

It’s not a case of going on an appliance spending spree because you feel like it (unless you do actually feel like it). Outdated appliances are usually less efficient and sometimes dangerous, so a few changes make sense and can make the kitchen look shiny and new.

Think of this as the perfect time for a new toaster and kettle, or for upgrades like an air fryer!

Making a Big Backsplash

The backsplash is the panel behind your stove or sink that protects the wall from splashes of oil, fat, water and other cooking ingredients.

It’s not a large area so you don’t need many tiles to give it an upgrade. It’s a fun redesign job that can really refresh the look of any kitchen at a reasonable cost.

Make a Light Switch

You can brighten the look of the kitchen with new lighting.

Switch to dimmable pendant lights, particularly if you’ve been cooking and eating under harsh fluorescent lighting, and you’ll see the entire area in a different light. Or you might prefer motion sensor LED lights or linear bench lights for a modern look.

Whatever your choice as kitchen designer, it will give your home hub a whole new warmth.

Treat Your Shelf

If you’ve got a blank wall to fill, why not try adding some shelving?

Shelves can be used to show off glassware, a collection of serveware or perhaps your impressive collection of cookbooks. Do you tend to lose appliance manuals? Put them within easy reach on the shelf. Plus they give the kitchen even more storage space.

Give the Pantry a Facelift

Try using racks and brackets on the back of the pantry door to hold spices, paper towels, aprons, tea towels and more.

Instead of keeping dry foods in bags or boxes, try putting them in clear containers and label them. It will not only look more organised, but you’ll end up with more room if you haven’t got enough storage space.

Cover the Countertops

Replacing countertops is best saved for a major kitchen upgrade, but you can make improvements regardless.

A quick refresher is to cover part of your counter with an oversized cutting board or a stylish marble slab. Keep this in mind if you’re trying to cover a spot which has some damage, until you’re ready for a bigger refurbishment.

Whatever decisions you make, if your kitchen upgrade requires plumbing, gas or electrical expertise, don’t hesitate to give the technicians at Upside Down a call.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.