It is said that the kitchen is the heart of every home. It is the place where family and friends gather, not only to nourish the stomach, but also to feed the soul. Since it can be more than just a place to cook and eat, it needs to be warm and inviting, and might need a face lift from time to time to keep it looking fresh and inviting. If you’re not lucky enough to have unlimited time or money, there are still small improvements you can make yourself that can help take your kitchen remodel to the next level.
The best opportunity to make a big change in the look of your kitchen without spending a lot of money is to paint your kitchen cabinets. You could hire a professional and pay hundreds of dollars for a spray paint job, but most wood and wood laminate cabinets are easy to repaint as a DIY project. The most important part of the process is cleaning the surfaces before priming or painting. There are several methods and solutions, but the best option is to remove all cabinet doors and hardware before cleaning the surfaces with a mixture that will remove stubborn grease and food particles that can build up over time. Once the hard part is done, then the fun can begin with choosing a paint color. A splash of bold color like yellow or red can certainly brighten up a space, but a neutral monochromatic scheme can make a small room feel larger. Either way, you can’t go wrong painting your kitchen cabinets if you’re looking for a project that will give you the most bang for your buck.
Another great DIY kitchen remodeling project is adding a backsplash. Gone are the days of ceramic tile and having to mix cement. Now it can be as easy as a peel and stick self-adhesive sheet. With this simple process, you can transform the look of your kitchen without spending a lot of time or money.
A fun alternative to a traditional backsplash is the use of chalkboard paint. With walls to write on, the whole family can get involved in a kitchen makeover. It’s an opportunity to be as creative as you want by writing dinner menus or recipes on the chalkboard backsplash and giving your kitchen a delicious bistro feel.
Other quick and small kitchen remodel improvements that can make a difference are colorful rugs or placemats. Fresh flowers are also a fabulous addition that can bring a nice touch to any kitchen. You can also add colorful placemats to interior refrigerator shelves for a splash of colorful decor in an unexpected place, not to mention the functional benefit of catching drips and spills.
These are all easy ways to incorporate a little change and make your kitchen the center of attention it should be.