From the Top Down: How to Update and Refinish Your Kitchen

Updating your kitchen can make it an even more appealing place to spend time preparing meals and eating with family and friends. Whether you are renovating the entire area or refinishing some key areas, there are several things you can do to refresh and brighten this special room that often functions as the heart of the home.

Lighting

Installing new light fixtures in your kitchen can make a world of difference in the décor as well as the illumination of this key area. Options include track lighting, recessed lights, wall sconces, and suspended or pendant lights. Choose a style that works with the decorating scheme of the kitchen as well as the rest of the house. Fixtures come in many materials, designs, and colors that provide plenty of choices to enhance the lighting any way you would like.

Photo by Melocco and Moore Architects

Storage

Kitchen storage is always helpful for food, cookware, and dishes. You may want to build a pantry in a kitchen corner or nook for storing dry goods or canned goods. Interior cupboard shelving comes in various styles with various shelf heights and widths. Wall shelves with sliding panels can be kept open when in use or closed and accented with plants or seasonal decorations. Deep drawers are another possibility for storing pots and pans or cooking utensils. Attractive new cupboards can enrich the overall effect of your kitchen design.

Photo by Design A Space Kitchens, Bedrooms & Interiors

Countertops

Kitchen counters are one of the first things people notice when they enter the room. Countertops are available in numerous designs and patterns to coordinate with the kitchen’s overall decorating plan. Since they can be pricey, you may want to look into onsite countertop repair if your current counters are not that old and still in good condition. Adding a complementary backsplash and new cupboard door pulls and drawer handles can create a stellar effect.

Photo via Houzz

Flooring

Installing new kitchen flooring can give the room an entirely new look. Water-resistant plank flooring is popular along with the traditional tile and linoleum styles. Some people use indoor carpeting for the kitchen, but it may be hard to clean after food spills and dishwasher backups. Choose a floor style that meshes with the general design of the other updates for a cohesive flow.

Photo by Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

Depending on your budget, you may also want to upgrade your kitchen appliances or replace your window treatments for a more updated look. Focus on the main areas of the kitchen that you can afford to renovate to give the room a fresh new feel.