It's truly the heart of your home. But there comes a time when your kitchen needs a face-lift or just a few nips and tucks in certain places. The good news is that those smaller projects are perfect for the DIY enthusiast. Usually full kitchen renos are too involved and need to be done quicker than the typical homeowner can handle. But more concentrated additions to the room or renovations focused on a particular spot are ideal and make for a great weekend project. Choose from these five stylish options to freshen up the heart of your home.
1) Refinish Cabinets
Ripping out the kitchen cabinets completely is a large scale project best done by a professional. But refinishing your cabinets with a new coat of stain, that gorgeous washed look or added embellishment is fairly simple. Find out the limitations and handling procedures of your current cabinet materials. Solid wood faces are the easiest to work with, but plenty can be done to particle board and veneers. Laminate coatings are more difficult to alter. You may want to price out installing new faces entirely, depending on how large your kitchen storage is.
2) Install a Backsplash
Practical and beautiful, backsplashes are excellent additions to your home. Ceramic tiles are popular and come in a wide variety of styles, sizes and patterns. With a well prepped surface, some practice with grout and a dose of patience, you can have a shiny new backsplash in one or two afternoons. There are other materials that work well for a backsplash and may take less time than tiling. Stone veneers are gaining popularity and can work as an extended backsplash to tie your living spaces together. Mirrors and glass panels are great for contemporary kitchens and add the illusion of space and light. Or go country with traditional wainscoting or wood paneling in the kitchen. Whatever your style, a backsplash is a wonderful and simple addition.
3) Flooring Upgrade
Changing the floor in your kitchen can make an enormous difference to the look and comfort of the room. Replace the old vinyl floor with hardwood or high quality laminate. Capture an old world feel with travertine tiles or go green with bamboo. Cork is a durable, attractive flooring option that's also very environmentally friendly and economical. Great for families and pets, cork is widely available and suits any decor.
4) Pantry and Storage Solutions
Add more calm to your kitchen with an organized pantry where everything has a place. Sliding drawers, specialty shelving and handy baskets can all be added to an existing pantry or closet, transforming it into a modern, tidy store space. Look for corners and nooks that can be adapted for your storage needs. Whether you install utility or decorative shelving, every bit of extra storage is bound to be appreciated.
5) Portable Kitchen Island
Maybe you don't have room for a large, traditional kitchen island but are hankering for extra space and flexibility. Think outside of the box and look for creative ways to include a portable prep and serving surface into your kitchen. With a butcher's block and a sturdy foundation, you can build an island that will fit in nearly any space. Use an old kitchen table or adapted wooden bar to create the space or search out a plan for building your own custom kitchen island. The key element is choosing a shape and style that suits your room.
With any or all of these DIY kitchen reno projects completed, your home will feel fresh and your family can enjoy more flexibility and comfort. Try one on for size today.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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