Ways to give your kitchen a facelift

The kitchen is the center of the known universe. And yours could use some updating. Believe it or not it is possible to brighten up that drab space without breaking the bank. What is even better is that each project can be pretty easy to do even if you have no experience. If your kitchen could use a face lift, here are some updates you should consider.

Refinish Your Old Cabinets

New cabinets can be expensive. And installation can be tricky so it is best done by professionals. But you do not have to purchase new cabinets to enjoy a new look. Refinishing old cabinets is simple and inexpensive. All it takes is some paint and new hardware. You will be amazed at how dramatic the difference a new color and some new pulls on cabinet doors can make.

Remove Cabinet Doors

Do you have pretty dishes? Why not show them off. Your dishes can even add to the look of your new kitchen. Instead of refinishing your cabinets-- or in addition to refinishing them-- you can remove the doors from your cabinets and show off your lovely dishes as part of the décor.

Once you remove the doors or if your doors are glass, don't forget to do something with the inside of the cabinet. You could paint it or hang a decorative paper. Either way, once it is in sight, give people something to look at.

Change Lighting Fixtures

Often times in kitchens lighting fixtures are mounted on the ceiling. Sometimes you get recessed lighting which is mounted into the ceiling. Why not try for something with a little more visual interest? Pendant lighting offers a lot of options. Hang one pendant light to dress up your kitchen or a trio of pendant lights to give it a necklace and some earrings.

Redo the Backsplash

Tiling of any sort may sound like advanced coursework. Don't be fooled. Any tutorial on YouTube will show you how easy it can be to create a kitchen tile backsplash. Tiling your backsplash is a great way to perk up your kitchen and give it a whole new look. You can use a simple ceramic subway tile, or a sheet of 1 inch glass tiles. You can even choose decorative tiles to add to a pattern. There is no limit to the ways you can dress up your kitchen with a newly tiled backsplash.

Plumbing Fixtures

If your kitchen looks a little bland, your plumbing fixtures could be part of the problem. If they are simply utilitarian but do nothing for the look of your kitchen, get rid of them. Try an elegantly brushed nickel faucet or even a vintage looking antique copper one. When you change out the faucet, you may be inspired to find a new sink to match.

Refinish Counter Tops

New counter tops would certainly change the look of your kitchen, but like new cabinets, they can be costly and complicated to install. Putting a new laminate surface on your old counter is a lot less expensive and offers you a ton of style options.

Get New Window Treatments

The eyes are the window to the soul and the windows are the eyes to the house. Show your eyes a little love and install some new window treatments. There are more options than just curtains and venetian blinds. You could get roman shades made with beautiful fabrics or wooden plantations blinds, simple cafe curtains or even valences. It just depends on what suits you. Window treatments can be bought right off the shelf and are easy to install.

Don't Forget to Accessorize

Accessories add a lot to a space. They can be a pop of color that adds to the theme or a contrasting element to play against it. Accessories can come in the form of knick-knacks, dishes, place settings, a rug in front of the sink and even small appliances like a toaster or mixer. Used in the right way, these items can all contribute to the new style of your old kitchen.

Giving your kitchen a facelift can be a lot of fun. With a series of simple and inexpensive projects you can quickly turn your kitchen into a brand new space. These suggestions can help you to get started.