There’s no doubt that a remodeled home is a pleasant home, especially the kitchen for people who love to cook, and couldn’t get enough of it during the pandemic. But going through a remodel can be a nightmare, especially because you can’t use your kitchen while the work is happening. That could be why a lot of home chefs put off a kitchen remodel until they are getting ready to sell their home, or know that they are ready to take the plunge and take a break from cooking. But if your kitchen is in need of some serious TLC, you can also go for what home designers call a minor remodeling project, which is making small changes in your kitchen that are more decorative but can still have a big impact. 

Add one pop color

Color has an amazing power to change the energy of a room. You might be wondering how you can add color to a kitchen without changing the cabinets or repainting? There are several ways to add color to a kitchen that doesn’t mean an entire remodel such as painting a single wall above your sink, adding colorful drawer pulls or cabinet handles, or painting cabinet doors. These small changes can revive kitchens in a powerful way, especially if you are thinking about selling your home. Red, turquoise, yellow, or green can be considerations for those who are ready to go bold.

Update small appliances

Another way to add color is with small appliances. Some good candidates are toasters, coffee makers, or blenders — any items that you keep on your counter that could add to your kitchen decor. Wall clocks can also be a nice addition to a kitchen, to give a decorative touch. Colorful shelves or utensil holders can also be used for their form and function when chosen in a decorative pop color.

Get a new sink

While it might be inconvenient to replace everything in your kitchen at once, doing updates in stages can give you the benefit of a revived kitchen, while still being able to use it. Replacing your sink is one way to make your kitchen contemporary, by adding an on-trend farmhouse sink. These are deep basin ceramic or stone sinks that might remind you of a country cottage. The bonus is they are also durable and easy to clean. With many styles and sizes to choose from, you can find a sink that can work in nearly any kitchen layout, without too much of a change. Your kitchen will instantly feel brighter and more modern.

Add a refrigerator cabinet

Instead of getting a new stainless steel refrigerator, you can give the refrigerator you have an update by building it a refrigerator cabinet. A cabinet conceals your refrigerator, giving the appearance that it’s any other cabinet in your kitchen. You may need to hire a contractor for this update, and then consider repainting the doors of your other cabinets for an integrated look. 

Think about art

If your kitchen has empty wall space, you can make use of this space, by hanging up artwork. That’s right, the living room isn’t the only place where art can shine. You can pick art that matches the color scheme of your kitchen, or even hang decorative serving pieces on the wall as a way to combine storage and decor into one. Decorative bowls for fresh fruit on a countertop can be another way to add some life to revive your kitchen.

Especially in the days of working from home, people are spending more time than ever before in their kitchens. Giving a kitchen a full refresh, however, is a big investment, not only of money but of time and the way it can disrupt your daily routine if your kitchen is tied up as a construction zone. But sometimes, all a kitchen might need to have a contemporary touch is a few updates by adding color and decorative details. Start with a deep clean and then you can make small changes. Even just adding a vase of fresh flowers can be the small start you need to get started.

Yala Palo