9 Easy Ways to Give Your Kitchen a Makeover

Though you may have visions of your dream kitchen dancing around in your head, doing a full-on renovation might not fit into your budget or schedule right now. That doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to give your favorite room a fabulous facelift. Making a few key changes can help you realize that Pinterest-perfect kitchen you’ve been envisioning without emptying your wallet. Here are nine easy ways to give your kitchen a makeover in no time.

1. Pick a Pleasing Palette

Start your kitchen makeover by choosing an accent color, then start swapping and rearranging your household items to fit the theme. Ensure your colorful dishes and ceramics are front and center in your glass cabinets. Replace the tea kettle—and any other appliances that sit out on the counter—with one in your new hue. Hang a few dish towels on hooks and place a rug or runner in front of the sink. By making these simple changes, you’ll give your kitchen a brand-new color scheme without having to open a single can of paint. This trick is particularly useful while staging your home for sale. 

2. Install Handsome Hardware

Another quick and easy way to transform your kitchen is to change out the cabinetry or drawer hardware. Select a brushed nickel finish for knobs if you’re looking for a colorful option; choose a faceted gold bin pull if you desire a sophisticated and luxurious look. For an artsy-industrial feel, use upcycled metal parts as wide-set pulls.

Regardless of your particular needs, make sure to limit your search to hardware that is installed using the same screw position as the ones you currently have (single knobs versus wide-set pulls, for instance), unless you’re prepared to use wood filler and paint to fill any holes. If you’re replacing the cabinets, don’t forget about the hinges. If they’re visible, match them to the new hardware for a pro finish. 

3. Get Acquainted with Paint

If you’re not in love with the look of your cabinets and a complete hardware overhaul isn’t in the cards, simply give them a fresh coat of paint. Citrus-like colors like soft yellow and green can brighten up the room, especially if your countertops are black. Consider light gray, a neutral color that compliments most decor, if you don’t need a pop of colors.

Another option is to paint the inside of the cabinets. It’s a nice surprise—especially if you go with bold or multiple colors—that doesn’t overwhelm the space. Try it with glass-paneled cabinets, which can serve as a display case for your pretty plates and bowls.

Not interested in spending hours painting cabinets? Here’s another kitchen makeover idea that will help you transform your kitchen cheaply and beautifully. Instead of spending so much time, thoroughly going over each one of your cabinets, quickly paint a single wall. Adding an accent color that’s two shades deeper than the rest of your kitchen is a statement move and doesn’t take much time or effort. 

4. Bare It All

Brightening up your kitchen has never been simpler: consider removing the front doors from your upper cabinets. Keep the doors stored away, giving you the option to reinstall them in the future. This strategy offers an innovative way to refresh your kitchen's aesthetic without the need for new cabinetry. Fill any holes left by the removed hardware with wood filler, and seize the opportunity to apply a fresh coat of paint to the cabinets.

By opting out of cabinet doors, you embrace the modern open-shelving trend, providing a stage to display your cherished dishware and inject a dash of individuality into the space. For the perfect finishing touch to your kitchen revamp, explore some of California's distinctive home decor boutiques for one-of-a-kind items that beautifully accentuate the open-cabinet look.

5. Doll Up the Walls

Elevating your kitchen's elegance can be as simple as integrating art into the space. Artwork not only adds depth and personality but also seamlessly connects the color scheme and design elements from your living spaces to the kitchen, particularly in open-concept homes. For kitchens with limited wall space, consider positioning a compact piece of art on an open shelf. This approach maintains the aesthetic appeal without the need to hang anything. Just be mindful to keep the artwork away from areas prone to food and grease splatters to protect it.

6. Parade Pots and Pans

Believe it or not, merely hanging up cookware can have a big impact on the appearance of your kitchen, especially if you have a set of pots and pans in shiny copper or rose gold, If you don’t, those lovely sets are a great kitchen gift idea for the best chef you know, you. The move is a win-win-win: It frees up cabinet space, makes it easier to grab what you need while cooking, and gives your kitchen a new focal point. Hang the cookware from a long, single branch for a boho feel; install a rack from a specialty kitchen store for a classic look. 

7. Festoon the Faucet

In the kitchen, the faucet is one of the most frequently used items, making it a prime candidate for an upgrade if it's showing signs of wear, corrosion, or simply doesn't reflect your personal taste. To bring a contemporary feel to your kitchen, consider opting for a faucet in stainless steel or matte black to introduce an element of sophistication. Faucets with articulated arms are not only stylish but also highly functional.

Additionally, the advent of touchless technology means you can keep your faucet clean, even when your hands are not, adding a layer of convenience to your daily routine. Refreshing your kitchen with a modern faucet is a smart move that can also increase your property value, should you ever decide to put it on the market.

8. Lighten Up

Tired of the dated light fixtures in your kitchen casting a shadow on your style? It's time to remove those standard-issue fixtures and introduce lighting that truly reflects your personality. Lighting plays a pivotal role in any room's ambiance, and a single update here can make a dramatic difference in your kitchen's appearance. If your kitchen already benefits from task lighting like puck or can lights above your work areas, you have the freedom to choose pendant lights that complement your decor.

However, if you're relying on pendant lighting for illumination, opt for a larger fixture or a cluster of smaller ones, with shades designed to direct light downwards over your workspaces. As part of your kitchen's transformation, consider also making a commitment to sustainability. Switch out old bulbs for energy-efficient alternatives to reduce your environmental footprint while keeping your space bright and welcoming.

9. Throw Some Shade

The majority of kitchen surfaces are sleek and hard, so adding window treatments can introduce a much-needed element of softness to the area. Consider incorporating a tailored curtain or a stylish Roman shade to add warmth and charm to your kitchen. These options are practical too; they can be easily adjusted during dishwashing to avoid water splashes. For a timeless look, opt for a solid classic color such as white, or select a pattern that complements the accent colors in your kitchen for a cohesive design.