We all have made memories in the kitchen. It’s the place where we get to share moments with our families and friends, and often said to be the heart of the home. The kitchen remains to be the most substantial room as it’s where you prepare your food and eat delicious meals. That’s why you need a well-designed kitchen, probably the one you’ve always wanted to own.
Whether remodeling or renovating, creating your dream kitchen can be quite a hassle, mostly if you are looking to achieve it at a down-to-earth price. However, here are a couple of things to consider when creating that kitchen you’ve been longing for, at an affordable cost.
Update Your Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinets are often the most expensive component, especially when it comes to various styles. The choice you make could either make or break your kitchen. The best type of cabinets are ones that remain simple and coordinated with the rest of the space. One option is to go for a pre-manufactured, modular kitchen cabinet system as it can help save money.
They are worth the investment as they have greatly improved in recent years. Some of these modular cabinets are of high quality and now come with warranties. Painting your kitchen cabinets is also another way of creating that fresh, new look. If you’re looking to simply paint your cabinets, remember to prime them first.
Get New Lights
If your kitchen lighting is dim or you don’t like the overhead fixture, then change it. Good lighting is one of the simplest ways to switch up the atmosphere in the kitchen. Lighting helps set the mood, define your style, and also bring attention to all the beautiful artwork you may have in your kitchen.
You can also use different lighting tricks to give that illusion of having more space than you do. Changing your lighting doesn’t have to be super expensive as you can buy a vintage light fixture, which goes for about $20 on Etsy. Do not forget to install under-cabinet lighting; it might be all you need to feel like you’ve seen the light, literally.
The Countertops
Many people prefer natural stone countertops like granite and marble. However, these materials tend to be costly. You do not want to go over your budget on countertop materials that won’t hold up for the long haul, or will require higher maintenance.
Instead, consider a countertop with ideal material, pattern, color, and movement, which you can beautifully coordinate with your cabinets and flooring. A ceramic tile is the better choice when in search of a budget kitchen countertop. It also comes in a wide variety of colors from which you can choose. Laminate is also another option as it is cost-effective and easy to install and costs about the same as ceramic tiles.
The Flooring
When it comes to flooring, it might be better to select less expensive materials due to the rigors of daily kitchen wear and tear. Ceramic tiles tend to resist wear, dents, moisture, and stains, and is cheaper than wood. Plastic laminate flooring, on the other hand, is affordable, easier to install, and wears better than solid wood.
Solid wood flooring discolors easily and can dent and wear out quickly. It’s also pricey and harder to clean in case of spills. You’ll want to coordinate the countertop colors with your flooring for easy color blending. Choose colors that are pleasing to the eye to give your kitchen that subtle look.
Make a Feature Wall
Feature walls might have fallen out of the trend recently, but they remain the easiest, quickest, and cheapest ways to freshen up your decor without having to redecorate fully. If your kitchen has a dining area, a feature wall will help highlight the area setting it apart from the rest of the room.
One of the most common ways to create a firewall is by using wallpaper. For instance, a Graham & Brown print will add a touch of color to your kitchen. You can also display colorful decorative plates on your walls to make your kitchen pop.
Quality Economical Appliances
Getting new appliances can be quite an expensive task when remodeling or renovating your kitchen, but there’s a way for you to keep the costs low. To save money, you need to choose energy-saving tools as they are of high efficiency and help you save on energy bills. One of the major appliances to consider having in your kitchen is a refrigerator. Ensure you include a good-sized fridge into your kitchen design plan.
For the perfect choice, also consider the type of refrigerator and storage use you want. Most homeowners will likely switch from a standard 30’’ fridge to one with French doors, a stainless-steel model, or a bottom-freezer. French door refrigerators are intelligently designed, save energy, save space, and have more flexible storage, making them a considerable choice.
Honorable Mentions for The Best French Door Refrigerators 2019
Haier 16.0 Cu. Ft. 4 Door Bottom Freezer is 33*27*71 inches, stainless steel refrigerator. It has LED lighting, which makes it energy-efficient. What makes this refrigerator unique is that its double doors are split into two sections, giving it a four-door build. It also offers touch-temperature controls, ensuring your food stays evenly cooled and fresh as possible.
GE GSS25GMHES Side Refrigerator is 35.2*35.8*69.5 inches with an internal capacity of 25.4 cubic feet. It has an advanced water filtration system and is also equipped with ample storage space. This freezer also boasts frost guard technology to lessen the chance of freezer burn, ensuring your frozen food remains delicious once it’s time to defrost.
Swap Plumbing Fixtures
Consider installing a new kitchen sink and faucets that are stylish, multi-functional, and energy-efficient. You can consider replacing a single sink with a double sink that has a built-in colander and dish drainer. The right appliance can last for ages, so make sure to choose either a bold statement piece or one that is neutral in color (black, white, or chrome).
With all the above tips, it’s now time to transform that retro kitchen environment into a 21st century dream kitchen.
Resources— House And Home, Thrifty Decor, HG Tv