Your kitchen is the heart of your home. And of all your rooms it adds the most value to your home too. Not surprisingly, this is the area that most homeowners want to upgrade, so why not give your kitchen some much-deserved attention?
To get you started, here are 21 fun, creative ways to breathe new life into your kitchen, even if you already love it:
- Brass accents—Brass is a low-cost yet high-end way to give your kitchen some flair. Try adding fancy brass knobs to your cabinet doors or brass light fixtures overhead. This is an especially great addition for a pristine white kitchen with vintage touches.
- Stainless steel—It’s often the best part of any kitchen, but have you thought of using it for more than a sink? Stainless steel appliances and décor are all the rage right now, and some designers are using stainless steel countertops. They’re chic, easy to clean, and shiny to boot.
- Monochromatic colors—The artsy fad lately is choosing one color for the entire kitchen. White and black are the most popular choices by far but don’t be afraid to use bold colors like turquoise. Even a soft green or a deep blue can create a beautiful theme throughout the room.
- A cool backsplash—Colorful tiles or a pretty mosaic can become the talk of your entire kitchen. Not only does a backsplash make your walls easier to clean, but it can also have patterns, color, and bold design to a too-traditional or blah kitchen. Give it a try.
- Shades of gray—If you’re not into the white or black kitchen, why not try grays? Paint your walls and cupboards different shades of gray, then add charcoal and heather gray accents throughout. Finish with a bright red or a bold yellow splash of color to break it up.
- Natural wood—If you’re looking for a more rustic style, wood is usually the way to go. Wooden dishes, a wood or laminate floor, and even wood-finish countertops are a great way to bring nature back into your kitchen. Unique wooden fixtures can also add creativity.
- Hanging décor—If your kitchen has a glaringly bare wall, dress it up with more than a calendar. Hanging vintage utensils or an open-shelf spice rack can add a little texture and usability to your kitchen. Open up your cupboards to see if you have something you’d like to display.
- Hide pops of color—Looking to surprise your guests and yourself on occasion? Try painting the inside of your cabinets or your sliding drawers with a bright, cheerful color. This is especially eye-catching if you have solid-colored dishes.
- A touch of life—Hanging plants add a beautiful splash of green to any kitchen. Add some vegetation with potted herbs on your windowsill or a draping plant over your sink. A wandering plant on the top of your cupboards can add a uniquely whimsical twist to space.
- Cube shelves—Some kitchens just don’t come with enough storage, so add your own with a geometric flair. Cube shelving is a great way to tastefully add more shelves, and if you need a little color you can paint the back panels of the cubes or add patterned wallpaper.
- Neutral tones—If you’re sick of white but not into bold color statements, warm things up with neutral tones like cream, ivory, or beige. You’ll still get a bright fresh look but with a hint of color and a naturally warmer feel.
- Hanging racks—Hanging up your pots and pans is a great way to make cooking easier and your kitchen trendier all at the same time. Stainless steel pots look beautiful in a white monochrome kitchen while brassy pots look great with bold colors. Pick whatever looks best.
- Chandeliers—Chandeliers are for much more than just mansion entryways. Shop around for a size and a style that makes a statement in your kitchen, and keep in mind that two small chandeliers might do more for your space than one enormous one.
- Corner shelves—Bare corners often become wasted space in a kitchen, so dress yours up. Try open corner shelves for displaying beautiful accent pieces. Or you can shop for a corner cupboard to use your space without drawing attention.
- Antiques—Looking for something to build a design around or to shake up the whole look of your kitchen? Start at your local antique store. Old knickknacks for decorating or salvaged tables or centerpieces can be the perfect inspiration for a whole new look.
- Fun nooks—Sometimes, other rooms of your home spill into the kitchen. Take advantage of this opportunity by creating pretty nooks that add to your design. Try a book corner or a cushioned bench. Window treatments are also a great way to blend two different rooms together.
- Floating shelves—Kitchens rely on storage space, so if you lack in that department, add floating shelves and paint them to match the rest of the room. This is a great place to store ingredients in cute canisters, attractive dishes, or frequently used cookbooks.
- Unexpected pieces of furniture—In your quest for more storage space, don’t be afraid to think creatively and add pieces that don’t usually go in a kitchen. Armoires, china cabinets, credenzas, trunks, or opening benches are all great options.
- Unique flooring—Another great way to shake up your whole design is to change your kitchen floor. Wood and vinyl are typical choices, but what about a bold tile, stamped concrete, or even brick? Try something off the beaten path that really pulls the whole room together.
- Colored glass—Give your kitchen the luminescence of stained glass with small touches like colored glass bottles in the window or a glass cupboard filled with green and blue goblets. Translucent color is a great way to add vibrancy without one drop of paint.
- Chalkboard wall—Looking for something fun for the kids? Or something to turn your kitchen into a sidewalk café? Chalkboards and chalkboard-painted walls can be a fun, bold addition. Use it to draw fancy entrée art or to make your own grocery lists.