10 Ways to Give Your Kitchen a New Look
Easy updates and small renovations that make an impact.
Your kitchen is the hardest working area of your home—shouldn’t it reflect your personal style and serve up the functionality you need? Whether you’re a renter on a budget or a homeowner ready to upgrade, here are our 10 favorite ideas to breathe new life into this central space.
Easy Updates
1. Clear Your Counters
Removing countertop clutter instantly makes your kitchen feel larger—and the newly cleared space leaves more room for actual cooking. Stow small appliances and other bulky items inside cabinets with sliding organizers. Use decorative accents that are also functional, like a colorful canister to corral cooking utensils, a well-stocked fruit bowl, or a bottle of fancy olive oil. If you lack a pantry, a kitchen cart is a great solution for extra storage. Bonus: It also serves as a mini-island if you don’t have one.
Design: dmar interiors
https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/butlers-pantry--photo-id110348
Incorporating fabrics into your kitchen not only softens the hard surfaces but also introduces depth. Laying a runner in the area between the sink and island visually extends the space and helps prevent slippery floors. Curtains or Roman shades diffuse light and provide privacy, while a well-placed tea towel lends decorative flair. Don’t be shy about choosing bold colors or bright patterns—these accents are easy to swap in and out, allowing you to change the look of your kitchen in minutes.
3. Exchange Your Hardware
Designs: Clean Design Partners
https://www.wayfair.com/Get-The-Look/Photo/Donna-Dotan-Photography-Inc.-P77318
New cabinet knobs or drawer pulls subtly refresh the style of your kitchen without a big investment. With many styles, shapes, and finishes to choose from, the only difficult part is deciding which is right for your space. Take cues from your current cabinets and color scheme—for example, dark hardware against light cabinetry (and vice-versa) adds a pop of contrast. If you prefer a seamless look, choose something that matches your current style.
For more tips, check out our Cabinet Hardware Buying Guide.
Design: Clean Design Partners
https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/cleandesign03102016-6305weba--photo-id231891
A casual dining space is perfect for grabbing a quick bite, or hosting guests while you channel your at-home gourmand skills. If you already have an island or kitchen cart, bring in bar-height stools to make it a gathering spot. You can also place a table with a couple of chairs against a wall—and for those low on square footage, pair a slim rectangular or round pedestal table with a set of armless chairs.
Design: Chango & Co.
https://www.wayfair.com/Shop-The-Look/Photo/17-Litchfield-Countryside-Retreat-Kitchen-Sink-View-by-Chango-Co-P204529
A new coat of paint can do wonders—making it well worth committing to this weekend project. Painting your walls can make your kitchen feel lighter and brighter and disguise tired, chipped cabinets. For a stylish two-tone look, paint your island or bottom cabinets a contrasting color from your upper cabinets.
Tip! Satin or semi-gloss paint has a durable finish that's easy to clean.
Small Renovations
6. Switch Your Faucet or Sink
Design: Austin Bean Design Studio
https://www.wayfair.com/Shop-The-Look/Photo/Laundry-Room-P26879
From leaky faucets to small basins, the kitchen sink is a common pain point. Replacing a faucet doesn’t require an expert; just check the mounting (number and spacing of holes) to ensure the new fixture will fit. Arm yourself for success with our Kitchen Faucet Buying Guide.
A new sink can be complicated to install, so seek the advice of a professional. Since it's one of the hardest working pieces in your kitchen, choose a model with enhanced features like a deep or divided washbowl. An undermount sink leaves the counters smooth, while a large farmhouse sink adds a timeless touch. See our Guide to Kitchen Sink Styles to learn more.
Design: Kendall Simmons Interiors
https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/img-9958--photo-id206145
Cast your kitchen in the best of lights, whether that means adding new fixtures or simply updating current ones. Task or under-cabinet lighting better illuminates the prep work at hand—no more squinting at the cutting board. If you want to reconfigure your lighting placement, bring in an electrician. Add character with pendants above an island, or a statement chandelier over an eat-in table. Read how to Layer Lighting in Your Home for more tips.
Design: JMorris Design
https://www.wayfair.com/Shop-The-Look/Photo/Wall-tile-explosion-P105189
Whether you're currently living with dated tile or bare walls, opting for a new backsplash lets you redefine the style of your space. Cover the area underneath your cabinets to tie your kitchen décor together, or extend it up to the ceiling to make a statement. Consider the balance of your overall design as you choose a style, whether you opt for a subtle, neutral tile or a lively color or pattern. If you're a renter, stick-on tiles are a landlord-friendly choice and look just like the real thing.
Tip! For inspiration, check out 6 Backsplash Ideas to Steal.
9. Upgrade Your Appliances
Design: Clean Design Partners
https://www.wayfair.com/Get-The-Look/Photo/Donna-Dotan-Photography-Inc.-P77306
No, you don't need to do this in one fell swoop—consider which appliance currently irritates you the most. Is it the lack of storage space in your fridge, the inefficient electric stovetop, or the oven’s fluctuating temperatures? Before purchasing, check product measurements and details carefully to ensure it'll fit seamlessly in your layout.
Getting rid of peeling laminate or tiled counters will not only make you more inclined to cook, but also adds value to your home. Consider how you use your kitchen and your cleaning habits (be honest!), as some types are more durable or high-maintenance than others. This is an upgrade worth tackling all at once—island included—as you want stone cut from the same batch, and older countertops will be an eyesore against the beauty of the new. You can also decide to mix-and-match finishes across counters and island for an eclectic look.
