Easy Ways To Refresh Your Kitchen — Without Remodeling

Major kitchen remodels are a staple of home improvement television, with major kitchen renovations occupying pride of place during the end-of-show "reveals" of newly renovated homes. However, in the real world, kitchen renovations can be slow, expensive, and often fail to generate real returns on investment when homeowners eventually move forward with a home sale. In fact, statistics show that homesellers only tend to recover 52% to 59% of the cost of a kitchen remodel when selling a home. So for homeowners who are looking to improve the look and functionality of their kitchens without making a full investment in a total renovation, we've compiled some of the best ways to refresh a kitchen without remodeling.

Consider Cabinet Refacing

A surprising number of homeowners are inspired to remodel simply so they can replace unattractive or dated kitchen cabinets. This often results in perfectly functional cabinets being ripped out and destroyed to make room for updated cabinets and drawers.

For many homeowners, cabinet replacement simply isn't necessary. So long as the kitchen's general layout works well, and the internal hardware and structure of the cabinets is in good working order, cabinet refacing can achieve stunning results in a shorter time period and at a significantly lower cost than fully replacing kitchen cabinets.

In refacing, the cabinet doors and drawer fronts are removed, the front and sides of the cabinet boxes are covered with laminate or MDF, and new doors and drawer fronts are installed. Depending on the homeowner's preferences, new cabinet hardware can be installed, or existing hardware can be salvaged and reused. The process takes less time than a full renovation, doesn't require countertops to be replaced, and costs about half what full replacement cabinets would cost. 

Alternatively, for homeowners whose cabinets are in good condition, painting the cabinets and installing fresh, contemporary hardware can be an easy DIY project to totally change the look of a kitchen without any major work at all. 

Add A Peel-And-Stick Backsplash

Installing a new backsplash can be pricey, running between around $600 and $1,400 on average, and requiring messy adhesives, tile, and grout. Homeowners who want all of the look and functionality of a backsplash without the mess and expense, however, have a much less intrusive option. Peel-and-stick tile can upgrade the look of your kitchen, installs easily, and makes your backsplash easier to clean. Available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary, these easy-to-install tiles are a quick and easy way to make your kitchen instantly look more high-end without the cost and hassle of major renovations.

Add A Functional Island 

For most homeowners, adding functional food prep and storage space is a major goal of a kitchen renovation project. However, intrusive remodeling isn't always necessary to add a functional, stylish island. A small cart can add counter space, supplement the kitchen's storage space, and make an eye-catching statement, all without requiring demolition or construction. The bonus? Adding a cart means homeowners can customize the island to their needs, choosing an option that has the size, storage options, and countertop that best suits the kitchen space. 

Upgrade Your Seating Options

If you have a kitchen island or breakfast nook, simply upgrading your seating options can be an easy way to freshen up the look of your space. Whether it's painting chairs you already own, or adding a new set of stools at the counter, upgrading your kitchen's furnishings can add an upscale touch without intensive renovations.

Go Green!

Nothing refreshes a space like fresh greenery, and in the kitchen, adding a planter box with fresh herbs can be a great way to add color, life, and even better air quality. Consider adding a  window box featuring herbs and other small plants, or hanging plants in empty wall space to add an instant eye-catching feature to your kitchen space. 

Upgrade Your Appliances

Replacing old or outdated appliances with new, energy efficient models can help to upgrade your kitchen's look while saving money on energy costs. Newer appliances can have useful features, tend to be more user-friendly, and provide an instant facelift for your kitchen space. Older appliances are also more energy-efficient, which can make a big difference for items like the refrigerator or dishwasher that can use a lot of energy. If your appliances are not working the way you'd like, consider upgrading them even if you choose not to remodel your entire kitchen space.

Add A Runner To Your Floor

If you don't love the look of your kitchen's floor, an eye-catching runner or rug can help to cover imperfections and improve the look of your overall space. Look for a rug that is low-pile and easy to clean, to ensure that you can keep your kitchen looking great even after a messy dinner prep. Bold patterns can stand out and accent a more neutral kitchen decor, and can always be swapped out for an easy way to transform the kitchen's look.

Under-Cabinet Lighting

Under-cabinet lighting is easy to find and install, and provides an instant upgrade to the look of any kitchen. With a wide variety of options, it's always easy to find a lighting system that adds ambience and functionality to the darker parts of your kitchen. Look for lighting systems that are battery-operated or plug into your existing outlets to avoid having to wrestle with complicated electrical work in your kitchen. 

When Home Means More, You Need a Team With More to Offer

Searching for a home with the new kitchen of your dreams? Let us help! Home is about so much more than just four walls. Buying or selling a home is a big deal, and with everything we've experienced recently, our homes have never been more important. That's why your local Baird & Warner agent is with you at every step of the way, from finding the perfect home to connecting you with local experts in mortgage and title. Whether it's the beginning of a story or the end of a chapter, we're here to help.