Does your kitchen make your home feel dated, ugly, or just plain old? You don’t need a complete overhaul to fix that. By making simple changes to the features you already have, you can modernize an outdated kitchen on any budget. Here are some tips to give your old kitchen a refresh.
Change the Color Scheme
Colors set the tone for kitchen design trends. Remember when everyone was obsessed with Tuscan design, so every home had a gold and maroon color scheme? Or what about the years when rosy countertops and hunter green tile were design staples?
If your kitchen feels dated, you may need to modernize the color scheme. Soft neutrals are hot right now, and they’ll look great for years to come. If you want a modern pop of color though, consider a rustic shade of green or a rich navy blue. Painting your walls, cabinets and other areas could make a big difference for the feel in your kitchen.
Create a More Functional Layout
Kitchen needs have changed immensely in the last few decades. Appliances are bigger, families are bigger, and homeowners need a balance of prep space and storage. If your current kitchen layout does not function well, it may be time for an upgrade. Rework your existing square footage to get more out of your kitchen. The right layout could drastically boost your home value and quality of life. Check out What Is the Best Kitchen Layout? for more information.
Update the Appliances
This piece of advice could go either way. If your appliances still function well, you may opt to get a few more years out of them before investing in new ones. Nevertheless, new appliances can make a kitchen feel fresh and revitalized. For maximum effect, we recommend getting a matching suite of appliances, or at least getting appliance that are all the same finish. Mismatched appliances add to the dated feel.
Swap the Hardware and Lighting
One of the mot affordable kitchen updates you can make is swapping the cabinet hardware. Change out your ornate old knobs for something clean and contemporary. Switch to a new metal finish that fits your kitchen and today’s color schemes. Champagne bronze, black, brushed gold and satin nickel are great options for a range of kitchen designs.
If you can update your lighting to match your hardware, that will create a cohesive look for the space. If not, consider choosing a hardware finish that complements the lighting in the kitchen.
Avoid Trendy Kitchen Designs (Or You’ll End up with Another Outdated Kitchen)
Kitchen trends are fun and exciting, but they quickly become outdated. If you want a kitchen with maximum longevity, invest in timeless design features and quality materials. You can get inspired by current trends, but try to avoid a truly trendy kitchen design. Establish a foundation of neutral features that will transition as time progresses. Then add artwork and accent pieces as your design tastes change.
The kitchen designers here at O’Hanlon Kitchens would love to help you modernize your outdated kitchen. We provide custom kitchen remodeling in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Contact us at 443-285-0558 to get started.
