Little Changes, Big Difference: Improve Your Kitchen on a Budget

Kitchens are often the most-used room in a home (although, the bathroom gives it pretty good competition) so it's no wonder that it's often the focus of home-renovation projects.  However, not everyone has the budget, or the ability, to do a major overhaul on their dingy, less-than-appealing kitchen space.  For example, renters are often stuck with what they have, without the option of painting, putting in new counters/floors, etc. 

So what's a budding chef to do when they just doing enjoy being in their kitchen space?  Well, we have a few simple (and inexpensive) changes you can make to your kitchen that will improve the look and feel without a lot of fuss.  Best part?  If you aren't handy, and don't think you can handle some of these, Dickens Plumbing is there to help you out!  We do installations of some of the items mentioned below, so give us a call and get a quote. 

Hardware upgrades aren't actually that "hard" at all. 

Kitchen hardware takes a lot of wear and tear, and it can look pretty sad if you don't make sure to keep it upgraded.  Kitchen faucets, cabinet and drawer pulls, etc. are relatively inexpensive to replace (dependent on the style you pick) and take very little time to change out.  They can really affect the feel of a kitchen.  Brass, iron, or other "older" looking metals that are very ornate will give your kitchen a "vintage" or antique flair, while brushed stainless hardware instantly gives a modern and sleek feel. 

Line it up. 

Shelf and drawer liner is a great way to add a punch to your kitchen without spending much money or effort.  Non-adhesive versions mean renters can guarantee clean surfaces for their dishes, and then remove everything with no mess when it's time to leave.  For those who choose to go "doorless" on their kitchen cabinets, shelf liner can become a fashion statement. Fun patterns and colors give a nice background to showcase your dishes and kitchen accessories!  For ugly countertops that you just can't replace, "line" them with a large, oversized cutting board.  They come in all types of materials that are nice to look at, very functional, and non-slip which means you can do all your cooking in style. 

Start from the ground up. 

Flooring is important throughout your home, and can set the entire ambience in a home. However, replacing floors can get costly very quickly, and for those who rent, replacing the flooring isn't even an option.  This is when you bring in rugs (or other floor coverings).  Rugs come in all patters, shapes, sizes, and textures.  Some are padded to help support you during long hours cooking for family, while others are great for conversation pieces at your next cocktail party (think: that rug with a picture of Elvis you saw at a local thrift shop...).  Rugs are a great way to spice up your floors quickly and easily.  If you want something a little more substantial, but still don't want to replace the entire floor, there are "floating floor" options (like Flor tiles) that lock together and form large sections of flooring, but don't actually attach to the floor underneath.  It's basically a portable "floor" that you can take with you whenever you move on! 

Organize! 

Making the most of the space in your kitchen is important when you just can't afford the time or finances to add additional built-in storage such as new cabinets.  Organization is key in using the space you have, and there are some easy upgrades you can make to improve the function of your kitchen.  Installing wire shelving in large cabinets or the pantry can divide the space and make it easier to divide and stack dishes, food, etc.  Under-shelf baskets are another great way to add additional storage in the space you already have.  For countertop space, make sure your organization is also nice to look at!  Attractive and functional "accessories" such as dish drying racks, utensil holders, etc. can make or break the look of your kitchen. 

We hope this has sparked some ideas for you to spruce up your kitchen this summer.  Of course, large scale renovations such as replacing appliances, countertops, cabinetry, lighting, etc. are always an option if you can spare a little more cash and want a bigger change.  We can help you plan changes based on the end result you want, and your budget, so give us a call. Dickens Plumbing can do it all, from replacing a faucet to remaking an entire kitchen and we are ready to help YOU!