About Kitchen Re-Decorating

Does your kitchen need a new look? There are many steps you can take to freshen up a kitchen without undergoing the hassle, cost and effort of a major kitchen remodeling project.

Types

Painting is a great way to redecorate a kitchen. It's amazing how much difference a fresh coat of paint makes. You can either apply a fresh coat of the current color or apply an entire new color to the walls.
Or, focus on the appliances. You can simply clean, shine and buff your current appliances to make them look new again. Or, you can replace your outdated appliances (donate them to a charity if they still work).
Consider updating the linens in your kitchen, too. Find coordinating curtains, placemats and a tablecloth to revamp your kitchen's aura. You could also add a few kitchen rugs here and there that match your theme.

Size

Choose colors for your kitchen decor, cabinets and appliances based on the kitchen's size. Darker colors tend to make a room feel smaller, so if you have a rather large kitchen, opt for darker, bolder shades. If your kitchen is smaller than average and not very open, aim for lighter colors. They will open the room up and give the kitchen a more spacious, bright feeling.

Function

When redecorating your kitchen, it's easy to focus only on the kitchen's look and feel. Remember that you still want the kitchen to function the same as it did (or better) before you redecorated.
If you have limited counter space, see if you can free some of it up by stashing appliances away in cupboards. If you have limited cabinet space, maybe you can free some of it up by hanging your pots and pans (put them within easy reach of the stove).
If you have extra space, think of ways to fill it. If you have the room, you could consider a rolling cart or island to help you store appliances and use as a workspace when preparing meals.

Time Frame

Many people find it easier to redecorate a kitchen bit by bit so they do not become overwhelmed. You might start with the walls and work your way toward little decor accents. If you are strapped for time, consider which redecorating tasks would help your kitchen the most, and focus on those.

Considerations

If you want a completely new look and functionality to your kitchen, you may choose to hire a contractor. Be ready to pay a large sum. Before you take this step, consult with a contractor to see what your options are and find out how much a professional would charge to do what you have in mind.

Resources

• Kitchen design styles and ideas
• Do-it-yourself cabinet refacing
• Changing cabinet knobs