How to Make a 70s Kitchen More Modern

Bring your '70s kitchen into the modern era with new appliances and colors.

Kitchen stuck in a time warp? Get rid of the groovy feeling of the '70s and bring your dated kitchen into the modern age. Homeowners may be surprised to find that some kitchen updates don’t require a second mortgage and can even be done as a DIY project in a matter of a weekend or two. So take steps to eliminate the burnt orange and avocado green as well as other tired, funky finishes from your kitchen with a facelift that not only takes decades off your space, but adds to the value of your home.

Things You'll Need

• New appliances
• Skylights or new windows
• New cabinets
• New light fixture
• Paint
• Cabinet hardware
• Sink faucet
• Flooring

Instructions

1. Update the appliances in your kitchen. Replace the time-worn, avocado-green refrigerator, stove and dishwasher with a finish that is more modern and reflective of the modern era like a stainless, matte stainless, black or even white.

2. Let in more natural light with skylights or remove window-hugging upper cabinets.

3. Replace cabinets, if it’s within your budget. Use open shelving in place of cabinets around windows for a more open and airy look.

4. Update the look of existing cabinets with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware with a neutral, nickel finish, if new cabinets are not within reason.

5. Switch out faucets on the kitchen sink and select a more modern countertop surface such as Corian, granite, or even concrete.

6. Strip down wallpaper or give paneling a new look with a fresh coat of paint in an inviting and lively color. Add a backsplash with ceramic, porcelain or even stainless steel-look panels to add a bit of personality to the kitchen.

7. Replace the old vinyl flooring with a more modern pattern, or choose a different flooring option such as a natural stone or hardwood to elicit a more modern look. There are even inexpensive vinyl tiles with the look and texture of stone as well as plank-shaped vinyl tiles made to look like wood flooring that may do the trick for less.

8. Remove old brass or wood and fluorescent light fixtures in favor of an updated, sleek chandelier or flush-mount fixture in a finish to match your new kitchen hardware.

References

• Service Magic; Repainted Cabinet-A Smart Kitchen Update
• Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford; 70’s Kitchen Update; Danny Lipford