How to Easily Update Kitchen and Bath

Nothing breathes new life into a home like an update to the kitchen and bath. With small touches that are easy and inexpensive; a total transformation can be made in cabinets, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. No giant remodeling budget required and you are the general contractor !

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    
   Modern lighting

   Modernize your current lighting options. Take note of what appears popular in the big box stores. Brushed nickel, white, and stainless steel are all popular items to give a stylish look to your kitchen and bath.
   
   Pendulum lights with interchangeable glass globes in varying colors means you can change out the look of your light when the mood strikes you.
   
   Track lighting is always a viable option for updating the look of any main room of the home.
   
   Either of these options is easily installable by a do it yourself enthusiast or home handyman.

2. 
    
   Paint or add hardware

   Add paint to outdated kitchen cabinets or bathroom sink base cabinets. It takes some extra work to sand and paint them, but cabinet refacing is worth the effort. In some cases, it can give the added touch that changes the entire look of the room.
   
   If painting existing cabinetry is too much work; simply add new hardware to give them more modern appeal.

3. 
    
   Shower curtain curved bar

   Install a curved shower curtain bar. Seen in most major hotel chains; these are fast becoming a have to have item.
   
   Ease of installation and the ability to add spaciousness to standard size combination shower and bathtub, makes it a winning combination for your bath remodel !

4. 
    
   Design a back splash

   Design a tile back splash. If you're feeling creative, try buying plain white tile and creating your own designs. Follow the directions on the tile grout for application and you've got a back splash original.
   
   Match the sink back splash to the one behind the stove to add a uniform look and feel to the kitchen.

5. 
    
   energy saver microwave

   Think bigger with updated energy saver appliances. Even a new microwave oven can modernize your home without breaking the kitchen and bath remodeling budget.
   
   White is still a perennial favorite, but stainless steel is also a popular option in kitchen appliances.

6. 
    
   Updated faucet

   Change your faucets. Price range on sink fixtures runs from very inexpensive to the out of budget range. Figure out what you need for faucet usage and check out the choices that have those options.
   
   The one shown here, is a faucet and sprayer combined in one. Press a button at the top and you get a spray or stream. Very modern.

Tips & Warnings

• The sky is the limit on kitchen and bath remodels. Design a budget to fit your needs and with so many options available; you're sure to find exactly what you need to update the kitchen and bath in your home.

Resources

• Kitchen Renovations on a Small Budget
• eHow Home and Garden Topic Guide

[joanhaines]

on 7/17/2009 The curved shower curtain bars give a much roomier feel to your shower!

[kittycooks]

on 7/4/2009 These are great ways to update kitchen, my next project. New hardware is easily within my budget!

[HardworkinJudy]

on 6/17/2009 Great tips for kitchen & bath remodeling.

[drewshotmom]

on 6/15/2009 Oh if only I had the $ to do that. Guess I need to write some more articles. 5*

[veryirie]

on 6/11/2009 All great ideas which most anyone can implement in their home. I want one of those curved shower rods; they are great!