The kitchen is the only room in our homes where the whole family can get together for prolonged periods of time. Be it a Sunday lunch tradition or a monthly family gathering, there is something so homely and inviting about this room. Here, we get inspired to cook meals, catch up with our family members, and create unforgettable memories.
It is no wonder then that kitchens need upgrades and remodelings more often than other rooms. While it is true that kitchen renovations and budget-friendly options don’t normally go hand in hand, we beg to differ. In fact, there are many affordable solutions that will transform your space completely, like using bamboo plywood panels for your cabinets and shelves or simply repainting your walls. These smart solutions will help you revamp your kitchen space and save some money.
Keep on reading for more tips on how to upgrade your kitchen successfully if you are on a budget.
Repaint the Walls
People often underestimate the power one fresh coat of paint can hold. Before you do any actual painting, you will need to prep the area. If you spend a lot of time cooking, there are probably some greasy splatters and stains on your walls. Make sure to remove them beforehand so that they don’t come through. You can use a detergent and warm water to clean the problematic areas.
Instead of following interior trends blindly, choose your paints wisely. Some colors are simply not well-suited for this space. Stick to lighter shades because these will visually enlarge your kitchen. If crisp white is not your cup of tea, you can venture into shades of grey, beige, and even pale blue. Then, you can experiment with furniture in bold colors to create a nice contrast.
Upgrade Your Cabinets
Now that you have created a perfect base, it’s time to move on to other integral pieces like kitchen cabinets. Replacing all of them would be a huge investment. However, there are other things you can do without spending a fortune. For instance, you can refresh their appearance by using bamboo plywood panels to make custom doors.
What’s really great about these plywood panels is that they come in a variety of thicknesses and colors, so you are bound to find something that works for you. In addition, they are extremely resilient, which is great because kitchen cabinets are used fairly often. Plywood panels are also a good and durable shelving option, so you can consider making a brand new spice rack, too.
Change the Lighting
A proper choice of lighting can affect the overall appearance of a room significantly. This seemingly small update can transform the look and feel of your entire kitchen. Adding light fixtures will help you during the cooking process, especially while prepping the ingredients.
Make sure to illuminate every key area in your kitchen, starting with the kitchen island. The best option for this is installing pendant lights over that area. Not only do they look trendy, but they will also draw focus where it’s needed. Use task lights for kitchen cabinets, as these will help with shadows that appear in the corners. You’ll finally be able to follow all of your recipes without straining your eyes.
Revamp Your Island
Last but certainly not least is the focal point of every kitchen — your kitchen island. If your island is in good condition, you can simply repaint it to add some character to your kitchen. You can also consider replacing the countertop with something more durable, like bamboo plywood panels.
Plywood panels are an ideal choice when it comes to countertops. They are eye-catching, so they will always draw attention. Plus, they are super resilient and affordable, which is great because kitchen islands are used quite often so they need to be sturdy. Afterward, you can add some interesting seating options and flower centerpieces to make your kitchen island seem even more inviting.
Final Touches
Now that the base is complete, it’s time to add some finishing touches to your new and improved kitchen. You can reduce the clutter by putting only your most interesting pots and pans on display. Also, you can buy some herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano. This way, you’ll have an endless supply of spices all year round.
Once you are done, take a step back and admire the space you’ve created with just a little effort and imagination.