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20 Ways To Spruce Up Your Kitchen
Add Value To Your Home - On A Budget!
By Adam O'Connor, Lake Arrowhead Real Estate
Kitchens and Bathrooms Sell Houses!!
The kitchen is one of the rooms that traditionally sells houses. Most experts agree that it's not always practical to remodel a kitchen, but you can benefit in the long run if you spend time on minor improvements and general sprucing up.
1. Consider painting your cabinets if they are in need of a full overhaul. Nothing changes the look of a kitchen faster!
2. If you don't want the hard work that goes into total repainting, consider removing a cupboard door to make a display cabinet. Or, you can cut out the middle of the doors, leaving a two-inch space all around. Staple fabric panels to the backs of the doors. Cover the staples with fabric trim glued with a hot glue gun.
4. Update your cabinets with special memories. Attach frames painted or stained to match the cabinets to the front of each door. Fill the frames with family photos or your children's artwork. Add mountain themed decor to the kitchen, a popular option in Big Bear real estate.
5. One of the simplest ways to add flavor to your kitchen is to install new cabinet hardware. A popular shape is long and rectangular rather than simply round and traditional.
6. Let molding add some flair. Panel or picture molding redefines the flat doors and drawers while elaborate crown molding, placed where cabinets meet the ceiling, creates a classic look, sure to draw attention.
8. Take out a few drawers and insert low baskets in their place.
9. Use a bead-board to update your backsplash. Have your local home improvement store cut it to length and attach with nails or adhesives.
10. Pick up inexpensive plate hangers from the hardware store and hang the saucers from your good china around the backsplash, or as a border.
11. Dress up your windows. Terry cloth tea towel cafe curtains are quick and easy to make and they will help to give your kitchen a new look. Also consider wood blinds and Roman shades to add style.
12. Just adding one or two accessories or reorganization of some you already have will make a change in your kitchen.
13. Add a fireplace... yep, a fireplace. With so many great vent-free, freestanding wood fireplaces available, adding one to your kitchen can be a great way to brighten it up. When you move, you can take your fireplace with you.
14. Get rid of old appliances. Many people are going for the heavy-duty, modern, efficient look of stainless steel.
15. Get a double-basin sink to make separating and cleaning dishes and pots quick and easy.
17. Use bottom basin racks, wire rinse baskets, cutting boards and colanders to keep everything you need at your fingertips.
18. Consider changing the tiles of your kitchen floor and walls.
19. The proper lighting in your kitchen can make it or break it. A popular choice is track lighting.
20. Grow plants from seed on your windowsills. Even grass seed has become very vogue.
Adam O'Connor is a writer/web programmer who likes to remodel homes on the side. He lives, writes, programs and remodels in the stunning environment of the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California. Visit his site for more tips on remodeling your kitchen.