How to Upgrade Your Outdated Kitchen

Upgrading an outdated kitchen can reinvigorate the space and make it an enjoyable area to prep, cook and host dinner parties once again. Kitchen upgrades can be as simple as a weekend DIY project or as significant as a full-on kitchen remodel with contractors. Whether you decide on a budget-friendly upgrade or a full remodel for your outdated kitchen, you should consider installing new kitchen appliances. Replacing old appliances gives your kitchen a facelift and improves the functionality of the space. Other upgrades depend on the amount of time and money you want to spend.

The DIY Weekend Upgrade

If you are on a budget or have time constraints, then a quick kitchen upgrade like giving your cabinets a fresh coat of paint or matching your faucet and cabinet hardware are great options. With a minimal investment, you can make significant cosmetic changes.

●      Freshen the cabinets.

If your cabinets look worn and regular cleaning can’t return them to their pristine appearance, it may be time for a new coat of paint. While this project may take all weekend with multiple coats and the curing process, it is worth it in the end. Get multiple paint samples and check to see how they look in natural and artificial light. Pick a color that goes well with your appliances, countertops and home’s other color schemes. Neutral colors are always in style, so if you upgrade your kitchen to get it sale-ready, opt for a classic warm shade of green, beige, white or blue. Try one of 2022’s Color of the Year options like Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog or Breezeway by Behr. Bolder hues like Pantone’s Veri Peri or Valspar’s Mountain River are fun for eclectic kitchens or accents on an island’s cabinetry.

●      Match appliances and hardware.

Create a cohesive kitchen style by matching your cabinet pulls and knobs with your kitchen sink and faucet. While a new faucet may not elevate your kitchen like a ZLINE kitchen appliance package, it will upgrade your kitchen’s everyday functionality. Consider installing a pull-down or -out spray faucet for easy dishwashing and adding an on-trend apron sink. The added sink depth prevents inconvenient splashes and provides ample space for washing produce and cleaning dishes. If you want to upgrade to a modern style, look for matte black or chrome angular faucets. If you want a farmhouse vibe, then opt for a pull-down faucet in brushed nickel.

Mid-Range Kitchen Upgrades

If a complete remodel is out of your budget, it’s time for a mid-range kitchen upgrade. A couple of options include replacing a larger kitchen appliance like the kitchen range and range hood or investing in high-quality backsplash tiles. These upgrades cost more and may require professional installation but won’t put your kitchen out of commission for too long during the upgrade process.

●      Replace a large kitchen appliance.

Our kitchen appliances, including the refrigerator and kitchen range, are some of the most used tools in our home. So while replacing one of these appliances can be costly, it is worthwhile to get a high-quality appliance. For instance, top-of-the-line kitchen ranges upgrade your cooking to the next level with high-BTU burners and spacious ovens. When combined with a matching range hood, they become an attention-grabbing centerpiece in your kitchen’s design.

●      Upgrade design materials.

Upgrading the aesthetic elements of your kitchen, like the backsplash tiles, may not impact functionality but can dramatically improve your kitchen’s ambiance. No matter the style, opting for genuine natural stone veneer or a high-quality tile backsplash can give your kitchen a luxurious feel at a reasonable price. However, it is essential to consider that this upgrade may require a professional installation, which can add to the overall cost.

●      Install custom or semi-custom cabinetry.

If there is significant damage, even a coat of paint can’t restore old cabinets to their former glory. In these cases, replacing your cabinetry can refresh your kitchen’s appearance and improve its storage capacity. Current cabinetry trends include colorful cabinet doors with gold or brass hardware and space-saving pull-out pantries installed beside the refrigerator. Glass-fronted cabinets are another popular option and double as a display case for decorative serving ware and china.

Full Kitchen Upgrades

Significant upgrades include replacing all your appliances with a cohesive kitchen appliance package and installing high-end flooring and countertops. These all-out upgrades, combined with various mid-range and DIY upgrades, will leave your kitchen feeling and functioning like a completely new space.

●      Install a kitchen appliance package.

Replacing your kitchen appliances is an excellent way to incorporate modern, high-end technology into the kitchen. Like the one from Thor Kitchen, a kitchen appliance package ensures that every appliance pairs well with the other appliances in both functionality and style.

From ranges and refrigerators to specialty appliances like wine coolers or ice makers, your kitchen appliance package ensures your kitchen is fully equipped for entertaining and everyday functionality. There are packages for every style, from contemporary to traditional. Some manufacturers even mix and match their products in your package to ensure a perfectly cohesive kitchen.

●      Add high-end flooring and countertops.

Replacing old flooring and countertops with premium materials is an excellent way to create a new feel in your kitchen and attract buyers if you are preparing to sell your home. Kitchen remodeling and new wood floors ranked number one and four, respectively, in a survey about home features that appeal most to buyers.

Consider natural stone options like granite and marble for your countertops. Engineered quartz is a more affordable alternative and requires less maintenance while still offering a striking natural stone appearance. Hardwood and tiles are fantastic options for your floor, as both options have a significant variety to match your upgraded kitchen’s style. However, both materials require significant yearly maintenance like buffing, restaining or resealing. Laminate is a low-maintenance alternative that offers long-lasting durability and comes in various styles, from faux marble tile to natural wood grain.

Start Planning an Upgrade Today

Planning is the first step, whether you are looking to do a quick DIY project for your personal enjoyment or want a new appliance upgrade to bring in potential home buyers. Start by thinking of your dream kitchen and take notes on all the aspects of your current kitchen that don’t meet your vision. From there, you can categorize the necessary upgrades into DIY, mid-range and full upgrades to create a rejuvenated space.