Who doesn’t love a fabulous kitchen? Even those who live on takeout and Uber Eats can appreciate the flawless layout and welcoming vibe of a meticulous, well-thought-out design.
Home buyers, in particular, place undeniable importance on the kitchen. If they can visualize happy memories here, then a house is practically sold. This is why kitchen renovations are often top-of-mind for anyone thinking of selling. Unfortunately, these can also be some of the most expensive and disruptive upgrades to make.
If you want to elevate your kitchen without spending a fortune, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ll highlight a few creative ways to revamp your kitchen with minimal hassle or expenditure.
Clean and Declutter
When in doubt, clean! Each room in the house can gather clutter over time, but the kitchen is particularly susceptible. A fancy new gadget here, a must-have gizmo there, and soon all of the drawers and cupboards are filled to overflowing, often with things you never even got around to using.
Getting rid of it all is one giant step to a gorgeous new kitchen. If your house has been recently updated, a good scouring might be all it takes to make this space shiny and new. At the very least, it will give you a blank canvas to work with. From here, the sky’s the limit, whether you plan on a professional remodel or a few do-it-yourself touches!
Is your kitchen upgrade part of your plan to sell your home? Here are some other resources to help maximize your results:
- What You Must Disclose When Selling Your Toronto Home
- Home Renovations to Avoid When Selling
- Selling Your Home? Here’s How to Maximize its Value in Any Market
Paint and Other Minor Upgrades
Almost nothing refreshes a room like a new coat of paint! Fortunately, this is also one of the least expensive upgrades you can make, whether you’re redoing your kitchen for your own enjoyment or getting your house ready to sell.
If you plan to stay in the home, you can afford to get creative with bold colours, accents, or untraditional yet eye-catching designs. When selling, you want to keep the buyer in mind with everything you do. However, this does not mean your choices have to be boring! A pop of bold colour softened by softer tones elsewhere can add a splash of personality to your kitchen while appealing to potential buyers.
Changing out the backsplash tile by tile can be expensive and time-consuming, but there is an alternative. Peel and stick tiles save money and are easy to apply. Today’s technology and designs can make them look like the real deal, which means visitors will never know you didn’t spend a fortune to make your kitchen spectacular.
If you want to give your kitchen a total makeover over a weekend, consider swapping out the light fixtures, drawer, and cupboard door handles. These small changes add up to a completely new look!
Consider Your Appliances
It’s not surprising that new appliances can breathe fresh life into any kitchen. A sleek stainless steel oven, fridge, and dishwasher add a touch of modernity and style. However, changing the look of your kitchen isn’t just about what you add. Often, it’s about what you remove.
- If you have a multi-purpose toaster oven, do you really need that old toaster sitting on your countertop?
- If you have a multi-cooker, you can likely part with other small appliances that take up space.
- Before buying anything new for your kitchen, it helps to always ask if you might already have something that could do the job.
Single-use tools can quickly clutter up even generous amounts of cupboard and counter space. Considering each new addition carefully will not only save you money but also keep your newly updated kitchen clean and new.
Creative Storage Solutions
While we’re on the subject of kitchen items, it’s a good time to talk about storage. Having plenty of built-in cupboards, drawers, and pantries is a huge value add in any home, whether you plan to stay or sell.
However, there is no need to despair if your pre-existing options are in short supply. A quick Amazon or Etsy search can bring up nearly unlimited solutions that add beauty and functionality, from decorative baskets and floating shelves to rolling kitchen islands and handy freestanding pantries. The ideas for expanding even tiny spaces are nearly endless.
- Bulky food containers can be replaced with collapsible alternatives to help you keep your drawers organized.
- Flexible silicone covers allow you to store food in regular dishes, making owning so many takeaway containers unnecessary in the first place.
- Cabinet carousels can make hard-to-reach spaces easily accessible, making room for those seldomly used items you can’t bring yourself to part with.
- Dividers and small organizing trays expand space inside drawers and cupboards while making it easier to quickly find what you need.
- Under-the-sink organizers let you hide away your kitchen garbage and cleaning supplies, giving the room a much-elevated look.
With a little creativity, your storage solutions can become part of your kitchen decor while helping you to keep a clean and seamless workspace.
Are you looking for more ways to transform your whole house? The posts below will give you some ideas:
- The Art of the Spring Home Makeover
- Fabulous Lighting – Illuminate Your Home on Any Budget
- 5 Toronto Furniture Stores To Give Your Home A Makeover
Add Unique Art and Decor
Now that your kitchen is clean, organized, and painted, you can begin adding the finishing touches. A few selective pieces of art and decor will make this space uniquely your own.
Once again, this is a project you can do on a budget. A picture or painting doesn’t have to be expensive to become a conversation piece; it just has to be visually interesting.
A visit to the studio of an up-and-coming artist or even a thrift store can turn up fascinating items no one else will have! Alternatively, you can attend one of Toronto’s many festivals and exhibitions to browse the best offerings from local artists.
Or, you can head to your local craft store to create your a work of art that adds your own personal flair to your kitchen. Even if you think you can’t draw or paint, you’ll be surprised at the results you get under the guidance of a local instructor at a workshop or even through a step-by-step YouTube video.
In any case, you can always be on the lookout for items that catch your eye. Once you have a healthy collection, you can switch your decor with the season to keep things interesting. With these few minor updates, your fascinating new kitchen will soon be your favourite room in the house!
Do you want more tips on what upgrades can add value to your home? We are happy to help, whether you’re selling now or five years from now. Reach out today to Erica@EricaReddy.com or call 416.443.0300 with any questions.
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