Decor

8 Ways You Can Instantly Update Your Kitchen (With No Demolition Required!)

update your kitchen, modern kitchen, white kitchen with black accents, easy kitchen remodel

Update Your Kitchen

I’ve all but given up on the hope that Jennifer Todryk, Hilary Farr or the Property Brothers might just show up on my doorstep. You know, with sledgehammers in hand…ready to get to work on a surprise home reno. A girl can dream! I took a hard look at my kitchen earlier this month and decided there are several ways to refreshen it up without tearing up floors and knocking down cabinets (for now). And you know what? These little changes really did help. You can instantly update your kitchen with a few modern twists. Sharing 8 ideas that helped me!

If you’d like to add some copper accents to your kitchen, checkout this post OR if you need some help styling those popular floating shelves, we’ve got some great tips here.

Bigger Projects

Keep scrolling for some easy kitchen update suggestions! And here are a few more ideas that involve a bit more elbow grease and/or professionals:

  • Treat your walls to a fresh coat of paint
  • Paint or stain cabinets
  • Update to energy-efficient appliances
  • Add a new backsplash

What’s the one room in your home that you wish you could magically makeover? If you have any kitchen projects underway, I’d love to hear about them…big or small! Leave me a note in the comments.
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1

Updated Runner

If your kitchen runner has seen better days, try updating it with an easy to wash option. Especially in the kitchen, having a rug you can toss in the washer on the regular is key. These options from ruggable are all machine washable, water and stain-resistant, and nonslip...not to mention pretty and modern!
2

Appliance Reboot

Maybe you don't need any new large appliances, but what about an updated toaster, tea kettle (linking my absolute favorite!) or stand mixer? Some of the unique KitchenAid stand mixer ceramic bowls are gorgeous.
3

Lighting

Pendant lights are a very modern way to add some interest over a kitchen island or table. Think of pendant lights as accessories that can add contrast. If you have a mostly white/light kitchen try black pendant lights. If you have a lot of wood in your kitchen (cabinets, table, floors) glass or metal pendants would offer a nice contrast. Also, under cabinet lighting is very easy to install with puck lights that you can just peel and stick. Linking a few options here...
4

New Hardware

This is a simple change that can add a big impact. Updating your hardware to contrast your kitchen cabinets will give them a facelift. There are MANY knobs and pulls out there at every price point! Amazon has several affordable sets and there are some unique options at Anthropologie.
5

Tiered Shelves

Open shelving in lieu of cabinet space isn't for everyone, but a small, tiered shelving unit to showcase your favorite china, mugs, cookbooks or plants would be a great update...and so fun to style.
6

Add Green. Period.

Plants will breathe life and color into your kitchen. Adding plants to your home has been shown to improve general health since they release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. What this little science lesson boils down to is... improved air quality. Did you know Amazon sells house plants? Well, of course, they do! Golden Pothos is one of the easiest indoor plants to grow. It's perfect for new plant parents and those of us who struggle to keep plants alive (me!) Linking one here along with a few other low-maintenance options...
7

Knife Block

Does anyone else wonder what grossness lingers inside the sleeves of their aging knife block? I like these magnetic blocks and racks that you can either set on your counter or hang on the wall which allows for easy storage and razor-sharp blades.
8

If All Else Fails...

How about some fresh kitchen towels? I have several sets of these William Sonoma towels and they are THE best. Super absorbent and thick...great option if yours need an upgrade. Lots of colors to choose from!

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