How to Modernize Your Outdated Kitchen

Whether your kitchen is a true fixer-upper from decades ago or your once-modern laminate countertop and linoleum floor have quickly gone out of style, it may be time to modernize your outdated kitchen. With new design trends showcasing creative uses of color, modern appliances, and functional design, there are endless ways to bring your kitchen into the present. Whether you’re trying to sell your home or planning to stay in your space for generations. to come: These ideas can help you transform your kitchen into the cooking space of your dreams.

Here are 10 creative ways to make your dull, outdated kitchen feel new and inviting once again.

Fotoluminate LLC – stock.adobe.com

Buy these products now: Chandelier – old faucet[deals-hub-ad]

1. Upgrade your metals

Outdated kitchens were made from materials that were popular decades ago, including metals used for kitchen fixtures. With innovative materials launching and manufacturer design trends following suit, it may be time to rethink drawer pulls and lighting fixtures. Metals going modern in kitchen design include matte aluminum, stainless steel, brushed gold, and copper. Try these materials in your cabinets. hardware, pendant lighting and range hood options.

bmak – stock.adobe.com

Buy these products now: wood tile flooring – dining chairs

2. Change your floor

Flat it is an area of ​​your kitchen that is often forgotten and yet it plays an important role in your entire kitchen. If your flooring keeps you in the past, try swapping out your traditional rolled vinyl or linoleum flooring for a more durable and timeless material – we’re talking wood, tile or stone. These materials will last longer and increase in value. of your home In recent years, ceramic tiles that mimic the look of hardwood have become popular, as have travertine and slate.

Africa Studio – stock.adobe.com

Buy these products now: Crockery – wall shelves

3. Consider removing upper cabinets

Many outdated kitchens were built to include walls and upper cabinet walls to house dishes and cookware. Many times these cabinets are eye consuming and make the kitchen feel cluttered. If you’re looking to open up your kitchen space and don’t have room to grow out, consider removing your upper cabinets. This frees up the wall, allowing for modern open shelving with some decorative items and crockery.

nitade – stock.adobe.com

Buy these products now: utensil holder – countertop accessories

4. Modernize your countertops

Your countertops also get a big chunk of the real estate in your kitchen. While outdated kitchens may have the drawbacks of cheap tile and grout or vinyl for the workspace, the variety of countertop surface options out there today is endless. Foom Solid Surface Varieties consisting of resin and polymers to natural stone varieties such as marble and granite, there is an option for all styles and budgets. In recent years, designers have become increasingly creative and are using high-strength structural materials for countertops. . So add concrete, brick, tile, to your list too.

fake images

Buy these products now: fruit bowl – counter chairs

5. Give people a place to sit

Your kitchen is likely the busiest area in your home and the place where people are most likely to congregate. Modern kitchens embrace this by adding seating to the kitchen. Whether you choose stools and counter seating at a breakfast bar, or opt for a banquette or bench at a window table, seating can give your kitchen a whole new appeal. Busy families with kids doing homework for parents entertaining friends while they cook make seating essential in their modern kitchen.

ALDECAstudio – stock.adobe.com

Buy these products now: Kitchen appliances – Burner

6. Save energy with your appliances

We’re all trying to reduce our carbon footprint, and outdated kitchen appliances are a great place to start. If you have an appliance upgrade in the future, be sure to make it energy efficient! You’ll get a modern look while saving water and energy, good for the earth. Y your bills. Consider replacing plumbing fixtures too, as low-flow kitchen faucets save a lot of water. Updating your kitchen should not be just for aesthetics; it should also help you save money and the Earth’s resources.

Ursula Page – stock.adobe.com

Buy these products now: storage cabinet – golden faucet

7. Paint your existing cabinets

New cabinets not in the cards for you? Painting and staining your existing kitchen cabinets is a great option for homeowners on a budget. You can choose a bold, vibrant blue, or a modern, dark black finish to cover up the outdated wood and faded cabinet colors of yesteryear. From distressed doors to glazes and paint stains, you’ll be amazed at how your hard work and a little extra color will transform your old cabinets into new ones.

Charles Schmidt/Getty Images

Buy these products now: Hanging lamp – cabinet lights

8. Install new lighting options

Once you’ve modernized the major components of your kitchen, don’t forget the lighting! While kitchen lighting can sometimes be an afterthought, it’s essential to the safety, ambience, and versatility of your kitchen. If your kitchen only has one overhead ambient lighting fixture, look into recessed lighting for a modern light source. Consider installing a dimmer switch for added versatility while entertaining, cooking, or just relaxing for a midnight snack! Pendant lighting above a kitchen island, under cabinet lighting to illuminate countertops, and chandeliers are becoming great options for updated lighting sources.

Martin Leaves/Getty ImFWA

Buy these products now: Pots – wall basket – Extractor hood

9. Add decorative elements

While you may not think of it, your kitchen is a great place to add decorative elements that bring a sense of you and your lifestyle to your kitchen. For many homeowners, plant shelves on top of cabinets make room for plants, artwork, and other decorative items. Built-in display shelves under the kitchen island can showcase your prized cookware, favorite cookbooks, or showcase a heirloom china heirloom. through generations. Add a vase of flowers and a bowl of fresh lemons for a splash of color.

slavun – stock.adobe.com

Buy these products now: kitchen trolley – counter stool

10. Tear down walls

The compartmentalized, boxed-in feel of old-fashioned kitchens built generations ago is all too common. If you’re looking to open up your kitchen and share the view with an adjacent dining room or living room, consider knocking down some partitions! This method works well for non-load-bearing walls that have no structural value. Your kitchen can grow in size or it can simply open up to other areas of your home. While your kitchen might look fabulous just the way it is, what would it look like without that pesky wall? If you are not sure if this is possible, consult a structural engineer or architect to see what possibilities there are for your kitchen. From updating finishes and materials to adding color, lighting and space, options abound for your outdated kitchen. While you may not use all of these 10 ideas, see which ones are perfect for your lifestyle, budget, and family. We can’t wait to see what you’ll do with your space! Any tips or tricks? Reach out to us in the comments below, or on our social media pages!