Six inexpensive ways to easily update your kitchen

1. Freshen up your cabinets with paint and trim work:

• Instead of going with standard white, paint your cabinets a neutral color such as: Taupe or Beige. Benjamin Moores, Rocky Road CC-470 is an ideal neutral. If this is too much of a commitment, paint out the upper cabinets in white and the lower cabinets in a darker color. If you currently have flat panel doors, add some trim work: 3" wide x 1/4" deep, to mimic a shaker door style which will add interest and instant character to your space

2. Replace your old counter tops:

• Even if your budget is small, replacing your dated counter tops with new and contemporary laminate counter tops will make a huge statement. Wilsonart Laminate, 4588-07 Kalahir Topaz is an excellent choice. Have the suppliers make a "square under-wrap edge profile" and eliminate the laminate back splash

3. Install a new back splash:

• A back plash can really pull the whole look together in your small renovation project. Choose something simple and inexpensive, not sinking a lot of your money into it. White subway tile is a cost saving, but stylish option. It will be crisp and clean, adding the perfect amount of pattern for your room. For a more modern look: Install the tiles with the grout lines all matching up. For a more traditional look: stagger the grout lines.

4. Install new cabinet hardware:

• The hardware is like accessories with an outfit, pulling it all together. This choice will really direct the style of your kitchen. Check out http://www.cabinethardwareuniverse.com/ for thousands of options. Here's one of my favorites:
  

Alno A853 Contemporary Suite Cabinet Knob

Price: $9.00 each

5. Install a new faucet:

• Adding a new faucet will create sparkle and shine in your updated space. Similarly like the new hardware, the style of your faucet will also direct the whole look of your kitchen. Here is a modern option from Home Depot:

Pegasus

Kitchen faucet with a spring spout CP

Price: $264.00

Model Number: 1000124527

6. Update your lighting:

• It doesn't matter anymore if you live in a small starter home or a newly constructed high end home, Chandeliers are in! Add a sparkling chandelier over your kitchen table, which will give your new space an elegant mood. Here is an inexpensive, yet stylish option from the Home Depot:

ML 5-light Chrome Chandelier

Price: $169.99

Model Number: 27158


Links: http://www.homedepot.ca/
http://www.cabinethardwareuniverse.com/