Remodeling has been quite popular recently, and as we head towards the cooler month’s people have been rushing to finish jobs and update homes. So I thought the perfect way to end the summer would be to write about how to spruce up your kitchen without getting into a full blown renovation!

Cabinets-the guts of the kitchen, and one thing that can be easily modified to produce something fresh. Instead of typical wall cabinets and bases, add a second layer, or ‘double stack’ to include a new look. Guests will immediately notice the change complimenting on the modern appeal. Even something as simple as removing a door and creating an open cabinet can help. It’s simple to paint inside and add different colors to your kitchen. If not a fan of door less cabinets, swap doors out for glass ones, or bead board. Painting cabinets or finishing them in a different color can be a one weekend deal and can last a few years or more. There are so many possibilities for a kitchen that this paragraph could become endless. Whether you transform your kitchen with colors, crown molding, light rails and trim it becomes quick and painless to get the updated look you want!

If on a budget changing hardware can make a huge difference. There are drawers and doors that are built with builder grade white finish and white pulls and knobs. Just picking out oil rubbed bronze pull or a brushed nickel knob can make it seem as if you replaced all your cabinets!

As for countertops switching from light to dark or dark to light is perfect for an update. Currently the trend is dark cabinets, light countertops, so if you have brown or black granite you could pick a white silestone or if willing to splurge a nice marble. Changing an island countertop to butcher block wood or another type definitely is an option.

Plumbing is an important factor. If you notice a little rust or lack of shine go ahead and replace your faucets! Tired of your stainless steel sink? Pick out granite that resists scratches and stains.

Another budget friendly trick is accessories. Accessories can be switched out with various accent colors depending on your kitchen. For example, if a kitchen has dark cabinets, use white vases, flowers, and picture frames to draw attention to the room as well as balance the color pallet.

White kitchens, a more traditional and popular style, have many alternatives for colors consisting of greens, reds, woods, blacks, and creams as to add spice and texture. While a more contemporary kitchen would use chocolates, taupe’s and whites, with accents of oranges and blues.

Don’t count out retiling the floor, either from wood to tile or vice versa! At times it can be a hassle but it allows you to put your foot in a door and if wanting to continue updating, a point to jump off of.

Last but certainly not least, try changing your kitchen backsplash. Over time issues with food and splatters often arise ruining the look of a fashionable design piece. Tile can be switched from stone to glass or porcelain to help with upkeep and is an easy clean. Plus it keeps your kitchen current on trends.

If wanting to stay on a more traditional side, but budget friendly, porcelain tile made to look like stone can be sealed to prevent mess yet make your kitchen high end and cozy!

There’s so much to do and so little time! So if you feel like you need to give your kitchen some TLC, get inspired! Make a plan! And start face lifting!