5 Creative Ways to Add Style and Update a Kitchen

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. It’s a space where families gather, meals are prepared, many conversations are had and memories are made.

But why settle for a basic, uninspired kitchen when you can add style and personality to make it truly special?

With creativity and thoughtful design choices, you can update a kitchen into a stylish and inviting space that reflects your taste. A well-designed kitchen can make a significant impact on the overall functionality, efficiency, and enjoyment of your home.

Updating your kitchen with creative and cost-effective ways can add style and functionality to your kitchen, and in turn, increase the value of your home.

How to Update a Kitchen

Transforming your kitchen can seem like a daunting task, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Here are 5 quick and easy ways you can update a kitchen without having to rip out perfectly good cabinets and start again! 

1. Update the flooring
2. Add open shelving
3. Incorporate statement lighting fixtures
4. Add colourful accents
5. Update your backsplash

1. Upgrade Your Flooring with Commercial-Grade Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring

Flooring is a fundamental element of any kitchen design. Upgrading your flooring can make a dramatic difference in the overall style and functionality of the space. Commercial grade luxury vinyl tile flooring is an excellent choice for kitchens due to its durability, water resistance, and comprehensive design options.

Regarding LVT (luxury vinyl tile) flooring, commercial-grade options offer an extra layer of durability, making them perfect for high-traffic areas like the kitchen. They are resistant to scratches, stains, and wear, making them suitable for families with children or pets.

It is a cost-effective alternative to natural stone or hardwood flooring, yet can mimic their look and feel.

Creating a statement floor is one creative way to use commercial-grade luxury vinyl tile flooring in your kitchen. LVT flooring is available in a variety of colours, textures, and patterns, making it easy to find a style that complements your kitchen’s design.

2. Add Open Shelving for a Stylish Display

Open shelving is popular in kitchen design, and it’s a great way to add style and functionality to your space. Open shelves allow you to display your favourite kitchen items, such as beautiful dishes, cookbooks, or colourful glassware and can become a focal point in your kitchen.

They can also make your kitchen feel more open and airy, which is especially beneficial in small kitchens.

To make your open shelving stand out and make them a feature, consider combining different materials, such as wood, metal, or glass. You can also add accent lighting underneath the shelves to highlight your displayed items and create a warm atmosphere in your kitchen.

Remember to keep your open shelves organized and clutter-free to maintain a stylish look and add lots of plants to make your kitchen feel homely. 

3. Incorporate Statement Lighting Fixtures

Lighting is an essential element of any kitchen design and incorporating statement lighting fixtures can instantly elevate the style of your space.

Instead of standard overhead lighting, consider installing unique and eye-catching pendant lights or chandeliers above your kitchen island or dining area. Statement lighting fixtures can be a piece of artwork in their own right and there are plenty of kitchen lighting ideas to choose from!

When choosing statement lighting fixtures, consider the overall style of your kitchen and look for options that complement your design.

A well-lit kitchen can create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere, while a poorly lit kitchen can feel dull and uninviting. The right lighting can also set the tone for different activities in the kitchen, such as cooking, dining, or entertaining.

Adequate lighting is essential for tasks such as food preparation, cooking, and cleaning. Proper task lightings, such as under-cabinet lighting or pendant lights over the island, can improve visibility and make these tasks easier and safer.

Lighting can also affect the ambience of a kitchen. Different types of lighting can create different moods and styles. Pendant lights can add a modern and elegant touch to a kitchen, while recessed lighting can create a clean and contemporary look.

One of the easiest ways to add statement lighting in your kitchen is under-cabinet lighting. This type of lighting can add a soft, warm glow to your kitchen and create a cosy ambience.

You don’t need an electrician to create this look either. There are plenty of LED lights and rechargeable kitchen lighting ideas around, just add them under your cabinets, shelves or under your island to give your kitchen a wonderfully contemporary look. 

4. Add Colourful Accents with Paint or Wallpaper

Paint or wallpaper is a cost-effective and easy way to add colour and style to your kitchen. Consider painting your kitchen cabinets with a bold colour or adding colourful wallpaper to an accent wall to create drama in the room.

Choose a colour complementing your kitchen design, or use a contrasting colour to make a bold statement.

Adding colourful accents in the kitchen is a cheap and easy way to update the space without having to spend a lot of money on a complete remodel.

If you’re hesitant about using bold colours on your cabinets or walls, consider adding colourful accents through smaller items like barstools, dishware, or kitchen accessories.

You can add bright barstools to your kitchen island to create a focal point and a pop of colour. You can also display colourful dishes, bowls, or mugs on open shelves or countertops to add visual interest and personality to your kitchen.

In addition, these colourful accents can be changed out seasonally or as trends change, allowing you to keep your kitchen up to date without the need for a major renovation. Overall, adding colourful accents to the kitchen is a simple and affordable way to update the space and create a fresh, new look.

5. Update your Backsplash

There are many creative backsplash options available beyond traditional tiles. Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Peel and stick wallpaper that can add pattern and texture to your kitchen.
2. Using reclaimed wood as a backsplash can add warmth and character.
3. Painting your backsplash with chalkboard paint can add functionality and creativity to your kitchen, as you can write recipes, grocery lists, or daily reminders.
4. Using brick slips to create an exposed brick wall in the kitchen.
5. A stainless-steel backsplash can add a sleek and modern look to your kitchen while also being durable and easy to clean.
6. A glass backsplash can add a contemporary and elegant touch to your kitchen, while also being easy to clean and maintain.
7. Using a mirror as a backsplash can make your kitchen appear larger and brighter, while also adding a unique and unexpected element to the space.
8. Creating a mosaic backsplash using a mix of materials such as glass, stone, and metal can add colour and texture to your kitchen, while also being a fun and creative DIY project.

We had a glass backsplash in our old kitchen and I wasn’t keen on the colour. I bought some peel-and-stick wallpaper and it totally transformed the space for under $50! It was really easy to update our kitchen backsplash and I would thoroughly recommend doing it to update a kitchen. 

There are numerous ways to add style to your kitchen and make it a unique and inviting space. Adding commercial-grade luxury vinyl tile flooring is a practical and stylish option that offers durability, versatility, and affordability.

The flooring can have a huge impact on updating a kitchen and can transform your space into a modern and inviting hub of your home.

Transforming your kitchen doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. You can start small by adding colourful accents or updating your lighting, and gradually work your way up to larger projects. This can help you to stay within your budget and make the transformation process more manageable.

The key is choosing elements that reflect your style and making a statement. Create a kitchen that serves as a functional space for cooking and entertaining and showcases your unique style and taste.

A well-designed kitchen can make a significant impact on your overall quality of life and add value to your home. So, take the leap, and start transforming your kitchen into the space you’ve always dreamed of.

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