5 Ways To Give Your Kitchen a Whole New and Stylish Look

Your kitchen is the hardest working area of your home—shouldn’t it reflect your personal style and serve up the functionality you need? Whether you’re a renter on a budget or a homeowner ready to upgrade, here are our 5 favorite ideas to breathe new life into this central space.

* Clear Your Counters

Removing countertop clutter instantly makes your kitchen feel larger—and the newly cleared space leaves more room for actual cooking. Stow small appliances and other bulky items inside cabinets with sliding organizers. Use decorative accents that are also functional, like a colorful canister to corral cooking utensils, a well-stocked fruit bowl, or a bottle of fancy olive oil. If you lack a pantry, a kitchen cart is a great solution for extra storage. Bonus: It also serves as a mini-island if you don’t have one.

* Add Textiles

Incorporating fabrics into your kitchen not only softens the hard surfaces but also introduces depth. Laying a runner in the area between the sink and island visually extends the space and helps prevent slippery floors. Curtains or Roman shades diffuse light and provide privacy, while a well-placed tea towel lends decorative flair. Don’t be shy about choosing bold colors or bright patterns—these accents are easy to swap in and out, allowing you to change the look of your kitchen in minutes.

* Exchange Your Hardware

New cabinet knobs or drawer pulls subtly refresh the style of your kitchen without a big investment. With many styles, shapes, and finishes to choose from, the only difficult part is deciding which is right for your space. Take cues from your current cabinets and color scheme for example, dark hardware against light cabinetry (and vice-versa) adds a pop of contrast. If you prefer a seamless look, choose something that matches your current style.

* Create an Eat-In Area

A casual dining space is perfect for grabbing a quick bite, or hosting guests while you channel your at-home gourmand skills. If you already have an island or kitchen cart, bring in bar-height stools to make it a gathering spot. You can also place a table with a couple of chairs against a wall—and for those low on square footage, pair a slim rectangular or round pedestal table with a set of armless chairs.

* Add Fresh Paint

A new coat of paint can do wonders—making it well worth committing to this weekend project. Painting your walls can make your kitchen feel lighter and brighter and disguise tired, chipped cabinets. For a stylish two-tone look, paint your island or bottom cabinets a contrasting color from your upper cabinets.