7 Easy Ways to Update Your Kitchen Without Renovating

While we might all have visions of our dream kitchen dancing in our head, or multiple images pinned to a Pinterest board—doing a full-scale remodel might not be in the budget at the moment. But that doesn't mean there's nothing you can do. Here are a few easy ideas to update your kitchen—no renovation necessary.

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Introduce Open Shelving

If you've got a massive blank wall to fill, you might want to consider adding some shelves. They're a great way to show off your beautiful glassware, a collection of serveware, or gorgeous cookbooks—and they'll give the room even more storage space. Add sculptural or minimal brackets for that extra touch of elegance.

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Paint the Cabinets

Yes, painting your cabinets is quite a bit of work, but it's incredibly affordable! It's the cost of a can or two of paint (plus primer!) and some elbow grease if you're doing it yourself. Whether you opt for a dramatic black or a soft dove gray, a couple of coats of paint will completely transform the look of the entire space.

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Swap Out the Hardware

You won't believe how quick and easy it is to give your old, outdated hardware a refresh. Warm up your finishes with a brass option in a sleek, modern shape. This will instantly make your kitchen look on-trend, but it won't cost a fortune to achieve.

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Add Under-Cabinet Lighting

Give this space some drama while showing off pretty display pieces. You can find a bunch of options, including LED battery-operated versions that just stick on. It's a softer lighting option than overhead lighting—and it creates a warm ambiance at night.

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Paint the Walls

Maybe you love your cabinet color, but the rest of the kitchen is feeling a little blah. Punch it up with a new color on the walls. Whether you opt for a bright white or a darker hue, just make sure to pick a color that complements your cabinets.

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Rethink Your Cabinet Space

If the main reason you're wishing for a reno is to gain more storage in your current space, reconsider the cabinets you currently have. Double your cabinet space by purchasing graduated shelving inserts, dividers, or a turntable. Just assess your storage needs before going nuts at The Container Store.

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Cover Your Countertops

Unfortunately, we don't all have the countertops of our dreams. A quick way to refresh them is by covering a section of your counter with an oversized cutting board or a slab of marble. This idea works especially well if you'd like to camouflage a spot with damage until you're ready to redo the countertop entirely.

This article first appreared on realsimple.com

Photo: Wayfair


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