You might be wondering how to make your kitchen look like it came straight from the pages of an interior design magazine. Whether you’re looking to give it the finishing touch for your own enjoyment, when you’re entertaining or planning to sell, there are plenty of interior design tips to upgrade your kitchen without investing in a full renovation.
We all know that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s a functional space for preparing meals, but it also serves as a space for entertaining, whether you’re relaxing with your first morning coffee or chatting with friends while you prepare a meal. So it makes sense to have a space that you love and that looks sensational. It is also good to know that a well-equipped kitchen is a top priority for buyers when selling a property.
So if you want to improve the design appeal of your kitchen, here are 5 ways to make your kitchen look more expensive without spending a fortune.
1. Think custom
A design tip for creating a breathtaking kitchen is to add custom elements. Mike Whitfield, interiors specialist at furniture and homeware company Lusso, says: “Think outside the box of kitchen design by considering how you live in the space and what would make your life easier.
“Maybe countertop kitchen appliances are spoiling your minimalist vibe, consider adding power outlets to your cabinets so you can hide unsightly kettles and toasters. If you have limited space but often entertain dinner guests, built-in seating might be the best way to increase your seating capacity. These unique features don’t have to be expensive. However, they immediately make your kitchen more thoughtful and will enhance the experience of your space.
And if you have pets, he has another idea: “You can repurpose a pot filler from a counter base to serve as a bowl filler.” »
2. Upgrade your hardware
There is nothing more satisfying than a quick change to transform the entire aesthetic of a room. In the kitchen, replacing hardware is an inexpensive design tip that instantly kicks aesthetics into high gear.
“Hardware with an interesting design will instantly make your kitchen look more expensive,” says Whitfield. “Whether you’re adding a pull bar, glass pull handle or door handle to your cabinets and drawers, opt for something extra interesting, whether it’s hammered, brushed, textured, matte or polished. »
Basically, design is in the details. “Think of it like adding the finishing touches to an outfit: You want to finish the final details because they can have the biggest impact,” she adds.
To upgrade your cabinets, try these contemporary cabinet and drawer units from Westtablize, featuring a raised design and available in gold, black, bronze and nickel, gold and black, and gold and gray (starting at $69 per pack of 24 , Amazon).
Elegance in the kitchen is achieving a cohesive look that is not interrupted by vastly contrasting elements. Although patterns are not prohibited, it is best to rule the oddity if you want the ultimate aesthetic.
The same applies to the selection or replacement of equipment. “Consider coordinating cookware in the kitchen to avoid the risk of a disjointed look,” says Whitfield, reminding you to include door handles and latches, and adds. “Even the smallest details can fit into your larger appliances such as kitchen faucets and sinks. »
Alternatively, he says you can choose to mix your metals, but advises that the metals should be opposite tones of the base color so that the overall aesthetic is intentional.
4. Opt for maximalist textures
Think about colors in your kitchen and add interest with textures that leave a lasting impression. Whitfield says, “If you’re adding a marble countertop, opt for something with bold veins or a larger pattern. Marble itself becomes a form of art for your kitchen.
If you’re choosing a back, he suggests choosing a ribbed tile or herringbone finish. This will add interest without creating a cluttered look.
For ceramic tile with added dimension, opt for this Ivy Hill Polished Ribbed Tile, in Mawr White ($7 per square foot, Home Depot).
5. Keep it stylish: opt for multi-functional devices
A messy worktop can make even the most glamorous kitchen look messy. A chaotic kitchen distracts the eye from the beautiful design elements, so only the mess is noticed. However, one way to overcome counter clutter is to opt for smart, multi-functional appliances.
“It could be a four-in-one boiling water tap, meaning you no longer need a kettle as it offers instant boiling water. Or a kitchen sink with a built-in workstation, again reducing countertop clutter with a built-in cutting board and colander,” suggests Whitfield.
“Multifunctional products can be beautiful and practical, so you don’t have to compromise when it comes to style. »