Today's kitchens are the heart of the home. More time is spent in the kitchen than almost any other room in the house. When was the last time you actually looked at your kitchen? Does it still have the decor of 1970s kitchens? Are the appliances 20 years old and the colour of an avocado? Is working in the kitchen difficult? Have you wondered how to make your kitchen more attractive and functional even though you are on a budget? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it may be time to update your kitchen and make some low-cost improvements.
An affordable way to update a kitchen's look is to apply new paint, wallpaper or tile to the walls. It's amazing what a colour change can do. If your kitchen tends to look dark, you may want to go with a lighter wall colour. If you are looking for a warm, cosy feel, a rich red or brown may do the trick. New window coverings will also improve a kitchen's appearance. Using valances instead of curtains opens the kitchen up and allows you to see out while working. Valances are also less expensive than full-sized curtains.
Creating additional kitchen storage is easy to do and inexpensive. If you need more cabinet space, invest in some shelving inserts that either turn or add stacked shelving to existing cabinetry. Inexpensive bins can be purchased that allow you to better organize cooking utensils and other tools in drawers. If you have a bit more money, self-contained shelving is available. There are even portable options that are on wheels, allowing you to easily push them into the kitchen when needed and out of the way later.
Look around your kitchen, paying attention to the flow of the room. Is it difficult to get around? Is there a way to make more space and improve the room dynamic? Perhaps your children have left home and you no longer need the large kitchen table with six chairs that you once did. By replacing it with a smaller table and fewer chairs, you create a more practical, free-flowing workspace. If desired, you can invest in a rolling island that provides additional counter space, but is rolled out of the way when not in use.
Initially expensive, new appliances pay for themselves in the long run and cost much less to use than older models. Because new appliances are more energy efficient, your utility bills will be lower. An Energy Star compliant refrigerator will save an average of $100 a year over a refrigerator made in 1993 or before. You can save approximately $40 a year and cut water consumption up to 2 gallons per load by purchasing a new Energy Star qualified dishwasher. If you are unable to purchase new appliances, try replacing one at a time as needed.
Appliances in modern kitchens are more energy-efficient than ever. At first glance, replacing older appliances doesn't seem like an option for the budget conscious. If you are able to afford new appliances at the outset, however, new refrigerators, dishwashers and stoves will pay for themselves by reducing your utility bills.
Kitchens are so much more than a place to cook and clean. By updating your kitchen and making it a welcome, inviting place to be, you will create a more comfortable and efficient workspace that you truly enjoy being in. - 32406
An affordable way to update a kitchen's look is to apply new paint, wallpaper or tile to the walls. It's amazing what a colour change can do. If your kitchen tends to look dark, you may want to go with a lighter wall colour. If you are looking for a warm, cosy feel, a rich red or brown may do the trick. New window coverings will also improve a kitchen's appearance. Using valances instead of curtains opens the kitchen up and allows you to see out while working. Valances are also less expensive than full-sized curtains.
Creating additional kitchen storage is easy to do and inexpensive. If you need more cabinet space, invest in some shelving inserts that either turn or add stacked shelving to existing cabinetry. Inexpensive bins can be purchased that allow you to better organize cooking utensils and other tools in drawers. If you have a bit more money, self-contained shelving is available. There are even portable options that are on wheels, allowing you to easily push them into the kitchen when needed and out of the way later.
Look around your kitchen, paying attention to the flow of the room. Is it difficult to get around? Is there a way to make more space and improve the room dynamic? Perhaps your children have left home and you no longer need the large kitchen table with six chairs that you once did. By replacing it with a smaller table and fewer chairs, you create a more practical, free-flowing workspace. If desired, you can invest in a rolling island that provides additional counter space, but is rolled out of the way when not in use.
Initially expensive, new appliances pay for themselves in the long run and cost much less to use than older models. Because new appliances are more energy efficient, your utility bills will be lower. An Energy Star compliant refrigerator will save an average of $100 a year over a refrigerator made in 1993 or before. You can save approximately $40 a year and cut water consumption up to 2 gallons per load by purchasing a new Energy Star qualified dishwasher. If you are unable to purchase new appliances, try replacing one at a time as needed.
Appliances in modern kitchens are more energy-efficient than ever. At first glance, replacing older appliances doesn't seem like an option for the budget conscious. If you are able to afford new appliances at the outset, however, new refrigerators, dishwashers and stoves will pay for themselves by reducing your utility bills.
Kitchens are so much more than a place to cook and clean. By updating your kitchen and making it a welcome, inviting place to be, you will create a more comfortable and efficient workspace that you truly enjoy being in. - 32406
About the Author:
Matthew Kerridge is an expert in home improvement. If you want more information about kitchens or are searching for a trusted kitchen company please visit http://www.wrenkitchens.com
