We’ve all looked around our kitchens and wondered: Could my grout be whiter? Could the countertops be better? Could the whole thing just go away so I can start new? We’re here to tell you, you don’t always need a drastic overhaul. Little changes can enrich a space, like swapping your light fixtures and adding eye-catching accessories. Here’s some ideas to get you to fall in love with your kitchen again, from small buys like barstools to some slightly bigger swaps like countertops and backsplash.
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Published July 2, 2021, Updated Feb 13, 2022
Fab-ify the Faucet
A chrome kitchen faucet can be a bore. It’s so predictable! A black faucet, on the contrary (we like the similar one here) is an attention-getter, as the Property Brothers are fully aware of in these black-and-white rooms.
Related: 12 Cheap and Cheerful Ways to Perk up Your Rental Kitchen
Add Statement Lighting
Is your kitchen feeling flat? Create opulence with dramatic lighting pendants like Kortney and Dave Wilson did in this Masters of Flip overhaul. A wispy pair of black bird’s nest chandeliers will have guests craning their necks to the ceiling.
Related: Kitchen Trends 2021: 12 Backsplash Ideas With Staying Power
Refresh the Floor with a New Rug
Up your floor game with a splashy rug from Mark Krebs that’s so nice you’ll want to hang it on the wall. Handmade in Northern India, the 2X3 Rose Garden rug has a tight weave that is ideal for high-traffic areas, or browse the runners and area rugs in a range of delicious hues and sizes.
Choose Plush Stools
Rich, plush velvet stools transport this fantastic blue and gold kitchen by the Property Brothers straight to luxe town. Don’t underestimate the power of swanky furniture in a kitchen. When it’s bling you’re after, velvet always delivers.
Related: 15 Kitchen Renovations That Real Estate Agents Hate
Build a Banquette
Your kitchen doesn’t have to be Kardashian-sized to feel luxurious. It’s the little things that matter, like having a sweet nook gussied up with pastel pillows in which to browse cookbooks and enjoy a tea. Which is why we’re all about this Save My Reno kitchen by Samantha Pynn and Sebastian Clovis. The wallpaper and shelves are brilliant, too!
Upgrade the Accessories
Styling is an easy way to fall in love with your kitchen again. Clear the clutter and make room for some killer kitchenware. On our radar: Casa Cubista’s handmade Portuguese pieces, available at Toronto’s Saudade. Splashes and drips of burnt sienna on earthy pitchers, plates and mugs are giving us all the thrills.
Related: Simple DIY Home Upgrades That Will Add Serious Value to Your Home
Change the Countertops
We realize blanketing both the backsplash and countertop will require a second mortgage, like Sarah Richardson did in her stunning rental kitchen (she’s always full of great ideas). You can go pricey with real stone, or you can achieve oomph by replacing drab countertops with any fresh new material, from Caesarstone to wood. Go for it!
Related: This Tablet Stand Doubles as Utensil Storage (and 13 More Dual-Purpose Kitchen Gadgets)
Splurge on Real Artwork
Artwork adds value and personality to a kitchen. One solid piece can steal the show, like this vivid painting by Andrew Peycha, whose art-filled home in Collingwood, Ontario, is bonkers beautiful in its minimalistic simplicity.
Related: This Tablet Stand Doubles as Utensil Storage (and 13 More Dual-Purpose Kitchen Gadgets)
Rethink Small Appliances
Kettle, toaster and small appliances grubby? Trade up! SMEG’s just-released white, matte appliances have an understated luxury, and are available at The Bay and other retailers. Or go retro with their signature pastel appliances in mint green and candy pink, available at Indigo where glitzy rose gold is also guaranteed to scintillate the countertop.
Boost the Backsplash
Are you so over dealing with grout? Then a peel-and-stick solution is the answer. The tonal differences in these shiny self-adhesive tiles have the luxury feel of marble without the added price tag.
Related: 10 Stylish, Subtle Ways to Hide Your Kitchen Appliances
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