Best Kitchen Updates to Boost Function and Style

Giving your kitchen a makeover doesn't have to mean a full-scale remodel. With some smart upgrades focused on boosting style and function, you can transform the heart of your home without breaking the bank.

From new cabinet hardware to a fresh coat of paint, little changes can add up to a whole new look. We'll cover the best return on investment upgrades to consider for your next kitchen refresh.

Update Kitchen Cabinets to Boost Style

Your kitchen cabinets likely get the most wear-and-tear. Over time, their appearance can start to look worn and dated. Refacing or painting cabinets are budget-friendly ways to give them new life.

Refacing For Affordability

Cabinet refacing involves replacing cabinet doors, drawers and veneering surfaces. It takes less time and money than full replacement. The process leaves cabinet boxes intact while giving everything else visual update.

Refacing cabinet doors often costs $30-$100 per door. Full replacement starts around $100 per door. For a 10x10 kitchen, expect to pay $2,000-$5,000 for refacing.

With some DIY skills, you can reface cabinets yourself:

• Remove doors, drawers, and hardware
• Sand surfaces and clean thoroughly
• Apply new veneer and molding
• Install new doors, drawers, and hardware

Painting For Quick Facelift

Painting cabinets is an affordable way to give your kitchen a quick facelift. The process is beginner-friendly and can be completed over a weekend. Fresh paint provides dramatic visual impact for the cost.

Proper prep is crucial for success. Clean surfaces thoroughly and sand to rough up the finish. Apply primer first, then two coats of cabinet paint for full coverage and durability.

Opt for semi-gloss or satin paint to make cleaning easier. White and light gray are safe bets, but don't shy away from bold colors.

Update Countertops to Refresh Style

Updating your countertops is one of the best ways to modernize the look of your kitchen. The right counters can make the space look cleaner and more stylish.

Replace For Big Impact

Some of today's most popular countertop materials include:

• Granite: Classic material with many colors and patterns. Costs $40-$100 per square foot installed.
• Quartz: Low maintenance and highly durable. Costs $55-$120 installed.
• Laminate: Budget option at $20-$50 per square foot installed.

Installing new counters yourself is an intermediate DIY project. The process involves:

• Prepping the underlayment
• Carefully measuring and cutting material
• Securing pieces in place with adhesive

Resurface For Affordability

Countertop resurfacing applies a new surface layer over existing counters. It costs about $350-$1,000 depending on the size of your kitchen.

The process involves cleaning, priming, applying resin coating, and adding texture. Resurfacing is quick, affordable, and adds 5-10 years of life.

Add Backsplash for Visual Appeal

Adding a backsplash is one of the best ways to make a big visual impact. Tile instantly provides an eye-catching focal point and protects your walls from splatters and spills.

Some top backsplash tile materials include:

• Ceramic: Affordable classic option starting around $5 per square foot.
• Glass: Sleek and modern for $15-$30 per square foot.
• Stone: Elegant material like marble or travertine costing $15-$30.

Choose a tile that complements your counters and cabinets. Neutrals like white or gray work with most color schemes.

Install New Backsplash

Installing a tile backsplash is an approachable DIY project. Be sure to:

• Clean and prep the surface
• Properly cut and stick tiles
• Use spacers for even grout lines
• Grout and seal when finished

Update Floors for Cohesiveness

Fresh floors can totally transform the look of your kitchen. New floors also provide better durability for a high-traffic area.

Replace Floors

Some top options to consider include:

• Tile: Classic material starting around $7 per square foot.
• Vinyl plank: Budget option costing $2-$7 per square foot.
• Laminate: Affordable at $1-$5 per square foot.

DIY installation involves:

• Prepping the subfloor
• Laying underlayment
• Cutting planks and sticking into place

Refinish Existing Floors

Refinishing can restore and protect worn floors. It involves sanding, stain, and new polyurethane.

This makes sense for hardwood, though laminate can also be sanded and stained. Refinishing costs less than full replacement.

Update Lighting for Function

Few things impact a kitchen's functionality more than lighting. Outdated fixtures can leave countertops and work areas feeling dark and dreary.

Pendant lights over islands or sinks provide customizable style. Under-cabinet strip lighting illuminates tasks. Track lighting offers excellent versatility.

New brushed nickel or vintage filament bulbs can give traditional fixtures a modern update.

Update Hardware for Finishing Touches

Sometimes little details make the biggest difference. Replacing outdated hardware like knobs and pulls gives cabinets an instant facelift.

Matte black hardware pairs well with most color schemes for a modern touch. Unlacquered brass provides a vintage feel.

When choosing hardware, measure carefully to ensure the right fit. Installing knobs and pulls is a quick DIY project.

Update Sink and Faucet for Function

Install New Sink

An apron-front or farmhouse sink can upgrade both form and function. Undermount installation provides a seamless counter flow.

Removing the old sink, prepping the countertop, and installing a new model is an intermediate DIY skill level.

Choose a material like enameled cast iron or composite stone for durability and easy cleaning.

Update Faucet

An updated kitchen faucet makes cooking and cleaning easier. Key features to look for include:

• Pull-down sprayer
• Powerful water flow
• Single lever handle

Removing the old faucet and installing a new one takes basic DIY skills. Coordinate finishes with other hardware.

Refresh with Paint

A fresh coat of paint in a new color is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your kitchen a mini makeover. Paint has transformative power.

Choosing sophisticated neutral hues like warm grays, taupes, and creamy whites is always stylish. Or express personality with an energetic shade like deep blue or cheerful yellow.

Update walls, trimwork, ceilings, and cabinets. Consider using an accent color on an island or one wall for extra drama.

Replace Appliances

Replacing appliances is one of the pricier upgrades, but also makes a significant impact. Prioritize upgrades that boost functionality and efficiency.

French-door refrigerators, convection ovens, induction cooktops, and quiet dishwashers are worthwhile splurges. Focus on models offering quality and value.

Installing your own appliances is an intermediate DIY skill level. Always disconnect electrical and water connections carefully.

Giving your kitchen an mini makeover doesn't require a full remodel. Strategic upgrades like painting, new lighting and hardware, updated appliances and surfaces can make a dramatic visual difference. Focus on changes that boost functionality and joy.