Where is the true heart of your home? You might say the warm, inviting living room with its fireplace and soft couches, or even the cozy, intimate relaxing atmosphere of your bedroom. Surprise: it’s the kitchen! Ah, the kitchen. Where we come after a long day to pour a glass of something refreshing, the place where we lean against the counters, helping our kids with homework, the place where we prepare delicious meals and eat them with our families. It’s home to our snacks, our morning routine, that beloved, blessed coffee pot. The kitchen is a place of love.

Photo Credit: Skitterphoto
So isn’t it time to spruce yours up?
The kitchen is an often-neglected space. We feel like if we’ve done the dishes and taken out the trash, it’s a done deal. But transforming your kitchen from a place of blah to a place of ah! will do wonders for the overall aesthetic of your home, up your property value, and best of all, make the kitchen a space where you’ll want to be all the time.
Here are five great ways you can transform your kitchen into something amazing:
Cabinet Remodel/Repaint
If you have an older home, it’s likely that you’re still rocking the same cabinets that you had in the beginning. If they’re functional and in good shape, there’s no reason to rip them out and start over. But why not give them a nice, gorgeous coat of glossy new paint in a color that makes your heart sing? And little touches like replacing the handles with something more on-trend, or replacing any glass panels or molding to change the overall appearance to something more modern can really go a long way.
Countertops!
Yes, the thought of new countertops is exciting! Who doesn’t love a polished, shiny new countertop? If you’re still dealing with an older laminate verizon, it’s time to treat yourself, and your kitchen, to something modern, sleek and functional. There are so many cool countertops on the market these days – no matter your style and budget, there’s something for you; everything from wood to marble, and everyone’s favorite, natural quartz countertops. Elegant, luxurious, but also durable and easy to clean; there’s a reason that everybody is choosing these countertops! Best of all, they come in so many different colors and styles, you’ll find the perfect one for your aesthetic.
Safe and Modern Appliances
When was the last time you replaced your oven or dishwasher? The eyes on your stove? We take for granted that the appliances we purchase will last forever, but as any homeowner will tell you, they often tend to bite the dust at the worst possible times. If you’re taking the time to revamp your kitchen, why not look at your appliances, too? Do any of them need servicing, or a good, brisk clean? If any of your appliances need replacing, now is a good time to start shopping, so you can coordinate them with the design of your new kitchen. Many stores offer discount deals on bulk purchases, too.
Flooring
The world of flooring, especially when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms, is a fascinating one. There are so many different types to choose from. Vinyl, marble, stone, wood, laminate, and everything in between. You can purchase flooring from high-end outlets, online, and even at your big-box stores in town. You can hire someone to install or do it yourself (a job that is, not going to lie, a rather time-consuming one, but also very rewarding and cost effective!). Basically, the choice is all yours when it comes to choosing a flooring that looks great with your nifty new kitchen. Whether you love the all-wood look, black and white tile for a classy traditional feel, or good old laminate flooring in a dark color to hide spills, choosing the best flooring has never been easier.
Little flourishes
Not everyone can afford to go all out and overhaul their entire kitchen in one go. But even if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of things you can do to transform the look of your space easily! It’s as simple as choosing a bright new curtain (or making one, if you’re crafty!), painting the walls over your dining area, choosing a lovely vintage piece of art, or rearranging the cabinets to suit your tastes. Splurging on smaller items like new cooking utensils, cushions for the chairs, or a new tablecloth and fancy napkins, can take your kitchen from drab to fab.
No matter what your tastes are, there are so many great ways you can transform your kitchen!