11 Ideas to Upgrade Your Kitchen: Get Cookin’ in a Good-Lookin’ Kitchen!

Elevate your kitchen, elevate your cooking. Make your mac ‘n’ cheese, perfect your pizza and sear your steak in a kitchen fit for your food!

We’ve created this blog with 11 ideas to help you upgrade your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a simple task like painting an accent wall or updating hardware, or a bigger project like adding an island or removing and updating the cabinets, we’ve got tips below! We’ve organized these ideas from least to most involved. Keep reading to transform your kitchen into a practical, and stylish, space!

Before You Get Started

There are a few things to be aware of before you start your kitchen project. Most of the ideas in this blog can be completed on your own (or with the help of a friend who has a toolkit), but we have included a few projects toward the end that may require a professional.

Seek the guidance of a pro if you’re not confident with your DIY skills, or if you’re tackling a bigger project (especially one that involves plumbing or electricity in your kitchen). For these projects, permits may also be required, and a contractor can help with the process. Be sure to hire a contractor that is licensed and insured, and do your research to find a professional that comes with good recommendations.

Get more space

Another consideration before you start checking out these kitchen upgrade ideas is self-storage. More space is essential during a renovation. Renting a storage unit will help keep your belongings safe and away from the chaos during your project. A storage unit can also serve as a staging area to hold any new appliances, cabinets, countertops, flooring, tile, or hardware while your space is still being worked on.

Kitchen Upgrade Ideas

We’re excited to share a variety of ideas to elevate your kitchen and cooking experience! Keep reading to check them out.

1. Get some new hardware

Installing new hardware is a simple and cost-effective kitchen upgrade, but it can make a big difference to the look and feel of your kitchen! New hardware can make the space feel fresh and new without undergoing any major renovations. It can also be a practical upgrade, since different faucets, drawer handles, cabinet knobs, etc., can actually improve functionality in the kitchen.

Whether you’d like to go sleek with metal hardware, traditional with brass knobs, or ultra-modern with push latches on cabinets, updating your cabinet hardware is an easy and affordable way to transform your kitchen!

2. Try an accent wall

Does your kitchen need a little flavor? Spice up your cooking area with a vibrant pop of color! Choose which wall you’d like to highlight, and either paint it a bright color, add bold wallpaper, or use chalkboard paint for easy grocery and chores lists. You can even create a statement wall by incorporating unique and strong textures. An accent wall adds interest to your kitchen and serves as a focal point of the space for a relatively inexpensive price!

3. Brighten up the space with lighting

Upgrading light fixtures can really enhance the look of your kitchen. There are a number of options available including chandeliers, under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights and more. Try mixing styles in your kitchen—hang pendant lights or chandeliers above an island, or under-cabinet lighting above your workspaces. Beyond transforming the aesthetic of your kitchen, upgrading the lighting can also improve functionality and visibility while cooking.

4. Change up the backsplash

Whether you’re all about the slab backsplash trend, or you’re more interested in the stacked, white subway tile look, your backsplash can be a focal point in your kitchen. Some popular backsplash trends include creamy, neutral square tiles, unique handmade tiles, classic marble, or even bold, dramatic patterned tiles. But the best part is, backsplashes aren’t just for style. They also protect your walls from stains and splatters. So, make your kitchen feel like a new space in a stylish, but practical way with a new backsplash!

5. Add a breakfast nook

Want to create a space where you and your family and friends can enjoy casual meals together? Build a breakfast nook! These informal dining areas are commonly placed against a wall or in a corner near the kitchen. Depending on your style and preference, you can choose between banquet seating, benches with cushions and pillows or a small table and chairs. You can DIY bench seating for your breakfast nook, or you can buy a set from furniture or home improvement stores.

6. Upgrade appliances

Want to complete a kitchen renovation that will save you money in the long run? Consider getting energy-efficient appliances. Although they can be expensive up front, these appliances can help you save on your energy bills and help the environment. You can also invest in smart appliances to make the whole kitchen experience easier: check out what’s in your fridge from the grocery store through an app on your phone, or preheat your oven on the way home from work. Plus, don’t worry about installing any appliances yourself, just order them, have them delivered and then installed by the pros. Easy-peasy.

7. Add open shelving

Your extensive mug collection deserves to be on display! Whether you’re looking for an industrial look or a rustic vibe, there are a variety of materials and styles to choose from to create open shelving. Just be sure whatever shelf you choose can support whatever dishes, vases, décor, pots and pans, etc., you would like to store on it! Don’t want to tear out your cabinets to install open shelving? Simply remove the cabinet doors to create more open storage.

8. Update kitchen countertops

Refresh your kitchen by updating your counters! Start by choosing what material you would like to use. Quartz is a popular option because it is durable and stain resistant. Granite, soapstone and marble are common, high-end countertop materials, whereas ceramic tile, laminate and butcher block are less expensive options. Although it’s definitely possible to install countertops yourself (with tools, time, and help), if you’re not much of a DIYer, it may be easier to just call the professionals. But if you’re looking for a super easy and effective countertop DIY—try painting your kitchen counters.

9. Redo flooring

Are you ready to refresh your kitchen floors? If your vinyl floors need a little revamp, or your hardwood has seen better days, changing your flooring is a great way to upgrade your kitchen. Consider restaining or refinishing your hardwood floors, installing linoleum floors with a bold pattern, or upgrading to concrete floors. Unless you have experience installing flooring, it’s a good idea to hire a professional contractor. (Linoleum is a great option if you’re looking to DIY.)

10. Refresh the kitchen cabinets

Switching up your cabinets can completely transform your kitchen, and the good news is it can be as easy as adding a fresh coat of paint. Consider painting your cabinets a bright, bold color to make a dramatic statement, or use a vinyl wrap to easily change the look on a budget. Just make sure you properly prep your cabinets (clean surfaces, sand, apply primer, etc.). If you’d like to completely overhaul your cabinets, consider installing new cabinets with push latches or integrated handles. You can also extend your upper cabinets to the ceiling to increase storage space.

11. Update or add an island

If you already have a kitchen island, consider giving it a little refresh. Give the cabinets a fresh coat of paint, or redo the counter (check out these gorgeous waterfall countertops). If you don’t have an island, consider adding one! They can provide much-needed counter space and additional storage. An island can also be a good spot to add bar stools for extra seating. Building or installing a kitchen island may be a job for the pros, especially if you’d like to add any outlets or a sink, or if you plan on relocating any appliances

FAQs: Kitchen Upgrade Ideas

Q: What is the cheapest way to upgrade a kitchen?

A: A few easy and affordable ways to upgrade your kitchen include painting your cabinets, changing the hardware, updating your lighting or adding a backsplash.

Q: How can I upgrade my old kitchen?

A: You can upgrade your old kitchen using many of the ideas above! A few great ideas are to upgrade your appliances, update countertops, redo the flooring, refresh or install new cabinets and add new hardware and lighting!

Q: How much should I spend to update my kitchen?

A: The cost of a kitchen remodel can vary greatly depending on what projects you decide to tackle. But generally, a kitchen remodel costs between $14,000 and $40,000. If you choose some of the inexpensive options (like putting in new hardware and lighting or painting the cabinets) your kitchen update could be as little as a few hundred dollars.

Q: What should I replace first in a kitchen remodel?

A: If you’re upgrading your whole kitchen (installing new cabinets, floors, appliances) it’s a good idea to put the flooring down first. Just be sure to cover the floors when installing cabinets or appliances.

The Final Touches: Ideas to Upgrade Your Kitchen

Are you ready to upgrade your kitchen? Whether you decide to go with sleek modern finishes or make a statement with a beautiful waterfall counter, your dream kitchen is right around the corner! Don’t forget to rent a storage unit while upgrading your cooking space! You can find your nearest Store Space facility using our storage finder.