If you’re renovating your kitchen on a budget before you sell your home, it’s important that you stretch the amount of money you’re investing in your design as much as possible. To that end, it’s a good idea to focus on upgrades that can make your kitchen look more expensive, even if the materials themselves don’t cost you as much as other high-end options. From upgraded lighting to tweaks to your cabinetry, here are a few secret tricks to make your kitchen look like a million bucks.
Update hardware.
Hardware can completely change the look of a piece of furniture and it can do the same for your kitchen cabinets. Instead of choosing a stock knob for your drawers and cabinetry, consider picking something a bit more ornate and stylish in silver or gold. Although these sorts of details are small, they can pack a big punch and provide the overall impression that a great deal of thought and care went into the design of your kitchen.
Use lighter colors.
Lighter colors have been known to make rooms look more spacious. Light colors also provide a clean, modern aesthetic that many people associate with higher-end finishes. Whether that means picking light-hued quartz countertops, adding a subway tile backsplash, or picking white custom cabinetry, there are dozens of ways to brighten up your kitchen.
Replacing your cabinet doors can be one of the most impactful areas to lighten things up. This is because your kitchen cabinetry takes up the most visual real estate of any part of your kitchen, drawing the eye before anything else, including appliances. A company like Polaris Home Design specializes in cabinetry, countertops, tiles, and flooring, making it easy to keep things complimentary during your redesign.
Change your lighting.
Light has a powerful effect on mood and might be one of the most cost-effective ways to make people feel more positively about your kitchen. For example, instead of using traditional incandescent (or, even worse, fluorescent!) lights in your kitchen, opt for a full spectrum light bulb that mimics the properties of natural daylight instead.
Full spectrum lights are quite affordable and can help bring in the feeling of more sunlight into your kitchen thanks to being manufactured with a focus on the UV rays and color temperature of natural sunlight. Not only will these types of bulbs create a more positive association in your home, but they can also help individuals suffering from seasonal affective disorder, an added bonus if your home is located in a climate with long, dreary winters.
Add window treatments.
Window treatments add a custom feel to any kitchen, while also being a practical way to control light or create more privacy in your home. That being said, even though window treatments are functional, that doesn’t mean they can’t enhance the aesthetic of your kitchen and dining area. From valances to shades, there are a variety of stylish window treatments that can help you create a more complete package in your kitchen.
Style your breakfast nook.
If you have a breakfast nook, don’t leave it off the list of aspects of your kitchen to renovate! Oftentimes, a stylish breakfast nook can be one of the best ways to show potential buyers how much time, energy, and money you’ve invested into your kitchen and home, even if you only spent $1,000 to do so. For example, adding a simple banquette and a complementary pop of color that goes along with your kitchen’s cabinets while still designating your nook as a separate eating space can go a long way in increasing not just the look of your kitchen, but also your kitchen’s value.
