Too many aging kitchens betray their heritage because of repairs or replacements done in a hotch-potch manner over the years. You know the kind of thing…
- a drawer handle was broken; but the original supplier had gone out of business, and no direct replacement knob could be found, so the “nearest I could find” was fitted instead.
- when new owners moved in 11 years ago, they added a couple of wall cabinets, a cooker hood, and under cupboard lighting, but although functional, it didn’t match well with the existing kitchen furniture and fittings.
- your 9-year old dishwasher failed last year, but the new one was just a fraction too wide, and your husband did some DIY fitting to get it in place. Now that’s left the counter top laminate edging damaged and peeling back…
…and so on.
If your kitchen has a history a bit like this, here are 2 practical principles you can follow to transform your aging kitchen with a high impact, visually attractive result. And remember, a positive impression created by kitchen and bathrooms can significantly enhance the value of your home when you come to sell it, as well as the pleasure of living there in the meantime.
Create a Consistent Style – Based on your Kitchen Cabinets
Since many kitchens have more cabinets than any other single element, the cabinet style is the most natural factor to determine the overall style of your kitchen.
- Sit down in your kitchen and look around carefully at your cabinets, especially the cabinet doors, panels, and hardware – knobs, handles, pulls, etc.
- Note down any items which are not in keeping with the style you want to adopt.
- Do the same with your counter tops – and kitchen table, noting any problem areas or inconsistencies.
- Then repeat for all other main elements of your kitchen – the sink unit, appliances, other storage items or organizers, chairs, etc, and take note of where the disconnects are.
Now you have a list of physical or functional items which are candidates for attention.You may have concluded your cabinet doors, or kitchen counter tops need replacing. Or maybe all you need to do is choose a set of new hardware – knobs & pulls – more in keeping with the style you want to convey.
You’d be surprised how effectively you can create your personalized design and bring new life to your kitchen by consistently matching kitchen cabinet door knobs and drawer handles.
Theme Your overall Design & Follow Through Consistently
Its not just cupboards and furniture which determine the style (or lack of it!) in your kitchen.
Now take note of colors, texture, and light as you review closely your floor tiles and coverings, wall tiles or other decoration, lighting positions and type. How well do each of these complement or detract from the attractive style you aim to create?
When you’ve written down your observations, combined with your review of cabinetry and hardware, you’ll have created a wish-list for re-vitalizing your kitchen, with your own consistent style, to create a high impact visual design.
For more design ideas and how to approach kitchen remodeling, visit AneKitchenCabinets.com
