Does Your Kitchen Need a Makeover?
By Shondell Varcianna
October 24, 2014
Lifestyle
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The kitchen is the centre of every household; yet, chances are that it is also one of the most neglected parts of your home. Blocked sinks, stained windows, clogged ventilators, broken shelves, cupboards with unhinged doors, and countertops with broken tiles are a common sight in homes everywhere. A kitchen in poor condition is not only an eyesore; it is also hazardous for your health as it can quickly become a breeding ground for millions of microorganisms that can make you ill.
If your kitchen gives you cause for concern every time you enter it, then chances are it is time for a makeover. Fortunately, it doesn't require much money and effort to restore your kitchen to its shiny new and healthy state.
1. Spray-paint cabinet doors
If your kitchen cabinets look old and worn out, spray-paint their doors instead of replacing them. Replacing cabinet doors costs more money and also requires replacing the hinges, which can weaken the structure over time. Avoid painting with a brush as it can cause unsightly blobs and drips in the grooves as well as on the surface.
2. Add a veneer of granite on the countertop
If the countertop is fractured or broken, or is stained so bad that it looks ugly no matter how often you polish it, then add a quarter-inch veneer of genuine granite on top of it. Not only will it make the countertop look new and shiny; it will also be far less expensive than replacing the entire thing. It will also have almost the same durability as an entirely new countertop.
3. Replace the kitchen sink
If your kitchen sink has become badly stained and leaky, consider replacing it with a new one. Replacing a sink doesn't cost much and if you are a DIY person, you may not even have to hire a contractor. A shiny new sink will immediately enhance the appearance of your entire kitchen and make it more exciting. If your budget allows for it, replace the faucet as well.
4. White paint the ceiling
Kitchen ceilings become the repository of smoke, dust and dirt over time. A dark and stained ceiling makes the entire room look dark and gloomy. Give the ceiling a coat of white paint and see how amazingly it can transform the appearance of your entire kitchen. Painting the ceiling won't make a huge dent in your budget either. If you have the budget, it would be a good idea to repaint the walls as well.
5. Replace the wall and ceiling lighting:
One of the ways you can transform the look and feel of your kitchen is by replacing the wall and ceiling lights. If you have halogen lights, which is almost the norm in kitchens, replace them with LED lights which are more suitable for ambient lighting. LED lights cause less glare and fatigue than halogen lights. They do cost more initially, but they are more energy-efficient.
Picture by Ashley
If your kitchen gives you cause for concern every time you enter it, then chances are it is time for a makeover. Fortunately, it doesn't require much money and effort to restore your kitchen to its shiny new and healthy state.
1. Spray-paint cabinet doors
If your kitchen cabinets look old and worn out, spray-paint their doors instead of replacing them. Replacing cabinet doors costs more money and also requires replacing the hinges, which can weaken the structure over time. Avoid painting with a brush as it can cause unsightly blobs and drips in the grooves as well as on the surface.
2. Add a veneer of granite on the countertop
If the countertop is fractured or broken, or is stained so bad that it looks ugly no matter how often you polish it, then add a quarter-inch veneer of genuine granite on top of it. Not only will it make the countertop look new and shiny; it will also be far less expensive than replacing the entire thing. It will also have almost the same durability as an entirely new countertop.
3. Replace the kitchen sink
If your kitchen sink has become badly stained and leaky, consider replacing it with a new one. Replacing a sink doesn't cost much and if you are a DIY person, you may not even have to hire a contractor. A shiny new sink will immediately enhance the appearance of your entire kitchen and make it more exciting. If your budget allows for it, replace the faucet as well.
4. White paint the ceiling
Kitchen ceilings become the repository of smoke, dust and dirt over time. A dark and stained ceiling makes the entire room look dark and gloomy. Give the ceiling a coat of white paint and see how amazingly it can transform the appearance of your entire kitchen. Painting the ceiling won't make a huge dent in your budget either. If you have the budget, it would be a good idea to repaint the walls as well.
5. Replace the wall and ceiling lighting:
One of the ways you can transform the look and feel of your kitchen is by replacing the wall and ceiling lights. If you have halogen lights, which is almost the norm in kitchens, replace them with LED lights which are more suitable for ambient lighting. LED lights cause less glare and fatigue than halogen lights. They do cost more initially, but they are more energy-efficient.
Picture by Ashley