10 Affordable Ways to Customize + Refresh Your Existing Kitchen

You might be surprised at how many changes can be made to your existing kitchen, that don’t require a major renovation. Modifying your existing cabinetry and adding custom features can transform an outdated kitchen into your dream kitchen.

Today I’m sharing some of the updates we often incorporate into our kitchen refresh projects…that don’t involve the time and expense of a full remodel!

1. New Countertops + Plumbing Fixtures

Let’s start with two of the simplest updates you can make to your kitchen. Countertops and plumbing fixtures are grouped together because one often impacts the other during installation.

Aside from your cabinets, your countertops are the most visible surface in your kitchen. For that reason, installing new stone or quartz countertops will make a huge impact on the overall appeal of your kitchen.

Replacing your countertops opens up the opportunity to replace your plumbing fixtures as well. Upgrading your sink and faucet can make an inexpensive kitchen appear more high-end. Plus, these simple updates can be done in just one day!

2. Extend Cabinets to the Ceiling

Extend your cabinets to the ceiling by adding a cabinet box to the top of your existing cabinets (and finish with crown molding) to create a built-in, timeless aesthetic. Take this idea one step further by adding glass doors and accent lighting to create a luxe design feature above your existing cabinets.

3. Update Your Backsplash

Add a new tile backsplash in ceramic, porcelain or marble…or continue your countertops up the wall for a clean and modern aesthetic.

4. Customize Your Existing Island

Did you know you can completely transform your kitchen island without replacing it? An interior designer and skilled carpenter can redesign your island in a way that no one would ever know the difference. We can reconfigure or even expand your existing island, making it more beautiful and more functional.

We often add end supports and paneling to customize a standard "off-the-shelf" kitchen island. Or consider incorporating color to add customization, by having your island painted by a professional cabinet painter.

House of Silver Lining

5. Add a Wine or Beverage Fridge

Adding custom features like a wine fridge can also be done without a major remodel. By removing a section of your lower cabinetry, you can replace it with a wine or beverage fridge. When adding an appliance, you will want to include a line item in your budget for an electrician.

Before - After

6. Re-face + Refinish Your Existing Cabinets

Painting your cabinets can revive the look of your kitchen, but replacing your cabinet doors with an updated door style can completely transform your outdated kitchen. We recently did this on a project where the existing cabinet doors were ‘partial overlay’ (meaning there were large gaps between the doors), and we replaced them with larger doors to create a more flush appearance.

7. Customize Your Cabinets with a Refrigerator Niche

Your existing cabinetry can be modified by adding an enclosure for your refrigerator, giving it a built-in, custom look. A refrigerator niche will make your cabinetry look more finished, and intentional.

House of Jade

8. Update Lighting From Simple to Statement-Making

Lighting is not only functional, it can set the mood and create a focal point in your home. Make a statement with pendant lights over your island. Install decorative wall sconces above your kitchen sink, or to highlight floating shelves.

Amber Interiors

9. Add Floating Shelves to Create an Open Feel

Remove a standard upper cabinet and replace it with floating shelves. Floating shelves can make your kitchen feel more open and gives your eye a break from a typical cabinetry filled wall.

10. Cabinet Hardware - the Jewelry of the Kitchen

Adding decorative hardware to your cabinets is the icing on the cake, giving your kitchen that polished and refined look. This is a detail you won’t want to skimp on. The littlest things can make the biggest difference!

A few kitchen updates go a long way, whether you're planning to love your home for years to come or list it in the near future.

Looking for more simple and inexpensive ways to update your kitchen? Get a copy of our complimentary kitchen refresh guide.

To your dreams,

Reanna