After spending so much time in the kitchen over the holidays, you may be feeling a bit tired of your space. But fear not – a few simple, budget-friendly upgrades can help refresh your kitchen and give it a chic new look. With just under $100, you can elevate your kitchen’s design and functionality. Here are 7 easy changes recommended by interior designers that won’t break the bank:
1. Curate a Chic Corner with Cookbooks and Candles
Transform an empty corner into a decorative haven with a stack of cookbooks and a clean-burning candle. Not only does this add style, but it also creates a homely vibe. Galey Alix, interior designer and founder of Galey Alix Design, suggests using a few beautifully bound cookbooks and a white wax candle for instant elegance.
2. Decorate with Antique Kitchenware
Vintage pieces like antique clay pots add character and history to your kitchen. Look for unique finds at thrift stores or Etsy. Galey Alix recommends filling them with wooden spoons or brass utensils to create a charming focal point.
3. Illuminate Your Countertops with a Stylish Lamp
Add warmth and coziness to your kitchen with a small table lamp. As Alex Adamson, founder of Alex Adamson Design, notes, soft lighting from a lamp creates a welcoming atmosphere. Place it on a countertop with a stack of cookbooks or a fruit bowl to make it feel intentional and curated.
4. Swap Out Your Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
Change up your cabinet hardware for an instant kitchen refresh. Often referred to as the jewelry of the kitchen, swapping out your cabinet knobs or handles is an affordable way to upgrade your space. Sarah Henley, founder of Henley Design, suggests looking for inexpensive options on Etsy or painting wooden knobs to match your cabinets.
5. Hang Your Copper Pots Instead of Storing Them Away
Give your kitchen a charming, old-world feel by hanging copper or cast-iron pots on a pot rack. This not only adds style but also frees up cabinet space. Whether you hang them above your range or use a ceiling-mounted rack, this is an easy way to elevate your kitchen’s look.
6. Create a Charming Kitchen Vignette
Add warmth and personality to your kitchen by creating a curated vignette using everyday essentials. Vyanca Soto, owner of Market Studio Interiors, suggests layering a wood cutting board with a ceramic utensil holder, adding potted herbs, and displaying fresh seasonal produce in a vintage bowl. For faux plants, Afloral offers beautiful, realistic options.
7. Swap Out Plants and Greenery for Seasonal Arrangements
Changing your plants or adding seasonal floral arrangements can instantly refresh your kitchen. Kathy Kuo, CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, recommends placing seasonal flowers or greenery in a chic vase to bring in a pop of color and texture without taking up too much counter space.
These budget-friendly, designer-approved upgrades will help you create a chic and stylish kitchen without the hefty price tag. A few simple changes can make a huge difference, leaving you with a space you’ll love spending time in!
