I mentioned recently that we are about to make some minor updates in our kitchen to add some needed personality to it. My friend and top kitchen designer Debra Hupman has graciously suggested some small tweaks that we can make to help me reach my kitchen goals. When I was recently in her showroom to select new kitchen hardware, Debra shared with me nine ways anyone can update a kitchen or a bath without breaking your back or your bank account. After we had our meeting, I strolled around her massive showroom with my camera and took some shots that might help you visualize her suggestions.
1. Paint your cabinetry. This is something Jordan and I did to her kitchen, and it made a huge difference. I think a nice kitchen improves the livability of the entire house, and painting cabinets can really take ho-hum to wow!
2. Add crown molding to your cabinetry. Molding can upgrade any room, including the kitchen.
3. Install new hardware on your cabinetry. This is an easy one to do. One thing I loved about the showroom’s cabinets was that they often had somewhat contemporary hardware within a traditional setting. It’s amazing what a difference hardware can make.
4. Install new countertops. I loved that this contemporary kitchen setting had reclaimed wood as countertops on the breakfast bar area. It’s so okay to break the decorating rules now and then to add interest.
5. Paint the walls. This painted chalkboard wall was fantastic, and I took several shots of it from different angles. I loved the rustic shelves, too because that’s one of the additions we are making. Although you probably don’t want all of your walls to be chalkboard paint, if you are painting your kitchen, this is a consideration for one wall.
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6. Install a new backsplash. I love that the backsplash behind the sink in this farmhouse kitchen setting is wooden.
7. Replace your bathroom vanity and countertops. Although you might not want to have this bourbon barrel sink get-up in your main bath, I thought it was such a cute and very Kentucky idea for a powder room or bath in the man cave.
8. Install a new lighting fixture. Although this photo isn’t the greatest, the contemporary kitchen area had three sets of clustered Edison lights, and they were quite the show stopper.
9. Create a beverage center by adding a beverage refrigerator. This beverage center has the fanciest sink I have ever seen, and the Venetian mirror hanging over another mirror is fantastic. And by the way, the fridge is behind that mirror/hutch fixture.
Here’s a close-up of that sink. It’s like a bright silver tray with brass handles, but it happens to be a sink. My heart skipped when I saw it.
Now here are some other things that caught my eye. This pantry door was made from reclaimed wood. It resembles a wine cellar but is a pantry. (The “C” is for Creative Kitchens and Baths, which is the name of the company.)
Here’s a close-up of the hardware. I am all about the reclaimed wood and rustic hardware.
Here’s the reclaimed wood again, but this time it is under the sink.
I loved this dishwasher that was installed so you don’t have to bend over. The door looks like cabinetry, and the interesting leaded glass above it is unexpected.
Is anyone up for an orange stove?
I love Debra’s suggestions and hope you did, too. Maybe you saw something that you can do in your own kitchen.
Thanks so much for stopping in. We have a really exciting how-to tip for you tomorrow that will revolutionize the way you eat corn on the cob. See you then.
Take care.
Take care.
