Spending so much time in the kitchen often leaves us pondering about small changes we can make to give it a new look. When you’ve spent so much time in a room in your home, things can start to feel tired and in need of a refresh. Thankfully, a kitchen can easily be updated without the need for a full-scale renovation.
With just a few simple updates, you can transform your kitchen space, giving it a modern, stylish, and inviting vibe once again. Here are 10 quick fixes on how to make an old kitchen look new again without having to rip it all out and start from scratch.
1. Replace door handles
A quick and affordable job is to replace the door handles on cabinets and drawers. Swap out worn ones with a sleek and sophisticated update to instantly give the whole kitchen a facelift.
From modern, sleek designs in matte black, a timeless brushed nickel option, or vintage-inspired glass knobs, all will work to make a big difference to your kitchen’s overall look.
2. Add a backsplash
Installing a backsplash will give your kitchen a touch of colour, texture, and character. It will protect your walls from spills and splatters and give your kitchen a stylish focal point.
With endless options available, from classic subway tiles to vibrant mosaics, there are even easy peel-and-stick designs that are really easy to install. Choose a design that compliments your kitchen worktops and cabinets to help tie the whole look together.
3. Panel the walls
How to make an old kitchen look new? Install wall panelling, which will give your kitchen texture and warmth. It can transform plain walls into stylish features with things like shiplap, beadboard, or modern vertical panels.
Add depth and character to your kitchen by painting the panelling in colours that match your cabinets.
The great thing about panelling is that it’s a relatively easy DIY job, and it will give your kitchen an instant cosy look.
4. Replace small appliances
Small appliances, like toasters, kettles and coffee machines, are often out on the worktop in the kitchen. By upgrading them to new models in contrasting colours, or finishes can give your kitchen a new lease of life. Choose bold colours to give your kitchen a touch of fun, or replace it with all stainless steel for a sleek and sophisticated vibe.
Swapping out old and mismatched small appliances can make a surprising difference to your kitchen on the whole.
5. Change light fittings
Lighting plays a crucial role in any room for setting the mood and style. Change the light fixtures to help change the ambiance of the space. Pendant lights work well over dining areas or islands, or add a touch of drama with an elegant chandelier in the space.
When you’re looking for new lights, consider the kitchen’s overall theme, and work to enhance the look of your existing kitchen, rather than clashing with the decor.
6. Install decorative lighting
Consider installing some decorative lighting if you want to know how to make an old kitchen look new,. Under cabinet and plinth lighting are an easy place to start. These lights can be both functional, as well as adding ambiance to the space.
Under cabinet lights will illuminate your workspace, giving added light when you’re cooking or preparing food. Plinth lights will highlight your flooring, as well as giving your kitchen a whole modern touch.
There are various options that you can buy that simply stick to the underside of cabinets, ideal for a quick and easy job that makes a big difference to the feel of the room.
7. Add open shelving
If you have the wall space, open shelving can make your kitchen have an airy and spacious feel. It helps to break up the monotony of closed cabinets, as well giving you the opportunity to display your favourite items, such as beautiful dishes, pictures or decorative items.
Open shelving can be installed on an empty wall, or use them to replace wall cabinets, if you have the space and storage for it. Open shelving is a great solution for how to make an old kitchen look new, by giving it a more modern and personalised touch.
8. Get rid of clutter from worktops
Cluttered worktops make your kitchen feel and look chaotic, even if it's an organised mess. Clearing the worktops and keeping only the essentials will give you a clean and streamlined look. Store small appliances, utensils and anything else in the cabinets and drawers when you’re not using them.
Baskets or canisters could be used to store commonly used items on the worktop, keeping them organised but accessible.
A clutter-free kitchen not only looks better but is easier to clean and maintain.
9. Add life with plants
Plants bring a breath of fresh air to any room, giving the space a natural element that is soothing and invigorating at the same time.
Whether you choose some potted herbs you can use whilst cooking, hanging plants or a large potted tree, greenery will enhance your kitchen’s aesthetics, making it feel more alive.
Remember, it’s best to choose plants that will thrive in the kitchen’s natural light as well as the humidity.
10. Add textiles
Textiles in the kitchen might seem a little odd, but adding a rug is a quick fix for the kitchen that will instantly update the look. A new rug will add warmth, colour and texture, making it feel more homely and comfortable.
Rugs, installed thoughtfully, can help define different areas within the kitchen, such as a dining nook or the area in front of the sink.
When choosing a rug, pick one that’s durable, easy to clean and fits well in the space. Patterns can add an extra dimension to the floor, as well as being good for hiding spills and stains. Non-slip backing is essential for safety in a busy kitchen.
How to make an old kitchen look new? Giving your kitchen a new lease of life doesn’t have to be time consuming or that expensive. Our quick fixes should help you create a fresh and stylish kitchen that feels contemporary. Pick just one or two of our ideas and see how much of a difference they can make to how you feel about the space. Let us know in the comments how you’ll be updating your kitchen.
