Get closer to the kitchen of your dreams, without splurging on a remodel.

While we all might have visions of our dream kitchen dancing in our head or multiple images pinned to a Pinterest board—doing a full-scale renovation might not be in the budget at the moment. But that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing you can do. Here are a few easy ways to update your kitchen—no remodeling necessary.

1.Switch off the Hardware

You won’t believe how quick and easy it is to give your old, outdated hardware a refresh. Warm up your finishes with a brass option in a sleek, modern shape. This will instantly make your kitchen look on-trend, but it won’t cost a fortune to achieve.

2. Paint the Cabinets

Yes, painting your cabinets is quite a bit of work, but it’s incredibly affordable! It’s the cost of a can or two of paint and some elbow grease if you’re doing it yourself. Whether you opt for a dramatic black or a soft dove gray, a couple coats of paint will completely transform the look of the entire space.

3. Add in Open Shelving

If you’ve got a massive blank wall to fill, you might want to consider adding some shelves. They’re a great way to show off your beautiful glassware, your collection of serveware, or gorgeous cookbooks—and they’ll give this room even more storage. Add sculptural or minimal brackets for that extra touch of elegance.

4. Cover Your Countertops
Unfortunately, we don’t all have the countertops of our dreams. A quick way to refresh is by covering a section of your counter with an oversized cutting board or a slab of marble. This idea works especially well if you’d like to camouflage a spot with damage until you’re ready to redo the countertop entirely.
5. Add Under-Cabinet Lighting
Give this space some drama while showing off pretty display pieces. You can find a bunch of options, including LED battery-operated versions that just stick on. It’s a softer lighting option than overhead lighting—and it looks especially good at night.
6. Splurge on One New Appliance
Financially, it’s a little less intimidating to make big purchases like appliances one at a time. Choose whatever you use most or have the most issues with, and swap it out for a newer model. It will make your whole kitchen look and feel a bit newer.
7. Paint the Walls
Maybe you love your cabinet color but the rest of the kitchen is feeling a little blah. Punch it up with a new color on the walls. Whether you opt for a bright white or a darker hue, just make sure to pick a hue that complements your cabinets.
8. Rethink Your Cabinet Space
If the main reason you’re wishing for a reno is to gain more storage in your current space, reconsider the cabinets you currently have. Double your cabinet space by purchasing graduated shelving inserts, dividers, or a lazy Susan. Just assess your storage needs before going nuts at The Container Store.

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