Transform your kitchen without breaking the bank with these refreshing and brightening kitchen remodeling ideas.
The kitchen is often called the heart of the home—and for good reason. It's where meals are created, conversations are had, and friends and families come together. However, it’s easy for the kitchen to become tired and outdated over time. So, let’s chat about how updating your backsplash, countertops, and sink area can be transformative without breaking the bank.
There are a few qualifying factors for a kitchen refresh, one of which is that your cabinetry should be in good condition. If there isn’t a pressing need for a new countertop, waiting until your cabinets are replaced would be recommended, as preserving countertops during the cabinetry demo cannot be guaranteed.
When I think about completing a refresh, the ideal homes that come to mind are those with darker cabinetry or outdated tile work. These homeowners typically want to brighten and modernize their kitchens, which can be achieved by redesigning your backsplash, countertops, and sink area.
Here are the three kitchen remodeling ideas that will refresh and brighten your tired kitchen …
The Power of a New Backsplash
The kitchen backsplash might seem like a small detail, but it plays a significant role in your space's overall look and feel. A backsplash adds color, texture, and personality, serving as both a focal point and a functional element that protects your walls from spills and stains.
Here are a few popular options to consider:
Subway Tile: This classic choice is versatile and timeless and works well in modern and traditional kitchens. For a contemporary twist, you can opt for subway tiles that are narrower and longer in size than the popular 3x6 inch size, patterns like herringbone, or contrasting grout.
Mosaic Tile: If you want to add a pop of color or an artistic touch, mosaic tiles are a great option. They come in various materials—glass, ceramic, porcelain, metal, etc.—and can be used to create intricate designs or bold accents.
Stone Slab: Stone backsplashes, such as marble, quartz, or granite, bring a look of luxury, sophistication, and warmth to your kitchen. They’re nearly seamless, which makes them easy to clean. However, this option tends to be on the higher investment end.
Elevating Your Space with New Countertops
Countertops are one of the most noticeable and functional aspects of your kitchen. They are the workhorse of the kitchen. So, over time, it makes sense that they will become damaged, worn out, and even dated if you are good at maintaining them.
If you pick just one of the three kitchen remodeling ideas, I suggest updating your countertops. This element takes up a lot of kitchen real estate, reflects the lights from your kitchen and windows, and can dramatically enhance your overall aesthetics and functionality.
Here are some of the most popular countertop materials to consider:
Quartz: Known for its durability and low maintenance, quartz is an engineered stone available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. It offers the elegance of natural stone but is more resistant to scratches and stains.
Granite: A longtime favorite in kitchen design, granite is a natural stone with unique veining and coloring. Each slab is one-of-a-kind, giving your kitchen a custom, high-end feel.
Butcher Block: For a warm, natural look, butcher block countertops are a great choice. They work well in modern and rustic kitchens and can be sanded down and refinished.
Laminate: If you’re working with a tighter budget but still want a stylish upgrade, laminate countertops have come a long way in recent years. Newer designs mimic the look of stone or wood and are available in a wide range of patterns and colors.
I have lived with stone, butcher block, and laminate countertops and loved all of them. I enjoy the smoothness and cool-to-the-touch aspect of stone for baking, the warmth and imperfections of butcher block, and that laminate is strong, can take hard use, and can mimic the look of stone quite well. Laminate countertops might not greatly increase your ROI; however, I still believe they are a solid option for refreshing your kitchen.
Sinks are my favorite underrated kitchen remodeling idea.
The sink is often an overlooked feature, but it’s another critical workhorse in your kitchen. An outdated or undersized sink can make everyday tasks like washing dishes, preparing food, or cleaning up after meals more difficult. The aggravation of trying to wash baking sheets and stock pots in a sink that is too small and with a faucet that is too short has left me frustrated and wet!
When choosing a new sink for your kitchen, consider the hardness, maintenance, depth, width, and installation method. I have lived with stainless steel and white cast iron sinks. I learned that glass doesn’t break as easily in a stainless steel sink, and you can polish away scratches and scuffs in hard, cast iron white sinks.
Some popular sink options include:
Top-Mount/Drop-In Sinks: This installation method is typically used for laminate countertops, as a finished edge rim is used around the perimeter of the sink. With this method, you can install many different sinks: stainless steel, cast iron, granite, quartz, etc.
Undermount Sinks: These sinks are installed underneath the countertop for a seamless, modern look. They make cleanup easier, as there’s no lip for food or water to catch on. With this method, you can install many different sinks, including stainless steel, cast iron, granite, and quartz.
Farmhouse Sinks: Also known as apron-front sinks, farmhouse sinks are a popular choice in kitchens with a rustic, traditional, or country style and are typically larger and deeper than standard sinks. However, they now make sleek, modern apron-front sinks in various stainless steel colors.
Workstation Sinks: This type of sink is rising in popularity, and for good reason. Workstation sinks range in size from the typical to 57” and beyond, include endless accessories, and the smart variety has settings that can operate by voice command. The options are abundant, and for avid cooks and bakers, having a systematic and smart approach to prepping and cleanup in a home kitchen is a dream come true!
Some popular faucet options include:
Standard Faucets: The standard faucet includes a pull-down sprayer, can be touchless, and ranges in design and size from a sleek and simple faucet to a commercial style with far-reaching extension and height. These faucets are deck-mounted and use a single lever to control water temperature.
Bridge Faucets: These faucets are larger in size because the hot and cold water handles are separate controls with a bridge connecting them to the faucet, like a bridge. Models can include a pull-down sprayer or a separate sprayer, which can be deck-mounted or wall-mounted. They range in style from commercial to sleek, modern, shiny, and traditional.
When choosing a sink and faucet, consider how you use or would like to use your kitchen and your family’s lifestyle. The options are many!
Refreshing your kitchen doesn’t always require a full-scale renovation. By updating key areas like the backsplash, countertops, and sink, you can dramatically transform the look and feel of your space. These elements not only elevate the aesthetics but also improve the functionality of your kitchen, making it a more enjoyable and efficient place to cook, clean, and gather.
Whether opting for the timeless appeal of subway tile, the durability of quartz countertops, or the practicality of a new workstation sink, a few thoughtful upgrades can breathe new life into your home’s heart without breaking the bank.
If your kitchen is starting to feel outdated, consider these manageable remodeling ideas. If you're in the Coeur d'Alene—Spokane area, visit our Contact Page to tell us about your plans. We'd love to help you reach your home remodeling goals!
