subject: Ideas To Get You Started On Kitchen Renewal [print this page] These small-scale projects are the kind which can be undertaken by a skilled tradesperson in much less time than it would take to completely gut and re-fit a kitchen, yet can result in a satisfying new look which can last for a good few years. A lick of new paint can transform the whole mood of a kitchen. Whites and very light colours are best for maximizing the amount of space in the typically cramped space most kitchens offer.
Fit new handles and hinges: Old cupboards can be given a new lease of life, and be made to work so much better when treated to some new hardware. Replace or remove a door or two: Creating open shelving is another trick for enlarging a room. The now-exposed shelves can even be given a new lick of paint, either to complement or contrast with existing fittings.
Substitute solid doors with glass ones: For example, take out sliding doors from cabinets to create open shelving, which is another trick for making a kitchen look bigger. Re-evaluate the lighting: Lights on tracks or poles also help brighten up a kitchen, while free-standing lamps and uplighters give good lighting in a confined space.
Change the flooring: Many different floor looks are created especially to suit a kitchen, and lots of these are designed to be easy and quick to install. Transform the worktop surfaces: A quick project which will have maximum effect its easy to upgrade to more expensive tiles for a modest amount, as the area to be covered is relatively small.
Try out reflective surfaces: Confined spaces look much bigger with the addition of a mirror, or reflective tiles. This also makes the most of the available light and helps disperse it around the room. Change the look of kitchen windows: Curtains can fade over time, so consider a new pair to add focus to the windows. For a longer-lasting solution, roller or venetian blinds are great for giving a high level of control of the amount of light entering the kitchen.
