The kitchen is a multifunctional and vital area of the home. Those spending a lot of time in it would certainly agree that its atmosphere is significant in finding inspiration for new culinary discoveries. If the prevailing kitchen interior design bothers you, do not rush to start an overhaul work immediately. With these upgrade ideas, you will be able to update the style of this zone quickly. We will share 8 economic and quick ways how to upgrade a kitchen and what ideas for different layouts are worth your time and attention.

Updated kitchen interior: ideas and examples 

Whether you’re tired of the kitchen interior in an apartment or a house, there are a few simple life and money-saving tricks for any case. Discover which kitchen interior upgrades will allow you to do so without huge investments and, even more, without complicated repairs. 

1. Get a new towel collection 

You may think that they’re JUST towels. If you keep them in a visible spot, you can be sure they can make a significant change in the overall atmosphere of your kitchen. Suppose these practical kitchen interior details have been hidden. In that case, it is worth thinking about a more visible place for them after replacing them with new ones. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the kitchen remains comfortable, and nothing interferes with the quality of work in this room. Whatever decision you make, a comfortable work zone must always remain your priority. 

This idea is helpful when considering the trending biophilic and calming interior styles of the kitchen and natural motifs. Trends are constantly changing, so it is a thoughtful and money-saving idea to buy linen towels than choose wooden furniture. Linen towels are perfect for the kitchen: they are very durable, have antibacterial properties, are easy to look after, and are quick-dry. This simple kitchen upgrade will be charming and very practical as well! 

2. Add a new color

This tip will allow you to adjust the kitchen’s mood without colossal spending. Not only the new details will catch the eye, but they will interact with the old ones. In other words, all other kitchen items and furniture will shine in new colors. This idea is worth considering if you want to “try-out” certain shades. If you are planning a repair and are unsure about your color decisions, it will help you decide. Interior addition with a new shade will also be helpful if the kitchen’s color scheme is dull – an unseen tone will enliven it.

You can use the linen towels mentioned before and the following kitchen interior ideas for this purpose:

• New table decor. Decorate your table with a new tablecloth, a table runner, or linen napkins. This will be a very subtle addition of a new color to your interior – it’s one of the easiest ways to upgrade your kitchen.

Once again, it would be useful to choose linen fabrics that breathe naturalness. Although they will not be of bold colors, such natural materials will blend in and, at the same time, help to reveal other, more eye-catching elements. Maybe you already have enough decor elements on the table – if so, consider one bigger accent.

• Bold colored cutlery and plates. Brave-colored cutlery, plates, or other table elements can also be an excellent solution for an easy-to-implement kitchen interior idea.

Take a good look at the cutlery and tools you are currently using and review which ones you should say goodbye to. This way, you can preference brighter colors when choosing new ones.

Better yet, if you don’t hide them in kitchen cupboards: think about which accessories could end up on open shelves or countertops. Remember that order and organization in the kitchen are always a priority.

• New furniture item. Suppose you are ready to spend more and have a spacious kitchen. In that case, you should consider incorporating a new furniture item. Don’t be afraid and choose a brighter or more exciting color.

You can adjust this solution in a smaller space as well, but you should b careful with how much room you can spare and try to pick a multifunctional one. The more functions it will have, the more it will live up to your expectations.

• Your personal projects. If you have enough patience and creativity, try repainting one of the kitchen items. Afterward, the kitchen interior will look original and vibrant.

The most common decision for personal painting projects is painting kitchen cabinets. Replacing them would need much more significant investment. Suppose you are already tired of their shade, or the surface is a bit worn. In that case, this decision is worth considering.

If confidence is not there yet, you can start with smaller furniture and, for example, take on a project to repaint kitchen shelves.

3. Add or replace a few accessories 

Even if the accessories blend in with the interior and go well with the color scheme, the kitchen will look changed. This is valid with table accessories such as tablecloths or linen napkins and various kitchen utensils stored on the countertops. Although we first have in mind the practical side of them, appearance is none less important. You can also consider reorganizing the items you already own. If you take them off the countertops, into the cabinets, and switch them with others, the overall mood will change slightly. Such an idea won’t require any spending, so you can experiment if you have the time. If you don’t like the result, you can always return to the original option.

4. Move furniture where possible 

If you wish for more extreme changes and have enough room in the kitchen, it’s worth considering moving furniture. You won’t be able to move the cabinets or the sink so easily, but maybe you’ll manage to move the table or perhaps even the fridge! It will make quite a difference. The process can help you discover new niches or encourage you to make unexpected decisions: even the kitchen’s interior can be fun! You may notice that some furniture is unnecessary or decide to bring furniture from other rooms. Sometimes it isn’t easy to guess which way inspiration will show us. 

5. Take care of your plants 

Plants spice up any space and add comfort – the kitchen is no exception. If you still have no plants in the kitchen, find a place for them. Maybe you don’t remember the last time you changed the location of one or the other flower. Changes are for good. Although small, such changes will upgrade your kitchen and nurture its vitality – just what you wanted, isn’t it? Using plants, you will be able to add new calm colors and, at the same time, create an interior full of natural motifs. Biophilic interiors have been very trendy in recent years and are likely to become even more popular.

The kitchen usually has a window, so use the windowsill. A few flowerpots will definitely fit there and more. You can use this space for various plants. You can grow your spices and small vegetables at home. Such an idea will not only enliven the kitchen’s environment but will also serve as an inspiration for experimenting with new flavors. You will definitely want to use your grown spices as soon as possible. You can bet your family will be excited about this as well! 

6. Decorate walls with art 

Such an idea used to be rarely adapted in life, but you will be surprised how it will change the kitchen’s interior. You can use family photos and prints or choose from various paintings. Choosing one yet bright wall accent will help to add more colors. Of course, if the interior color scheme or accents are of bold colors, it is essential not to overdo it. Otherwise, the results may not be exactly what you expect or overwhelm you. However, have no doubts that a delicate work of art will give coziness and exclusivity to any kitchen.

7. Give non-standard ideas a try 

When upgrading the kitchen interior, you should also consider ideas to make this space exclusive. Such ideas make meaningful use of things no longer used in the household. There are no limits to creativity in this case. Still, if you’re looking for inspirational ideas, you can consider the following options:

• Use wooden planks as an accessory hanger. If you have unused wooden boards or planks in your home (such as from an old bed grate), attaching them to the wall will give you a new hanger. Hang the ladle, spatula, towels, or other kitchen utensils. And if you decide to paint or decorate it otherwise, it will become an eye-catching accent for those who come to this room, and you will have a new functional item.

• Use baking paper for notes. Many of us make and have notes in the kitchen. We tend to mark down future purchases, daily or weekly menus, doctor’s appointments, or other relevant household info. Baking paper in a darker shade may serve perfectly well for the purpose. You can hang it on the fridge or attach it to the wall – you will probably want to write something on such a charming “notebook” much more often. Such a new accent will become exclusive, and your friends will want to copy the practical idea.

• Use plates as wall art. You will probably be able to find at least a few inherited or interesting-looking plates in the house. It is unlikely for them to be used according to the purpose in most cases. Yet, it is possible to use them as decorations. Pick several more interesting-looking plates and hang them on the wall: such wall art may even compete for attention with the works of art mentioned above! You can experiment with the size, colors, or layout of the plates: in this case, you’ll have plenty of room to reveal your creativity.

• Decorate the fridge. You can cover the refrigerator with photos, drawings, notes, or anything else you like – you will definitely have enough space, so just add a little work. Children should also be happy to contribute to this idea, so you can include them in the glow-up of the fridge. If you can’t stand its looks, you can change it using wallpaper. Before making such adjustments, make sure that the methods are safe for your equipment.

8. Don’t forget the lighting 

Although it may take a little more effort to implement this idea, the effect will undoubtedly be noticeable. You can always adjust the environment and mood of any room when playing with the lighting. The working area probably already is well-lit. If not, you are in need of a solution as soon as possible: after all, many of us often have to cook during the dark hours of the day. It is helpful to think of a few extra lighting sources: as in other rooms, the kitchen should have main and additional lighting. You can also adjust the brightness of bulbs or even use garlands to add some playfulness. The final result is all up to your imagination.  

Small kitchen: the most important interior tips

It is easy to implement new ideas when you have enough room, but a small kitchen and its interior can be a bit more troublesome. After implementing previous ideas, remember a few basic rules for small spaces to maintain coziness and harmony.

Make the most of the wall spaces

This is one is the golden rule that will help you make the most of the space and, at the same time, won’t waste the limited floor space. If you are creative, you can hang even pans or other utensils. Of course, this does not mean that you should put every kitchen utensil on the walls – knowing when to stop is important. Still, if you no longer have free space elsewhere, you can always make the most of the walls.

A lot of experts recommend choosing open shelves instead of top cabinets. This will make the room look more spacious, and you will be able to accommodate the same amount items. Of course, you will have to be very organized, but the effort is definitely worth the effort because of the positive changes. The valuable space of all other niches should be used as well as the walls in the kitchen. Don’t forget the corners – you will be amazed at how many things can be placed in these small places. Be sure to take advantage of that!

Prefer light colors palette 

The interior of small kitchens is very often based on light shades. You’ve probably heard over and over that a bright kitchen always looks bigger – this tip is actually efficient. Of course, if you are not planning to repaint the walls or change the floor now, consider choosing light-color-schemed cutlery, tablecloths, towels, or other accessories. Maybe even a light-colored rug? Don’t forget to open up the windows – natural light will always add a sense of spaciousness.

As for the choice of colors for small kitchens, don’t forget these useful tips: 

• White color is always a good choice in the kitchen – it will create the impression of a brighter, larger space. However, if you are afraid to create an overly sterile mood, choose cream or beige shades – they are also perfect for smaller spaces.

• If you want to add more colors, consider lighter shades of light green, bluish, or gray.

• Does the kitchen have a high ceiling or a large window? Hooray! The choice of colors expands even further – if the room doesn’t lack daylight, you can also choose bolder shades of blue or gray. 

• We recommend contrasting with dark and light shades for those wanting to create a more interesting interior. Due to the interaction with dark details, the light ones will be revealed even more, so you will not lose the feeling of spaciousness.

·        Bold or very vibrant areas in a small kitchen are not the best choice, but you will avoid the damage if you choose them for small accents. 

Keep it tidy

Any small kitchen ideas will work best in a tidy environment. You will agree that sometimes we don’t even notice how things that should not “settle” on the countertop or table find their place on it. These are the additional details to avoid – keep the minimum of things on the countertop to avoid the feeling of clutter. Sometimes it is best to take “a different eye” at the general picture of the kitchen, so you will notice which items are out of place.

You’ll definitely find more quick ways to upgrade your kitchen. The most important thing is to be brave, try out new things, and experiment – only by trying will you discover the best solutions for you!

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