Kitchen Keeper: A Guide to Maintaining & Updating Your Home Kitchen

The kitchen is an essential part of any home, which means that it should always be a priority when it comes to home renovations.

The average kitchen gets a lot of use on an average day, and all of that use requires maintenance and updating.

However, before you start ordering those beautiful Tilemall kitchen tiles, make sure you assess the situation and come up with a plan based on the highest priority areas.

Whether your appliances are that lovely 1980’s shade of beige, your floor reminds you of something straight out of the seventies, or your countertops are up for entry to the local museum, there is plenty that you can do to refresh and rejuvenate the look and feel of your kitchen space.

As the kitchen is the heart of any home, you want to be sure that it always feels warm, welcoming, and inviting. With regular maintenance and updates, there’s no reason that you can’t achieve this.

Continue reading for some useful advice on the best things you can do to maintain and update your kitchen moving forward.

A Guide to Maintaining Updating Your Home Kitchen

Assess the Overall Situation

There are certain things in a kitchen that get more use, have more importance, or play a role in safety. Then there are other kitchen aspects that are completely superficial and not high up on the priority list.

Take a look at everything from windows to the lighting, flooring, cabinetry, counters, and, you guessed it, the kitchen sink. Start checking off items that are still in good shape and ones that are in need of updating.

If the appliances are not on their last legs, and you are on a budget, it is best to repair and maintain them for a few years longer. With the right training and tools, or professional help, you can make those appliances last longer than anticipated, saving you a lot of money, especially if you are on a more limited budget.

Think Long Term

When you are starting to shop for items like countertops, flooring, cabinets, and appliances, you want to purchase materials that are going to last.

Doing a kitchen renovation is not something to take lightly, so not having to do another one in five years’ time is important. Buy materials and appliances that are warranted and also have clear maintenance and service guidelines.

Another thing to keep in mind while shopping for materials, aside from longevity, is how easy they are to clean and keep clean. You don’t want to spend hours each week scrubbing on your hands and knees to keep a floor clean or tear a rotator cuff wiping the counters. Get materials that will make cleaning quick and simple.

Consider An Open Layout

Open concept has been a growing trend for a few decades now, and for a good reason, as it has a way of naturally opening up smaller spaces.

Depending on your individual situation, you may have the option to take down some walls, or you may not. It is not a small job to take out walls by yourself, but it is well worth it for the finished look.

This would also be a great opportunity to add an island to the space, which gives you a multitude of ways to maximise the layout of the space.

If you are unable to open up the kitchen, there are some design ideas that can give the illusion of openness. Skylights and windows not only open up the space visually, but they also bring in much-needed natural light. The right lighting and paint colors can also take a room from cramped to open and add a fresh look to a tired kitchen. 

Small Things Can Make a Big Difference

If you are on a very tight budget to get your kitchen done, there is no need to give up hope, as there are a number of smaller things you can do to update things.

Hardware on the cabinets and drawers can be replaced, and it will make an immediate difference in how the kitchen looks.

Throw in a fresh coat of paint, and it will start looking like you have a brand new space to cook, hang out and entertain in.

Backsplashes are also a great choice for adding a major change with a minor budget. Find the right backsplash to contrast the new paint, and you will have a kitchen that you can truly be proud of.

Keep Your Kitchen Up-To-Date And Looking Great

While it can be overwhelming to start planning and financing a kitchen renovation, it doesn’t have to be. As long as you take the time to assess your situation, prioritize what needs to be done immediately and what can wait, and shop around a bit, you will have a new-looking kitchen quicker than you imagined.

Even people on extremely tight budgets are able to make a difference with some creative thinking and spending.

Your kitchen is the focal point of your home, so make sure you take the time needed to keep it up-to-date, and you can be sure it will continue to look its very best for many years to come.

Julie Higgins
Author
Julie is a Staff Writer at momooze.com. She has been working in publishing houses before joining the editorial team at momooze. Julie's love and passion are topics around beauty, lifestyle, hair and nails.