Assuming you don’t have a seriously outdated kitchen, the initial phase of any remodel should involve upgrading cabinetry, countertops, backsplash and flooring before installing a dishwasher and sink.
Designer Kate Arends wanted her Brooklyn kitchen to feel fresh and cozy, so she decided to do a custom kitchen upgrades Adelaide by optimising the lower cabinets for storage while concealing a lazy Susan for condiments when necessary. For added charm, she installed calacatta marble as the countertop material on top of an island and brass fixtures that complemented its colour palette.
Cabinets
Cabinets are the cornerstone of your kitchen and an easy way to add colour, pattern or trendy style. Upgraded cabinets can make an impactful statement in a space, especially if they include features like custom storage solutions that maximise functionality while concealing small appliances – keeping countertops clearer for a cleaner appearance.
Trimming cabinetry can be an effective way to add visual interest with minimal investment. Crown moulding provides an elegant finishing touch, but baseboards and toe-kicks can transform existing cabinets into seamless designs.
Refacing or redooring can be an ideal way to transform the look of your cabinets without replacing them and without spending thousands in replacement costs. A professional can replace cabinet door and drawer fronts with brand-new hardware for a refreshed space.
Kitchen cabinet upgrades often include ditching doors entirely to create open shelving, an eye-catching trend that makes your space feel bigger and more modern. If you don’t mind losing some storage, consider glass door inserts such as tinted or even more creative solutions such as wire mesh or antique mirror glass to keep upper cabinets but add an open feel.
Countertops
Backsplash
Kitchen backsplashes provide the ideal opportunity to combine style and function. Backsplashes protect walls from grease and food splatters, and tile manufacturers today provide an unending selection of options, from classic rectangular subway tiles to circular, herringbone or diamond-shaped arrangements, as well as customised mosaics that turn a backsplash into works of art.
Even if you can’t afford an all-out marble countertop, adding its look with custom tile backsplash or paint will still give it that elegant appearance. Painting or refinishing cabinets is another easy way to refresh your kitchen; alternatively, if you don’t want to replace standard hardware items altogether, consider switching out standard pulls and knobs for something more modern or stylish – if possible!
A backsplash can help the room appear larger and brighter, which is especially essential in small spaces. But remember that installing tile takes longer than painting or papering the area, so this project may add to your renovation timeline – though only slightly.
Lighting
One of the fastest ways to do custom kitchen upgrades Adelaide is to switch out its standard ceiling fixture for one with decorative details – adding drama while helping define space in your open-concept home.
Add new under-cabinet lights on a dimmer switch to update lighting by giving them dual functionality: task and ambient illumination. It enables task lighting without creating harsh shadows in the room.
Other lighting upgrades could include adding LED strips to illuminate backsplashes and highlight their textures and colours while saving energy. Pendant lights can create an eye-catching focal point in an open-concept kitchen space and help anchor an island into position.
Stained glass fixtures are an easy and dramatic way to bring warmth and character into any kitchen, offering endless customisation possibilities and creating mesmerising effects in their surroundings. Stained glass fixtures make a stylish yet practical kitchen upgrade.
Appliances
At the centre of any kitchen remodel lies its centrepiece: countertops, cabinets and backsplash. However, add-ons like appliances can further elevate its feel – be it ovens that match cabinetry or fridges with sleek wood facades; be sure to find models that provide both functionality and durability for optimal results.
While kitchen trends may come and go, high-quality materials like marble or durable quartz will outlive their less costly alternatives. When shopping for upgrades, use colour swatches as you browse to ensure the colour and style complement your existing cabinetry and countertops.
