Today's kitchens are the heart of the home. More time is spent in the kitchen than almost any other room in the house. When was the last time you actually looked at your kitchen? Does it still have the decor of 1970s kitchens? Are the appliances 20 years old and the colour of an avocado? Is working in the kitchen difficult? Have you wondered how to make your kitchen more attractive and functional even though you are on a budget? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it may be time to update your kitchen and make some low-cost improvements.
Sometimes simply rearranging furniture creates extra space in a kitchen. Try moving the kitchen table and chairs to a different part of the room. Move other items around and see if you can come up with a better way to place furniture in the kitchen that gives you more room to work. Or, perhaps you have a smaller table that would work as a kitchen table, leaving more open space.
Kitchens must be organized so that busy cooks can find what they need without having to search for it. Counter space should be plentiful and tools and ingredients should be located within reach. If your kitchen is not set up so that you are able to find necessary items as you need them, you may want to purchase storage bins for your kitchen drawers to better organize the contents and arrange tools and utensils in a more efficient manner. Organize in such a way that items you frequently use are close at hand.
Look around your kitchen, paying attention to the flow of the room. Is it difficult to get around? Is there a way to make more space and improve the room dynamic? Perhaps your children have left home and you no longer need the large kitchen table with six chairs that you once did. By replacing it with a smaller table and fewer chairs, you create a more practical, free-flowing workspace. If desired, you can invest in a rolling island that provides additional counter space, but is rolled out of the way when not in use.
Initially expensive, new appliances pay for themselves in the long run and cost much less to use than older models. Because new appliances are more energy efficient, your utility bills will be lower. An Energy Star compliant refrigerator will save an average of $100 a year over a refrigerator made in 1993 or before. You can save approximately $40 a year and cut water consumption up to 2 gallons per load by purchasing a new Energy Star qualified dishwasher. If you are unable to purchase new appliances, try replacing one at a time as needed.
One of the most affordable ways to update your kitchen is to change the decor. Painting walls and cabinets gives kitchens a whole new look. Make the kitchen seem brighter with white or light coloured paint. Use beige or red to create a feeling of warmth. Purchase inexpensive matching rugs and curtains to coordinate the decor. Purchase an attractive, inexpensive tablecloth to add elegance or charm. Add touches of your personality with wall hangings.
Kitchens can be updated, made appealing and become more functional by organizing, rearranging and making inexpensive changes. By taking the time to discover what works best in your kitchen, you can create a warm, inviting place in which to cook, eat and socialize.
Author Resource:
Matthew Kerridge is an expert in kitchen design. If you want more information about kitchens or are looking for a reputable kitchen company please visit http://www.wrenkitchens.com
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