The kaleidoscope of kitchen trends is compelling, but remodeling a kitchen is no walk in the park. That’s one of the reasons we recommend creating a timeless kitchen design – one that remains relevant for years to come. When that’s the case, it becomes easy to embrace current kitchen trends without having to remodel the whole shebang.
Are you biding your time as you save enough for the kitchen remodel of your dreams? Read, Deciding Where to Splurge and Where to Save…
Chicago Kitchen Design Updates That Don’t Require a Remodel
The following are ideas are all simple and can be completed in a day – or even an hour or two. Some cost more than others (depending on where you source the fixtures), but combined – the total price tag is far less than a full Chicago kitchen remodel would cost you.
Repaint walls in neutral (or trending) colors
Paint is easy to change every couple of years or so and – depending on how heavily used your kitchen is – a fresh coat of paint may be just what the designer ordered to give your Chicago kitchen design a freshening up.
Current kitchen trends point to grays, blues and blacks – and neutral, lighter browns are always popular. So too is white, which never goes out of style. If you want a spot of color to become a bolder focal point, consider a rich green, red, blue or purple.
Switch out the plumbing fixtures
While it’s true that brass and oil-rubbed bronze fixtures are coming back into style, there is a notable difference between those installed in the 1980s and those designed in the 21st century. Removing outdated plumbing fixtures and replacing them with contemporary counterparts – in a finish that still compliments your kitchen design – is a simple update.
Replacing your suspended light fixtures
Similarly, replacing suspended light fixtures works wonders, especially if your current fixtures aren’t the “cool” version of retro or antique lighting fixtures. You can purchase new light fixtures, keep your eyes out for unique options at flea markets and antique stores or seek out construction recycle shops. Often, contractors bring in perfectly good fixtures they’ve torn out for a remodel that you can sweep up for a penny on the original dollar.
Examples of stores specializing in recycled construction goods include the Rebuilding Exchange, Urban Remains and the ReUse Depot.
Splurge on one or two new appliances
Appliances take up a fair share of the vertical, visual square footage in your kitchen. In addition to upping the style ante in your kitchen, odds are the new appliances are significantly more energy efficient than their 15-years old (or more) counterparts. The biggest energy-efficient savings will take place via a new refrigerator, followed by the dishwasher.
If appliances aren’t all that old – but you want a new look – consider selling your old ones on Craigslist or donate them. Standard models in a preferred finish are reasonably priced, or you can splurge on some of the most innovative appliances on the market, which still cost less than a remodel. You can also add character with Big Chill or other retro-inspired new appliances.
Re-envision your cabinets
Cabinet storage options have improved significantly in the past several years so re-envisioning your cabinet interiors – and installing some of the customized organization options out there – improves the kitchen's look and function.
Furthermore, you may find you can eliminate an upper and lower cabinet – replacing them with open shelving or nothing at all – opening up the kitchen space.
Contact the Kitchens & Baths Unlimited team once you’re ready to bite the bullet and move forward with a full Chicago kitchen remodel. Until then, take advantage of these cost-saving (and time-saving!) ideas for a brand new look.
