quick kitchen transformations

We all have to spend a certain amount of time in the kitchen, and whether you like to cook or not, the time you spend there can be much more enjoyable in a bright, modern setting.

But if you don’t have the time or money for a complete kitchen remodel, just choose one or two kitchen design ideas from the list below and you’ll be amazed at how easily your kitchen is transformed.

• There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to brighten things up. You can paint walls, cabinets and even some floors. Melamine paint is ideal for kitchen cabinets, but as with any paint job, preparation is key, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re worried about scalping, don’t be too trendy with your color choice.
• Hardware is available for cabinets and drawers in a wide range of prices. You can go modern, retro, or even Victorian. The right hardware can give your cabinets and drawers a truly luxurious look.
• Change the kitchen faucet. There is so much variety with different finishes, handles, and spray functions. DIYers will be able to install many of the new models with just a few basic tools. Costs vary and you don’t need to spend a lot to get a great looking faucet. Moldings add a rich, textured look to your kitchen. Consider new crown molding or chair rail. Crown patterns on top of simple cabinets look great and create a continuous line from cabinet to ceiling.
• If you don’t have a miter box and saw, you may want to purchase molding with pre-cut corners. This is a tricky job and it will really show if you don’t cut the angles perfectly.
• Sometimes the quickest and easiest design solution is to update your kitchen fixtures. Plants add color, and you may have some unique pieces around the house that would make unconventional pots for new or existing plants. Go through your cabinets to see what would look good on the counter or on the wall. You can always rotate the accessories a couple of times a year to keep the look fresh.
• You don’t need advanced sewing skills to fix your windows. Make a cafe shade by cutting a piece of suitable fabric half the height of the window plus 2 inches for hems and 1-1/2 times the width of the window. Sew 1″ hems on all four sides and attach to an adjustable curtain rod. Mount the rod in the center of the window, exposing the top half of the window. There are some excellent Belgian lace fabrics that require no sewing on everything!Just thread the curtain rod through the holes
• The blinds can be used on their own or with a window topper. Wood or PVC skinny slat (mini)blinds make kitchen windows look clean (and easy to clean). The added bonus of wood blinds is the ability to paint them to match your color scheme.
• Chances are, you’ll keep dish towels, oven mitts, and potholders until they’re tattered and worn. For a low-cost kitchen makeover, try this! Enjoy new tea towels, oven mitts and pot holders in a bright color or a complementary cheerful design.
• Beautiful framed posters that match your kitchen scheme can add sophistication. Create a vignette with a series of frames, filled with family photos or images taken from an old botanical calendar. Paint the frames in your kitchen color palette.
• If you’re the type who likes to display photos and children’s artwork on your fridge, how about creating a magnetic wall space for these must-have pieces? Simply block a square on the wall, paint the area with magnetic primer, then repaint with the color of your choice. instant display space! In my own kitchen, I created a frame out of pieces of balsa wood from an art supply store, then painted the inside of the frame a complementary color to the wall.

With careful planning, each kitchen remodeling idea can be accomplished for less than $100.00. Now that’s home decorating on a budget!