How to make a kitchen chic without renovating it: the secrets of interior designers

lighting to create an expensive atmosphere, creating focal points in kitchen design – today we will tell you what will help modernize an outdated kitchen without completely replacing it. So here’s what you can (and should!) change.

As interior designer Lichelle Silvestri explains, it’s a simple way to transform the kitchen: using open shelves and shelves instead of “blind” cabinets will give it a more modern look. His colleague Thomas Morbitzer adds that it’s not necessary to get rid of all the cabinets (you can even leave them alone): floating shelves make a great added accent: a tip like adding luxury with decorative glassware displayed above works very well to create an overall impression of high prices.

The selection of stylish furniture for the kitchen can sometimes be replaced by a trip to the store for paint. Interior designer Lisa Tornello believes that in some cases it works even better than replacing cabinets: “Many outdated kitchens have the advantage of having cabinets made from real wood, which is used much less these days . » Graham Smith, design director at Kitchen Showroom, says that if your kitchen worktops and walls are a neutral color (like white), it’s best to choose a contrasting dark paint color, like navy blue. or forest green. “Monochrome schemes lack richness and depth,” says Graham.

After the selection of colors in the interior of the kitchen is completed, turn to the professionals: the founder of the design bureau Liz Potarazu believes that this is the most reasonable solution – specialists are able to paint furniture from so that, despite constant use, they look new for a long time.

Don’t underestimate the power of a humble rug: It can freshen up your kitchen floor, says designer Kathleen Gruver. “Be sure to use colors that complement those already present in the rest of the house. This will give the design cohesion and continuity,” she says. And Christine Harrison adds that using textiles and tablecloths to create a cozy interior is an excellent tip: you can add colors, patterns and textures to the space that give character to the kitchen.

Another interior tip that works well for creating a chic-looking kitchen is replacing countertops: as designer Catherine Fowlkes explains, it’s not as expensive as you might think. To add warmth and texture, Lisa Silvestri recommends using white oak and walnut: “They’re versatile materials that go with almost any cabinet,” she says. Need a more economical solution? In this case, the tabletop can simply be painted.

Is it time to replace your kettle or toaster? Lischel advises paying attention to the appearance of appliances as well as their functionality: “Replace old ones with sleek, modern designs to give your kitchen a more sophisticated style,” she advises. Silvestri recommends storing appliances that are outdated and in poor condition, but still work, in cabinets – the less equipment in sight, the more minimalist and uncluttered the kitchen.

Effective organization of the kitchen workspace requires good lighting – any chef will tell you this. But that’s not all its advantage: ask any designer about lighting, and you’ll hear that good will improve any space, and bad will destroy even the most thoughtful one. “Updating your kitchen accessories is an easy way to give it a makeover,” says Kristen Harrison.

There are many lighting options you can add to your kitchen, from ceiling spotlights that can be pointed in different directions to LED strip lights on cabinets that provide a great working tool while cooking and a comfortable backdrop while cooking. dinner. Choose those that look modern and fit into the aesthetic of your kitchen – and you’ll be surprised how they transform it!

This simple act works just as well as choosing elegant dishes and cutlery or using drapes and curtains in the kitchen. Most designers advise choosing the same handles for all furniture, but Christine Harrison believes that eclecticism should not be discounted: “Not all cabinets need to have the same details. Try adding a few visual surprises to give the kitchen a personal touch,” she says.

Not a single “Ten Steps to a Chic Kitchen Without Renovation” plan would be complete without this simple tip: add a few new chairs. “Chairs and stools have great potential: they can express style just as much as a backsplash, countertop or cabinets,” says Christine Harrison. And Kathleen Gruver says to consider covers: they’re a great choice if you want to create multiple seasonal kitchen designs.

The secrets of the spatial ambiance of a kitchen interior sometimes lie in simple solutions: even an ultra-minimalist design can be made warm and cozy with gentle decorative touches. “Add textiles,” advises Liz Potarazu. — If you have a window, think about curtains. Hang a folded knit blanket over the back of a chair and add textured napkins.

According to Katherine Fowlkes, adding art and photography to a kitchen can soften it and become one with the home. Fowlkes advises favoring paintings over posters – they always look “more expensive” and, in the case of photographs, consider the same design style in all rooms.

We won’t even talk about using plants to decorate your home, just look at these before and after photos!

The sink is one of the most visible areas in the kitchen. Replace the faucet, add a stylish soap dispenser – sometimes these simple steps are enough to make the room look so much better. Does your budget allow you to do more? Opt for a sleek stainless steel sink or a country-style porcelain sink: choose the option that best suits your kitchen.

For example, the use of mirrors in kitchen design allows you to create the illusion of a larger area and, moreover, mirrors reflect light – the kitchen will simply be flooded with it. A small sofa or chaise longue will immediately create a different atmosphere, transforming a functional space into a social one, where you can not only cook, but also chat for hours with your loved ones. Whatever item you choose, don’t be afraid to use it, it will give your kitchen personality and make it dopamine-popping.

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