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Modernizing kitchen cabinets


10 Simple Ideas to Update your Kitchen Cabinets

Want to give your outdated or factory-grade cabinets a designer look without the high price tag? Before you spend a fortune ripping them out and replacing them, try some of these tricks for a custom, high-end look on a DIYers budget. Most of these can be tackled yourself over a long weekend!

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We’re currently in the middle of our Hacienda Hideaway kitchen build, and I’ve spent the last year gathering up all the dreamy inspiration to take my design to the next level. I thought it would be fun to share with you the best ideas I found—almost all of which I’m incorporating into my upcoming plans.

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1. Paint 

No revelation here—a fresh coat of paint is always the biggest bang for your buck. Most cabinet surfaces can be repainted with a high quality primer and specialty paint. I’ve had great results with Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin Williams Urethane Enamel, both designed for cabinetry and highly recommended by pros/DIYers.

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If you don’t want to commit to a full color makeover, try painting just the upper, lower or island cabinets. Introducing a second color will add visual interest, and help keep the space from feeling too one-dimensional. Even using a few shades lighter or darker than your existing cabinets will give your kitchen a more custom feel.

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Check out my detailed guide to Painting Cabinets like a Pro, and my Paint Roller Test results. The power of paint can’t be emphasized enough!

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2. New cabinet hardware

A quick fix that can go a long way to update the look of your cabinets. Hardware is the ‘jewelry’ of your kitchen, so you can add some personality here!

Today, there are endless options at every price point, suited for any design style. This is one area where you don’t have to splurge to find something that looks and feels high-end. Sites like Amazon, Lowe’s and Home Depot and even Etsy have a large selection of affordable cabinet hardware (those are my top go-tos on a budget).

When replacing drawer pulls, you have three options:

  1. Find replacements that match your existing hole center measurements
  2. Patch over the old holes and repaint
  3. Order pulls with backplates to cover the old holes

Option 1 and 3 are the easiest, but they limit your replacement choices. Option 2 requires some extra work. You could also opt for a solid bar handle style like this that will cover over the old holes. 

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Pro tip: use a cabinet hardware jig to drill perfect holes and save time! We’re using this one for our upcoming hardware install:

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3. Replace your cabinet doors

This is the biggest investment (both in time and $) on this list, but you may find it necessary to make the biggest impact. If you’re happy with the overall layout of your kitchen but have outdated or damaged doors, it’s worth looking into refacing your cabinets.

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There are several companies (both local and online) who can create custom door and drawer fronts that fit your existing cabinets. With a little extra modification, you can even upgrade your doors to drawers, which are often a more efficient use of space.

PinAngela Rose Slim Shaker Detail doors from Nieu Cabinet Doors

We’re working with Nieu Cabinet Doors for our Hacienda kitchen remodel, and so far the process has been very straightforward. Door installation starts this week—you can follow along in my Instagram stories!

4. Elevate your doors with molding

If replacing your doors/drawer fronts completely is not an option, consider updating them with molding. This is one of my favorite simple DIY tricks for doors of any size (check out my easy DIY door upgrade tutorial). 

This process is ideal for plain slab or shaker style doors, when you want to take them to the next level. We upgraded our shaker closet doors with skinny molding to give it an elevated, custom look. The magic is in the details! 

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You could also experiment with other types of molding such as fluting, like we did below with these DIY fluted Ikea cabinet doors:

Another idea to consider: add molding along the bottom edge of your cabinet boxes for a more polished look.

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5. Don’t ignore the ends of cabinets

Cabinet ends are another (often ignored) opportunity to customize your kitchen. This can be a simple DIY using molding, or thin cover panels such as beadboard.

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Simple shaker trim will work with nearly any style of cabinetry: 

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Islands are the perfect spot to add more details and help define the style of the room. In our Hacienda kitchen, we opted to clad both the sides of the cabinets and the island in vertical shiplap:

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An ‘X’ shape is another popular look and easy to create with trim:

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You could also make a statement with a pattern on the back of an island using wallpaper or tile:

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6. Add decorative toe kicks

This custom detail was at the top of my wishlist for our Hacienda Hideaway kitchen. After gathering up inspiration on Pinterest, we came up with an arched valance toe kick design and fabricated them for our cabinetry (full tutorial coming soon!)

PinProgress shot from yesterday!

Most people don’t even realize there are more options beyond the standard toe kick recess, and that’s one reason they make such a statement—they’re very rare! You will spot them if you study projects from top interior designers. This kitchen by Warmington & North was a huge inspiration for our toe kick design:

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In our own kitchen, we added individual feet to the bottom of the cabinets, which is the simplest way to dress them up.

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In our Riverside Retreat kitchen, we installed a flush toe kick, which only required some additional 2×4” blocking to extend the face of the toe kick, finished off with quarter round.

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Any of these non-standard options will make your cabinets look more like built-in furniture and create a sense of a thoughtful, intentional design.

7. Go open on the uppers

If you have enough closed storage space and like the idea of displaying your favorite dishes or drinkware, consider replacing one or more of your upper cabinets with open shelving. 

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We opted for an entire wall of open shelving in our own kitchen, and love how easy it is to access our everyday dishes. While our kitchen isn’t huge and we could have used the extra hidden storage, the open shelving makes the space feel larger, and provides more character than a wall of cabinets.

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I also chose this route for the Riverside Retreat kitchen, replacing the old upper cabinets with two sets of shelves. 

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A simpler (and less permanent) alternative to open shelving would be to remove the doors from your upper cabinets for an ‘open’ feel. I love the idea of painting the boxes the same color as the wall, so they blend in and feel less like cabinets. You could have fun with it by adding wallpaper, or even peel and stick tile to the back wall. 

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8. Add glass inserts to your doors

Here’s an alternative to removing your upper cabinet doors: add glass inserts instead! This will still allow you to display your favorite dishes while keeping them dust-free. A local glass company should be able to modify your existing doors and replace the inner panel with glass (slab doors may require additional customization). 

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Feel free to get creative and consider using reeded, leaded or tinted glass, or applying a mullion insert. Take it a step further with unique options like cane webbing, wire mesh or antique mirror glass.

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This is a great area to add your own personal style to your kitchen and experiment with something new. 

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9. Extend your upper cabinets to the ceiling

Empty space above upper cabinets is one of my biggest design pet peeves, but fortunately, it’s a relatively simple fix! Filling in that gap will instantly make the room feel taller and more finished. 

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There are multiple ways to go about this, and plenty of great before/after tutorials online. The quickest solution requires framing out the empty space, attaching filler pieces, crown molding and painting to match your existing cabinets.

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You can simply cover the gap with panels, or build functional cabinet boxes for usable storage.

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Another option is to raise the cabinet boxes higher, and add an open shelf below.  

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While you’re at it, consider building in a surround for your fridge, as well. Covering up the sides of an exposed fridge will instantly make your kitchen feel more polished.

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We built a custom surround in the Riverside Retreat kitchen with Ikea cabinets and plywood panels:

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10. Incorporate an antique piece 

This is my personal favorite kitchen design trick. I used two vintage pieces in our kitchen—this wood hutch that holds our drink ware, microwave and toaster:

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And this barrister bookcase that serves as our pantry:

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Inspired by Lauren Leiss:

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Vintage pieces can easily be refinished to your taste (both of mine were) and are often much more affordable than cabinetry. They add a ton of character and will separate your kitchen from builder-grade basic.

I try to incorporate at least one vintage piece into every room, and the kitchen is no exception. In the Riverside Retreat, I found a secondhand $50 kitchen table, painted and raised it with casters, and turned it into a movable island:

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Consider replacing one of your cabinets (upper or lower) with an antique piece, or simply adding an old hutch if there is space.  

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And there you have it—ten designer-approved ways to transform your kitchen cabinets. Do you have a favorite? Hopefully this inspired you to get creative with your existing cabinets if you don’t have the desire or budget to replace them. You might be surprised at the difference one small detail can make!

Looking for more DIY kitchen ideas? Check out these favorite past projects:

  1. DIY Range Hood Tutorial
  2. Subway Tile Install Tips
  3. Rustic Floating Shelves
  4. Custom Ikea Pax Pantry
  5. Customized Ikea Kitchen Reveal

While we continue to work on our Hacienda kitchen cabinets, I’ll be checking in on Instagram stories with our progress. Next week: new landscaping at the Heights House!

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How to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them |

(Image credit: Getty Images)

You don't need to be a professional to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them. New doors, a different finish, on-trend handles or some smart lighting can all help you achieve a new look. 

You can paint kitchen cabinets to change their color or, if they’re made from wood you might choose to refinish kitchen cabinets, or stain them. But you could go further. You can 'add new beading or edging to create a Shaker-style front or simply update the hardware,’ says Looeeze Grossman, founder of The Used Kitchen Company . 'It’s amazing how much of a difference new handles can make to a kitchen, especially when you update the accessories to match. It can look like a totally different space.’

Here’s our guide on how to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them.

How to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them

There are various ways to revamp your kitchen cabinet ideas, some more time-consuming and costly than others. We explore the options for updating your room without the need to install kitchen cabinets, starting with the most-budget friendly.

1. Repaint or stain them

(Image credit: Getty Images)

One of the most effective (and cost-effective, if you are thinking kitchen cabinet refinishing costs) ways to give them a fresh new look is to paint or stain kitchen cabinets. It’s easy enough to do over a weekend and for best results, use chalk paint then wax or lacquer over it the next day. 

‘You can paint all kinds of kitchen cabinets including laminate,’ advises color and paint expert Annie Sloan . ‘Just apply a diluted coat first to ensure the paint grips to the surface. Most important of all is to ensure the cabinets are clean and free from grease before you start painting. You don’t want any oily stains coming through. Just use soapy water and a wire brush to give them a clean and ensure they are fully dry before you start painting.’

‘Dynamic spaces such as kitchens lend themselves well to bolder color choices,' adds Annie, who is well-known for her bold painted kitchen cabinet ideas. ‘Rich spice colors will reflect flavorsome foods and get mouths salivating before the food prep even begins. ’

You can also use specialist kitchen cabinet paint, as Emma Irving, product manager at Rust-Oleum , explains, ‘A budget-friendly alternative to a full kitchen makeover is giving your cabinet doors a fresh lick of paint. Rust-Oleum Kitchen Cupboard Paint can be painted directly onto wooden or melamine cupboards without the need for a primer or topcoat – even glossy cupboards can be painted after a light abrade. The finish is matte and hardwearing but washable too – perfect for those with children or pets.’

2. Change cabinet handles

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Another effective way to update cabinets is to install kitchen cabinet handles that are new and on-trend. You can buy handles from hardware stores or online – just make sure you’re swapping like for like in terms of holes needed if you don’t want to be drilling new. 

‘From door knobs to cabinet pulls, refreshing your kitchen cabinets with new hardware is a great way to update the room without the need for a full-scale renovation,’ confirms Narendra Karnani, managing director at Heritage Brass .  

‘It’s important to opt for quality when choosing frequently touched items, such as handles, as this will ensure longevity and elevate the look and feel of your kitchen, providing a sleek finish.’

Lucy Pascall, director at Pushka Home , agrees, ‘Finishing touches are important and hardware is no exception. We’re seeing an increase in demand for knurled or patterned designs. These styles allow homeowners to inject a hint of playfulness into their homes, in a more subtle and understated way.’

3. Replace cabinet doors

(Image credit: Dan Duchars)

Another option is to replace kitchen cabinet doors. 

‘A full kitchen renovation may not be within everyone’s budget, so a cost-effective alternative and quick way to make an impact aesthetically is to replace the cabinet doors,’ says Ben Burbidge, managing director at Burbidge . 

‘It’s relatively straightforward to measure up and find a new design. A simple Shaker panel is a stylish way of creating a fresh look. Although the external fittings often take priority, don’t forget to think about the practicalities. If your current storage doesn’t work for you, think about your shelf configurations, drawer organizers and pull outs. It’s worth considering how you can refurbish the internal fixtures as well as the look and feel.’

4. Add moldings to or reface flat-fronted cabinets

(Image credit: deVOL)

You can reface kitchen cabinets entirely using natural wood veneer or RTF (Rigid Thermofoil), which is a melamine-based product.

Adding moldings, trim or details to flat-fronted cabinets is possible, and can create an entirely new look for your kitchen. Whichever material you use for the strips, wood or MDF, ensure that they are cut neatly, applied consistently, and attached firmly with adhesive and pins. 

You will need to prepare the surface of the existing cabinetry with a light sanding to create a key for both the adhesive and the new coat of paint and topcoat both the new trim and old cabinetry will need to make it look consistent.

5. Install under-cabinet lighting

(Image credit: DeVOL)

If you want to update kitchen cabinets without actually touching them, you can instantly create task lighting for countertops below, as well as ambient illumination after dark, with under-cabinet lights as part of your kitchen lighting ideas. 

‘Under cabinet lighting is an effective way not only to subtly brighten up your kitchen and create focused light but it can also enhance the appearance of your kitchen too,’ says Kate Baker, lighting advisor at smart lighting expert 4lite . 

‘Using color-changing smart bulbs or smart LED strip lighting, you can set the brightness and color of the light depending on what you’re doing. Whether you want cool blue hues to perfectly illuminate worktops while you’re cooking or cozy warmer tones when you’re sitting down to eat.

‘Smart lighting also gives you a quick way to introduce color into neutral kitchens to create some beautiful looks, adding warmth and texture to even the most blank canvases,’ adds Kate. ‘With access to millions of different colors and shades of light that can be used to create "scenes", you can change the color of light in a room instantly. LED strip lighting is particularly effective within cabinets to really highlight glassware and kitchenware and the impact of color can be bold and dramatic, subtle or even playful depending on your mood.'

What is the best way to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them?

The best way to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them is by swapping out old door and drawer fronts for new ones, made to measure to fit your cabinetry precisely.

However, if your budget does not allow this, the next best step will be to take a look at expert tips on painting kitchen cabinets, if the fronts are sound and undamaged, or to reface them if they are.

Is it cheaper to update or replace kitchen cabinets?

It is undoubtedly cheaper to update kitchen cabinets than to replace them. However, you may want to question how good a job you can do of updating them versus replacing them, which will largely depend on the state of them now. If your kitchen is incredibly dated and you are considering selling your home at any point in the near future, you are likely to get quicker, better offers on your home if your kitchen, the most important room in a house for buyers, is in a good state. 

Hayley is an interiors journalist, content provider and copywriter with 26 years experience who has contributed to a wide range of consumer magazines, trade titles, newspapers, blogs and online content. Specialising in kitchens and bathrooms, she has twice won the CEDIA Award for Best Technology feature. Hayley writes for H&G about kitchens, bathrooms, cleaning, DIY and organizing.

8 Amazing Kitchen Cabinet Modernization Projects

Category: Got an idea!

Published on 05/27/2019 Comments: 0 Reading: 3 min Views:

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It is very inconvenient to store a variety of kitchen utensils in kitchen cabinets with standard shelves. You have to pile one thing on top of another. Difficulties arise with the storage of small jars of spices. There can be a separate conversation about a corner cabinet in an L-shaped kitchen. But you will forget about all these inconveniences forever if you throw away the standard shelves and replace them with retractable ones (Fig. 8). nine0003

The main part of the shelves is made of plywood. Telescopic guides can be easily purchased at the distribution network. Also, some of the equipment, such as metal baskets and shelves, is purchased at the store. Thus, you can easily transform your kitchen and put things in perfect order with the storage of kitchen utensils. Here are some great ideas to help channel your creativity in the right direction.

Multifunction cabinet with drawers

This is one of the most remarkable projects in which everything is thought out to the smallest detail (Fig. 1). It's hard to imagine how many items fit in such a closet! A cabinet with a large number of drawers of different sizes and purposes allows you to store a large set of various items at the same time. With a compact placement of items, they do not take up much space. In addition to the drawers, the cabinet has a pull-out basket and shelves on the doors. It is worth noting the very thoughtful rational placement of all drawers and hanging shelves in the kitchen cabinet. nine0003

Narrow drawer with shelves

This cabinet with side-mounted metal pull-out shelves is quite handy (Fig. 4). It can be placed in any kitchen cabinet. The number of shelves is chosen at your discretion.

Corner cabinet pull-out shelves

Corner cabinets are the most problematic part of the kitchen set. Accessing items in the farthest corner of the closet is incredibly difficult. In this case, the corner cabinet is divided into two halves. In one, the far one, sliding shelves are mounted, and in the other half - a sliding section with shelves. To provide access to distant objects, it is enough to first extend the section and move it to the side, and then extend any shelf from the far corner (Fig. 3). nine0003

Drawers under the sink

Another problem area is under the sink. It is difficult to install ordinary stationary shelves due to the protruding siphon under the sink and the plumbing. The only way out is to make sliding shelves. Only they will provide compact and convenient storage (Fig. 2, 5).

Drawers

These drawers are drawers with low sides (fig.6). They are designed to store not very large items. In the kitchen cabinet they are placed at a short distance from each other. Therefore, behind a common cabinet door, you can install a whole cascade of such drawers. nine0003

Drawer for storing containers

Plastic containers are widely used for storing food, jams, frozen berries. To store the released containers and lids for them, you can make a drawer (Fig. 7). A similar design of the box is suitable for storing pots and lids for them.

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How to Modernize an Outdated Kitchen

Kitchens are one of the most used and frequented places for most households. Here we prepare meals and carry out many household chores necessary for our well-being. Working in an outdated kitchen is usually difficult, unsafe and tiring. nine0003

Kitchen renovations and refurbishments have many benefits, making them a worthwhile investment. A modernized kitchen can significantly reduce energy costs, increase safety and accessibility, enhance functionality, sustainability, your home's value, look, feel, and comfort.

It is clear that modernizing a kitchen is extremely important. However, a full scale kitchen renovation usually requires a lot of expense, time and effort. This requires proper planning, additional resources, manpower and time to complete. nine0003

While this is a great idea, the expense can make it impractical if you have limited funds and resources. The good news is that there are other convenient yet effective ways to modernize a kitchen without disrupting the daily life of the family or breaking the bank.

Read on for the top ten kitchen renovation ideas that will make your kitchen trendy, spacious, inviting and full of noise and touch. nine0003

Top Ten Ways to Modernize an Outdated Kitchen

Keeping your kitchen modern and organized doesn't require a complete remodel. Simple modifications and upgrades can also do a wonderful job. Here are ten incredible ways to transform your culinary tour space into a unique, comfortable, and enjoyable experience at no extra cost.

1. Paint the walls

Most people wipe down walls when they get dirty, which makes them look dimmer and older. Painting these walls can greatly improve the look and feel of your kitchen. Some of the best colors you can color in your kitchen are blue, green, and grey. nine0003

In addition to painting, you might want to consider wallpapering your walls that matches your kitchen, crockery, or preferences.

2. Update kitchen cabinets.

Cabinets are essential in the kitchen and can make a big difference in the cooking area. Replacing a cabinet is usually difficult and expensive. You can paint them if they are getting old or damaged to brighten up your kitchen.

You can replace the cabinet door with a glass door or install maple wood or shaker cabinets for a more modern look. nine0003

3. Change equipment.

You can upgrade your kitchen cabinets by simply replacing old appliances with new modern ones. If your house is old, chances are you don't have any hardware in your closets at all. Installing or replacing those cabinet hinges, knobs and handles with modern and stylish knobs can change the overall look of your kitchen.

Among the main things to change in your cabinets are drawer slides and hinges. If your drawers are getting stuck, making noise, or require more effort to pull out, now is the best time to change them. There are many types of drawers with different installation and usage requirements. nine0003

Some of the best drawers and hinges: soft-close and self-closing cabinet hinges and soft-close drawer slides. They help to easily and effortlessly open drawers and cabinet doors, making it easier to access items inside the cabinets. You can also replace traditional cabinet hinges with concealed hinges. This reduces the chance of accidents due to protruding hinges, thus increasing the safety of the kitchen and at the same time increasing the comfort of touch.

4. Update the countertops.

Worktops will greatly enhance the overall look of your kitchen. Updating old countertops is one of the best ideas for modernizing traditional modern kitchens. Most traditional kitchens have cheap grouted vinyl or tile surfaces that aren't as attractive as the newer options.

You can choose from hundreds of unique table top surfaces available today. These include foam coatings and the use of stones such as marble or granite and durable materials such as brick, tile and concrete. nine0003

5. Use energy efficient appliances.

Old kitchen appliances are a major source of your home's carbon footprint. Using upgraded kitchen appliances saves energy and water by reducing monthly electricity and water bills.

Consider replacing plumbing and sewerage with more modern and practical tools.

6. Consider using open shelving. nine0059

Open shelves provide the perfect opportunity to enhance the look of your kitchen and display your beautiful glassware, cookbooks and bowl collection. You can make them more elegant and attractive by adding simulated or minimal braces.

7. Turn on cabinet lighting.

Dark cabinets will make your kitchen look dull and aging. Investing in creative and efficient lighting can brighten up your kitchen and cabinets. There are many lighting options for this purpose, including stick-on LED lights, pendant lights, and more. nine0003

8. Rethink closet organization and space.

Easily accessible and well-organized cabinets keep the kitchen spacious and modern. If your cabinets are cramped, you can free up more space by using turntables and advanced shelving or dividers.

You can also purchase cabinet organizers, baskets and shelving units to free up more space and organize your items. Mounting racks are also great kitchen upgrade ideas while improving kitchen space and accessibility. nine0003

Venace Intelligent Technology Inc. offers a variety of modern kitchen accessories that can be used to optimize the kitchen space and improve its appearance.

9. Turn on the decorations.

Although most people ignore it, decorating a kitchen can go a long way in upgrading your kitchen space. You can add exquisite artwork, plants, and other decorations to spruce up your kitchen and make it stylish. nine0003

Flower vase, fruit basket, plant shelves and hand carved scrollwork are many of the many options you can consider when decorating your kitchen.

10. Add a seating area for people.

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