Kitchens are the heart of family homes, so it makes sense that they can make or break a home sale. But rest assured you don’t have to break out the sledgehammer or hand over your hard-earned cash to give your kitchen a facelift. Here are some easy but effective ways to upgrade the kitchen in your Inner West home without renovating.
Easy kitchen upgrades
1. Paint the walls. A lick of new paint can transform any room, including the kitchen. For a bright and crisp look, turn to the old favourite, white. However, if there’s a wall with minimal cabinetry, you can totally be bold and opt for a feature wall. Just ensure the colour (or wallpaper) you choose doesn’t clash with your cabinets.
2. Update the cupboards. Updating your cupboards can dramatically improve your kitchen. The first option is to simply swap out the cabinetry hardware for something more modern. Go sleek with black or warm with brass.
Next, you may choose to paint your cupboards. If your kitchen is small or dark, go bright and white. Alternatively, hop on the tuxedo-style cabinet trend and paint the cabinets below your benchtop a darker colour and the above-counter cabinets white. Finally, if you want to be bold, another modern kitchen trend is installing open shelving. Yes, you can totally DIY this too! It’s a fun way to add character to your kitchen and display your collection of glassware, serving ware or cookbooks.
3. Install cabinet lighting. We all know that lighting can transform any room. A fun way to upgrade your kitchen and give it a modern vibe is with under-cupboard or kitchen kickboard LED lighting. Fortunately, there are DIY battery-operated options available so there’s no need to hire an electrician. The soft lighting instantly adds a warm ambience to your kitchen at night. Just remember to check that your LED lights emit warm light, not harsher blue light.
4. Upgrade your benchtops. We promise you don’t need to completely remove your benchtops to give them an upgrade. Head to Bunnings and you’ll find benchtop and laminate paints in a multitude of colours, so you can paint them for a budget benchtop makeover.
5. Modernise your fixtures. Start with upgrading your cabinetry hardware and then turn your attention to modernising your kitchen’s sinks and taps. Because ‒ spoiler: your sink doesn’t have to be stainless steel. If you have a white benchtop, upgrade to a black sink for a beautiful contrast. Alternatively, a stone sink adds a luxurious touch without the price tag. (However, for this, you might need professional help.) As for taps, pull-out taps are so modern and functional that you’ll wonder how you lived without them.
6. Add a new splashback. There are so many affordable ways to makeover your splashback. You have plenty of options. Give it an upgrade using peel-and-stick tiles or wallpaper you can pick up everywhere from Kmart to Bunnings. You could paint your current splashback one colour or add a pattern if you have a creative flair. Another alternative is to upgrade the existing tiles. Subway tile is timeless, affordable and DIY-friendly. Finally, a mirror splashback is a modern alternative that reflects light and makes any kitchen appear bigger (not to mention stylish).
7. Upgrade your kitchen flooring
If you have old vinyl flooring, think about swapping it for engineered wood flooring or vinyl plank that is cost-effective, robust, easy to install and washable.
8. Update your kitchen appliances. One of the easiest ways to upgrade your Inner West kitchen is to add new appliances. If you want a kitchen full of personality, add bold and colourful appliances like a red Smeg oven. Alternatively, start small with matching benchtop appliances like a red toaster and kettle. Another easy upgrade is to swap your old oven or fridge for a new modern version. No renovation is involved but you’ll feel like you’re cooking in a brand-new kitchen.
Can we help with your Inner West home?
Whether you’re ready to sell or need help to rent your investment property, we have the experience and local knowledge to make your property journey easier.
Looking for help selling your home or renting your investment property? Our team at Belle Property Balmain supports homeowners across Balmain, Balmain East, Birchgrove, Rozelle and Lilyfield. Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation discussion or property appraisal.
