Kitchen Refresh: 5 Ways To Update Your Kitchen On A Budget

Kitchen Design, Home, Paint Colors, Home Office, Home Improvement & DIY,

By Deborah von Donop

Design Inspiration And Advice For Every Room In Your Home

Kitchen Updates Without the Cost of Remodeling

Action Plan by Deborah von Donop: As an interior kitchen designer, I am mapping out 5 ways for you to update your kitchen without the hassle of a full renovation.

If you look at the statistics, people spend most of their time in the kitchen. Aside from the backyard, it's one of my favorite places to renovate.” - Vanilla Ice

If I asked you to name the room you use the most in your home, my guess is you would say your kitchen or maybe your master bath. Yet, many of you would say you don’t have the money to upgrade your most used room in your house, your kitchen. This makes me sad because sometimes just a few adjustments you could have a much-improved setting working with what you have, instead of what you don’t have!

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Shelter in Place: Today’s environment has caused more nesting than recently, and these small changes can bring you an upgrade without the expense of a new kitchen. Create a sanctuary of ease and joy for yourself.

Are you using essential oils for a healthy home? Check out my post on “ How to Clean With Essential Oils.”

I know you struggle because I too have been thinking often about how to upgrade my Kitchen without a complete overhaul.  I like the layout, I just want to add some updates. Remodeling doesn't always have to involve a big budget and weeks or months of construction.  In order to save on the cost of a major renovation, I have been considering these possibilities.

“I am happy to have some friends here in the kitchen.” -Charles Olson

what are the best colors for my home dvd interior design free color guide

Take a Look At A Few Design Secrets That Will Save You Money.

Update your Kitchen with these simple changes.

I am so excited to have installed my new American Standard: Beale Pulldown / Touchless Kitchen Faucet

Give your kitchen a mini-makeover with these easy, budget-friendly ideas from updating with lighting, and hardware, to adding prints and patterns.

These are great ways to update your kitchen without renovating.

  • 1. New Faucet

Bring Your Kitchen into the 21st Century with the latest technology.  A stylish new faucet is a major upgrade for a kitchen and is easy to install for homeowners because they do not require you to cut any pipes or plumbing joints. 

Touchless products have been around for years, but since the pandemic, the ability to have clean hygiene has become the most important in the kitchen. Hands-free faucets get the most attention as effective products for your kitchens and bath for fighting the spread of harmful bacteria.

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Kitchen by dvd Interior Design 

I installed the Beale Touchless / Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet in stainless steel because I like the shine.  It is a great improvement from the previous fixture with its new technology and modern look. 

My Plumber was also very impressed.  He commented on how easy this fixture was to install, unlike some of the other fixtures people select. (They will remain nameless)  I am always interested in the opinion of my plumber, he is working in the field day after day installing repairing, and replacing. His knowledge base is a source of direction for avoiding unknown pitfalls.  

Ease of installation and common maintenance issues are always considered when assisting my clients with their faucet selections. 

Kitchen design via dvd Interior Design 

For me, the pull-down faucet was an option I personally prefer. My children are also super excited about the on / off sensor,  which allows them to turn it on and off without even touching it.   

Luckily,  I had an outlet below to power my garbage disposal, so I was able to plug my new faucet into an existing outlet to power the sensor.  If you don't have an outlet under your sink, you can consider the battery pack option that is available.  

"Look Mom, no hands!" #stylemyfaucet sneak peak. We are sharing 5 ways to update your kitchen for a big impact. We just installed the Beale Touchless / Pull Down Kitchen F

  • 2. Open Shelving

Another new trend in kitchen design is the use of open shelving. We love the look but don't always have an open wall to add these, so with a Kitchen Refresh, removing the doors from an existing cabinet and creating a display area in an open cabinet you can have the same effect. 

image via 

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Jute Studio

This kitchen remodel by Jute Studio in California, showcases wonderful results, and is so simple and intelligent in selections. Countertops are  Caesarstone paired with my favorite, a herringbone-patterned tile. What is shown is a custom selection, but many vendors make this pattern in a standard pattern such as Walker Zanger or Ann Sacks. Just make sure to pair your counter with the natural stone in daylight. Color of cabinets? Horizon, by Benjamin Moore. My Fave, the Quincy Deck-Mounted Bridge Faucet with Lever Handles is by Kallista.

image via 

  • 3. Coffered Ceilings

The 4th plane.  The ceiling is the most neglected and under-appreciated element in most rooms. The first to be cut when budgets are tight, but a major impact for a complete room.   

A coffered ceiling adds drama and a finished and aspect to any room. Add drama to your kitchen by installing coffered ceilings.  Here is a great article, "How to install a beam and panel ceiling" to get you started and to simplify the process.  

Design Tip: Coffered ceilings DO NOT need to be deep. and shallow trim layout is less imposing and more comfortable on lower ceiling heights of 8-9 feet.

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  • 4. Pendant Lights or Linear Fixtures

Another great idea for a kitchen renovation is to replace the old light fixtures with something more exciting and modern.  Just this simple step can make a big difference in the overall impact of the space. Lighting is a special accessory.  I refer to lighting as the jewelry for the room. 

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Eye Swoon, Brooklyn NY

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Master Designer: Matthew Quinn

Who doesn’t love white marble with light blue and brass? Similar Lighting is on sale this week on One Kings Lane.

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Kitchen Design: Miles Redd

In keeping with my KBIS highlights and trend updates, lighting is shifting in 2020. While the pendant has reigned as the predominant light fixture of 2019. we’re seeing a shift to linear fixtures this year for 2021.

Linear Lighting : Kitchen : Amber Interiors

Linear Lighting : Kitchen : Amber Interiors

Classic American Lighting: From chandeliers, pendants, flush-mounts, and globes, these contemporary lighting ideas are suited for a wide range of sensibilities. 

Amazon 

  • 5. New Hardware

If your cabinets are still in good condition, you can consider upgrading the existing hardware.  New hardware is very affordable and available online.  Your kitchen will have a dramatic effect just by adding updated hardware. 

Design Tip: If you are refinishing your cabinets, then you can consider reusing the existing layout and drills that are existing or place new drill holes in the for a new handle , just know that that this will be more labor.

Christopher Peacock always current. This kitchen showcases a modern vibe of dark colors and the increased use of wood finishes, combined with classic brass Pulls and Latches. (design tip: brass is becoming more and more popular for 2020)

Christopher Peacock always current. This kitchen showcases a modern vibe of dark colors and the increased use of wood finishes, combined with classic brass Pulls and Latches. (design tip: brass is becoming more and more popular for 2020)

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Beautiful hardware and Increased use of ribbed or textures glass for cabinets near windows or on the main wall that will be the focus of the room. The varying visual depth they offer and the soft lighting when lighted internally offer a much more elegant look. NOt as utilitarian as the old kitchen plans.

BONUS: New Appliances on a Budget

A little unknown fact: Most appliance stores have a collection of brand new appliances in the back room for a fraction of the retail price and still on original warranty. Why you ask? Usually these are items with a little ding or dent, and they can be scooped up for a fraction of the cost. A 5K range for 2K? yes. Always ask to see what discounted inventory is available. If the ding is on the side, it’s a total gain for you.

Kitchen Design via dvd Interior Design 

It feels good to add new items to my kitchen. Shown above is one of my favorite projects in Rye, New York for the most lovely of clients. Materials: White Arabesque marble, Simply White Custom Cabinets, and an island in Driftwood Oak. The shelving is custom.

Bonus: Ready to Refinish Your Cabinets?

Yes, you can refinish your existing cabinets, but just know it does not always save you much money. I always recommend replacing over refacing if at all possible. It’s not that much less expensive to reface and a much better overall look. I do understand there are circumstances that refacing makes more sense though. If you choose to proceed, here are some resources to contact:

Renew Cabinet ReFacing

NHance Refacing Service

MORE HELP FOR YOU FROM BENJAMIN MOORE PAINTS

Whether you hire a professional to refinish your cabinets or do it yourself, this step-by-step video tutorial includes expert tips for the ultimate kitchen cabinet makeover. You can also download our how-to guide on repainting cabinets with Benjamin Moore: ADVANCE.

Bonus: Add some cool shelving!!!!

Custom Shelving With Glass: Metal Finish: Brass, Shelf available in Wood or Glass, Size Made to any size. This one is to the trade:, but you can email me for pricing dvd2design@gmail

Custom Shelving With Glass:

Metal Finish: Brass, Shelf available in Wood or Glass, Size Made to any size. This one is to the trade:, but you can email me for pricing dvd2design@gmail

kitchen design kitchen refresh remodel

So in love this Kitchen renovation by Jennifer Cavors Design  Boston, MA 

More of our faves for a kitchen update. Islands and Lighting

We prefer kitchen islands that look more like furniture than a giant block in the middle of the room.

I hope you are enjoying these tips and I look forward to sharing more about our personal project updates next week.

xoxox Deborah

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dvd Interior Design : New York, and Connecticut based interior designer, Deborah von Donop, tackles challenging home design dilemmas. Deborah redesigns spaces that are sophisticated and stylish. A sparse loft living room becomes warm and inviting, a family room with dated furniture comes together, a cluttered basement becomes Mom's getaway space. 

Click here to learn more about working with Deborah

 

If Your Are Planning the DIY Rout, I highly recommend this printable checklist: Sound advice and in the field knowledge will reduce the stress and help you plan better.

THE RECAP: Staying at Home in the USA

RESTART< RECALIBRATE

How are you doing? In New York, we are nesting and practicing social distancing for the best of our society and trying to figure out the best stay at home practices during the lockdown. I thought I would share a few of my indulgences for your reference. Please let me know in the comments any great recommendations that have improved you life while nesting in place.

WATCH LIST DURING LOCKDOWN ON NETFLIX, of course, and here is my current list of what I have watched, and my recommended list from friends that I am wanting to watch.

This is my personal list.

COWSPIRACY” ( what is the best way to conserve water and why isn’t anyone telling us? )

“THE GREAT HACK “ Information technology and what you don’t know. Do you know who Cambridge Analytica is? along with “The Sacrifice” and “The Push”

SHITTS CREEK” funny sitcom series. um, yes…. run to this show for relief. the hilarious funny Canadian sitcom to make me laugh every night, and a little binge-watching ) up to season 5 on Netflix

Ugly Delicious” this along with the “Chefs Table”, that taught me more about the curse and the beauty of being an outlier, ”ABSTRACT, the art of design” you will meet six of the world’s most famous artists.

THE GAME CHANGERS : documentary streaming now. My son Cory recommended this, ,so glad we watched it , It was eye opening.

“The MUTUALIST”

“THE MORNING SHOW movie: The tragedy of FOX News.

OZARK: series, highly addictive.

TIGER KING

MIND HUNTERS, BLING RING, YOUNGER, A FALL FROM GRACE, THE PHARMACIST, THE CROWN.

The Secret” ( excellent. Bill Harris : this will help you in your pursuit of daily gratitude and happiness)

Fork Over Knives” very interesting, changed my life and my relationship with food.

HEALTHY LIVING: Keeping burnout at bay with healthy habits. While we are feeling anxious and thinking we could probably use a retreat right now, we know that is not possible. ? So choosing other ways to relax is super important these days and we distance ourselves from our “ normal ” into the “ new normal”.

Call someone everyday to say hi, I love you. This may be the day they need to hear that.

Sleep is apriority. I am paying attention to the importance of sleep

YOGA of PILATES ONLINE: every day. In addition to getting outside for a walk, I am working to keep yoga or pilates in my daily schedule. I have the time, so I need to embrace it. Healthy body, healthy mind.

Friends of Xtend Barre and YS Deep Core Strength have been life savers for me.

Meditate: The purported benefits of meditation include increased focus, reduced stress, and better sleep. To help you ease into a mindfulness practice we’ve rounded up the best meditation apps, These are a few steps i am taking to protect myself.

Headspace app: perfect for beginners or season mediators looking to get back into practice. The annual price is $70, but you get the first month free to try out! I love the gentle reminders and the ease in which it talks me into the meditation. Every day is unique and customized to me. Great app.

EATING WELL: (it’s hard to feed 5 people daily, but I am taking the challenge seriously as my opportunity to feed my family good nutritious food every day.

 

Daily Harvest

My family and I are super excited to get my delivery of DAILY HARVEST this week. I have been getting this food delivery of smoothies, soups, and bowls to make sure everyone has access to delicious and healthy snacks and meals at any moment.

GET 25% Off with friends and family code: RE-BKMM923


RELATED: Life as we know it is changing. 2020 = RESTART < RECALIBRATE< What do you feel is your new view? Who or what has the most volume in your head?

I hope you enjoyed these thoughts and observations. I would love to have you tell me about what you are watching, listening too or reading to get you through this time.

xoxoxo Deborah


To catch up on our recent activities, here are a few posts

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Lets Chat : 203-609-1547

Lets Chat : 203-609-1547

KITCHEN REFRESH: 5 WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR KITCHEN ON A BUDGET

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more great remodeling tips. this video is such a great overview of a budget friendly renovation that made a huge impact on the overall space. Great results…..