A full kitchen renovation can feel daunting and expensive. There are scenarios where a complete gut job makes sense but what about if your kitchen functions well but is simply not esthetically pleasing? Maybe your cabinets are too dark or your lighting is dull? The great news is there are plenty of ways to give your kitchen that refreshed look you crave without having to undergo a full renovation. Here are my top 3 recommendations on how to update your kitchen easily and affordably:

1. Paint is your friend! A fresh coat of white paint can go a long way when giving your kitchen an update. You can tackle painting the cabinets yourself or there are plenty of reputable sprayers who can spray the cabinets for you at a fraction of the cost of replacement. Consider also painting the ceiling and trim for a cohesive look or adding a contrasting colour to an island for a more custom feel. One of my favorite whites is Benjamin Moore Simply White in semi gloss.

2. Invest in new appliances. Purchasing new kitchen appliances is a fantastic way to update your kitchen. The investment provides an instant facelift and the payoff lasts for years to come. There are some new finishes on the design scene that appeal to both the traditional and modern consumer, making it easy to create a look that is suited to any design style. Consider using Whirlpool’s Sunset Bronze appliances paired with natural wood toned cabinets for a modern, clean lined look. This champagne coloured tone brings a subtle warmth to contemporary kitchens . For a more traditional feel, Fingerprint resistant Black Stainless really speaks to those of us that appreciate chrome accents and classic design. The tone of this new matte look collection creates a high impact design statement and pairs nicely with white, dark wood or grey cabinetry.

3.Customize. Now that we have covered painting and incorporating new appliances into our kitchen facelift, let’s add some final character pieces to pull it all together. This can be done in the form of new light fixtures, a wallpapered accent wall and cabinetry hardware. I like to keep my eye out for light fixtures that have an interesting shape – if the finish is not what you’re looking for you can easily spray paint it! Wallpaper and murals are also a great way to incorporate style and character into your kitchen without breaking the bank – I would stick to wallpapering one wall or the ceiling for maximum effect. Lastly, installing new door hardware is a sure-fire way to give your cabinet doors a new look. Don’t be afraid to mix metals! This will add interest to your kitchen, or if you are truly unsure, opt for black or clear hardware.

I hope this has inspired you to update your kitchen!

This post was sponsored by Whirlpool Canada although all views are my own.