The kitchen is the home space that gets the most wear and tear, with only the bathroom being more susceptible to as much damage. Both spaces are affected by moisture, but in the kitchen, spills, heat, steam, and oils do quite a lot of damage as well. The areas that experience the most wear are the countertops and the cabinets, which can become scratched and stained fairly easily. Heavy traffic affects the kitchen as well, with the floors and furniture wearing down faster due to constant use. Even the fact that the cabinets are opened and closed several times each day to get plates, cups, jars, and mugs out can be bad for the hinges and the paint.
Overloading them can weaken the wood and even make it unsteady. However, there’s also the fact that items and materials age and deteriorate naturally, especially in an environment where they’re exposed to so many external factors. While some materials are definitely sturdier and more resilient than others (and you can maintain them for quite some time with the proper care), the truth is that you’ll inevitably have to change things sooner or later. However, changing everything can be quite costly and may not even be necessary.
The cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are the centrepiece of the room, the ones that will draw attention right away. If you like having guests over, you should know that having the kitchen looking pristine will help everything look put-together and in perfect order. Steam, spills, and scratches can leave their mark on the cabinets, but if the entire structure is still good, then consider getting replacement gloss acrylic kitchen doors instead of new units altogether. The doors can have any design or colour palette you choose, from classic luxury shakers to modern high gloss looks.
Painting or refinishing the cabinets can also help tremendously, as sometimes the wood itself is in very good condition and just needs to be polished a little. Changing the cabinet hardware can be a good idea as well, and if you’re looking for something timeless that will look good with every material and chromatic combination, make sure to go for something classic and timeless like polished nickel, bronze, or brass. You can do this yourself, as a DIY project, but you should be certain that you can put them in perfect alignment.
The splashback
Splashbacks get a lot of damage and grime, as this is their purpose after all. Replacing them entirely can be pricey, but you don’t need to do it unless yours is absolutely ruined. More often than not, what a splashback needs is a little extra maintenance. If you haven’t degreased it in a while, get ready for a deep cleaning adventure. The golden rule is to use an alkaline solution. The higher the pH, the more efficient the product will be, with the professional-grade ones being the best choice.
If you want to replace the tiles, the peel-and-stick option can help you achieve the desired look on your own, with no trouble. If you want to keep the tiles, you can opt for a refinishing kit or look into paints designed specifically for tiles. These are the options you can rely on if you want to change colours or freshen things up without needing to remove anything beforehand.
Change the taps
Taps can end up with a lot of residue around them, typically due to limescale. When water evaporates, minerals like magnesium and calcium are left behind. While they can and should be cleaned regularly, you should remember that changing them from time to time is a must. Since these minerals can be pretty hard on the plumbing, switching to a new tap can guarantee that things remain hygienic and that you’re not accidentally adding harmful bacteria to your next glass of water. The good news is that swapping your tap can also be very DIY-friendly.
Worktops
Changing the worktop might seem like a large-scale project, but it can actually be incredibly affordable, as well as an easy fix overall. A refresh here can make all the difference, but having a good worktop is not just for the good looks. In fact, it is the cleanliness that matters most. A rustic one made out of wood is clearly the best choice, being charming and elegant at the same time. However, make sure it is reinforced with a strong finish so that it can withstand moisture and scratches. Refinishing it every now and then can help you enjoy it for decades to come.
However, if your kitchen is very warm (this typically applies to those who have range cookers that are on all the time), stone or a composite material would be a much better choice since wood tends to shrink and is generally vulnerable to temperature changes.
The lights
Lighting can make all the difference in a room. While you can definitely create a different atmosphere with the clever use of well-placed lights, in the kitchen, having sufficient illumination is a matter of safety as well. After all, this is the place where you chop ingredients and use the stove. You need strong lights in the working areas so that you can see what you’re doing. However, for the dining spaces, you can be a little more creative and go for more relaxing options such as angled spotlights, pendants, and wall lights. If you have enough space, you can also light the kitchen differently depending on the area.
The personal touch
Not long ago, the trend was for picture-perfect interiors that looked straight out of the pages of magazines (or an interior designer’s social media pages). But people have started embracing imperfections since then, and many are much more focused on giving their home a personal touch, even if it’s not objectively the most stylish one. Colourful tea towels, funny mugs, potted plants, ornate ceramics, and rattan trays can all add a sense of uniqueness to the overall look. Look for pieces made by artisans or bring home interesting knick-knacks from your trips.
Freshening up your kitchen doesn’t take a lot of money. All you need to do is decide which parts should be changed and focus on them.
