Kitchen Updates How To Create A Space That Feels Lighter and Larger

When you walk into your kitchen, how do you feel about the space? Are you in love with it or does it feel like a little something is missing? Out of all the rooms in the house, statistically, the kitchen is the one that's most likely to be forgotten about when it comes to décor updates, even though it’s one of the most important rooms and one that gets the most foot traffic. This is because often the kitchen is seen as being purely a practical and functional space, and we forget that it has the potential to be so much more than that.

In many households, the kitchen is the heart of the home, the place where the whole family comes together. Of course, if your kitchen isn't a nice space to be in, then that won't be the case, as no one wants to spend time in a place that they don't enjoy. So bearing that in mind, if your kitchen lacks that 'wow factor,' then perhaps it could be time to change that? Does the space feel dark and dreary, and lacks that modern vibe? If the answer is yes, then it's definitely time for an update.

The good news is that when it comes to updating your kitchen and transforming it into a more usable space, the process doesn't have to be complicated, costly or overly time-consuming. To create a space that feels lighter, more modern, and larger too, take note of the tips and ideas below.

Keep the color scheme light

When it comes to ensuring that your kitchen has a light and airy look and feel to it, it's vital that you keep the color scheme light. Darker colors can make rooms feel much darker and much smaller than they actually are. That's why using lighter tones, like white and cream, is usually best. If you crave color, an accent wall can work well, as can using pastel-hued paints, as these should help to prevent the space from feeling too dark. A word to the wise, whether it's paint or wallpaper that you choose to decorate with, ensure you buy a kitchen-friendly option – usually this is paint or wallpaper that's waterproof and easy to clean.

Update your cabinets

One factor that makes a huge difference to the look and feel of any kitchen is the cabinets. This is because they are such an integral part of the design. That's why it's important that if you want to update the space, you start with the cabinets. Choose a cabinet design that is modern, light in color, and fits with the style and tone of the space. If you're stuck for ideas and need inspiration, resources like the RTA Depot website and Pinterest can be useful. The fact is that when it comes to home design (any aspect of it) gaining inspiration is a crucial part of any DIY project or home makeover.

Replace your countertops

Another area that you may want to focus on is updating your countertops. The truth is that your countertops are just as important as your cabinets, which is why if they are old or outdated, they have to go. If you can't afford to replace them completely, countertops are expensive after all; perhaps you could coat them in a semi-permeant topper? You can buy these online, and in home and DIY stores, so this is another option that it's worth considering if you can't afford to replace the countertops altogether.

Modernise your accessories

A quick fix for updating your kitchen, or helping to do so, is to replace old accessories with newer, more modern ones. The fact is that the accessories which you position in a room can make all the difference to the look and feel of that room. Whether you choose to update the wall art, the counter accessories like the tea, coffee, and sugar containers, or the knife stand and the chopping boards, it doesn't matter. What you update doesn't matter, just as long as you find a way to modernize the space. Stuck for ideas of the best ways to do this? There are plenty of ideas and pieces of inspiration online.

Become a minimalist

There is nothing worse than a messy, overcrowded kitchen, especially when it comes to creating a space that has a nice look and a relaxing feel to it. If you want your kitchen to feel like somewhere where you want to spend your time in, you need to master the art of minimalism, creating a space that feels more open and more spacious. The key to success with this is ensuring that your kitchen has adequate storage solutions in place, and is somewhere that has no need for any mess, as everything has its place. If you're stuck for storage ideas for your kitchen, you're sure to find plenty online, if you take the time to have a browse.

Strategically place mirrors

One of the best hacks for creating a kitchen that feels larger, more open and airier than it actually is, is strategically placing mirrors around the space. Mirrors that reflect natural light back into a room help to make it feel larger and more open, which is why they are such a vital tool. If your window is opposite your countertops, perhaps you could install mirror splashboards to reflect light back into the room? Or, if the wall opposite your kitchen's windows is empty, you could place a mirror on there. Don't just opt for any old plain mirror, instead take the time to look for a design that is modern and stylish, and also that perfectly fits the space.

Believe it or not, creating a kitchen that is somewhere you and your family actually want to spend time in, is much easier than you would think. By taking note of the tips and advice above, and implementing them in your home's design, you can create a space that has the potential to quickly become the hub of your home and somewhere that you look forward to returning to after a long and hectic day.