Our kitchen is the busiest place in our home – it’s where we start our days, prepare our lunches, and connect with our families and friends over delicious meals. But every so often our kitchen spaces could use a facelift or kitchen makeover, whether we’re talking about several smaller updates or a large-scale kitchen remodeling project.

Depending on your needs, wants, and your budget, you can do it all at once, or stretch your project over a couple of months. Either way, you’ll manage to create a space that is as beautiful as it is functional. If you feel like you’re ready to give your kitchen a makeover, here are five small tricks that’ll feel like big upgrades.

Create a sense of spaciousness with open shelving

Upper cabinetry can be a wonderful tool when it comes to storing all the mismatched or extra dishes we don’t really need but keep them just in case. That said, bulky cabinetry can sometimes make a kitchen feel cramped, especially when we’re talking about kitchens with smaller square footage.

If you feel like your upper cabinetry could use a little update, consider installing open shelving. This is a huge trend that’s been around for a while now, and it’s perfect for displaying your favorite dishes and kitchen accessories. You can also remove cabinet doors and repaint the upper cabinetry if needed. Both options can improve the look of your kitchen tremendously and add a modern touch to it while simultaneously creating a sense of spaciousness.

Add a kitchen island to open up your kitchen space

Speaking of making your kitchen appear more spacious, another small trick you can use to make it seem like you’ve made a big upgrade is to include a kitchen island or peninsula in your kitchen design. Kitchen islands act as additional storage space, and they’re also perfect for preparing food. And, since they usually take the center stage, they also act as the perfect focal point.

Of course, the type of kitchen island you’ll need to get for your kitchen space will largely depend on your own personal needs and how you intend to use it. Either way, it’ll open up your space and add versatility, especially if you go for a movable kitchen island.

Boost your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetics with new appliances

Old kitchen appliances may have their charm, but when it comes to kitchen efficiency and performance, they are no match for the newer models. They need to get the work done, for sure, but they also need to be beautiful to look at. If you feel like your kitchen appliances have lost their appeal and seem a bit dull, it may be the right time to upgrade.

From cooking benches and gas stoves to induction cookers and wok accessories, a new set of electrical appliances goes a long way in boosting your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetics. They are easier to match to the overall theme and decor style you’re going for. And if you’re drawn to the retro charm of old appliances, you can get new, energy-efficient models that still retain that vintage vibe.

Update your backsplash for a new and improved look

This is one of the first things that spring to mind when talking about small yet effective kitchen upgrades. This is because updating a backsplash is a fairly inexpensive, easy-to-make upgrade that will make a huge difference. Even if it means just treating your subway tiles with a fresh coat of paint – it will still make your kitchen feel fresh and new. You can even use a stencil to play around and add an accent color.

For those with more time and bigger budgets, consider making changes to your kitchen backsplash design by opting for different colors, materials, and texture. Not only will a backsplash protect your walls from hot oil and food spills, but it’ll also look stylish and chic while doing so.

Swap out the old hardware to bring your cabinets up-to-date

If you’re not a fan of open shelving and you’d rather make a subtle upgrade when it comes to your kitchen cabinetry, new hardware could be just what you need to give your kitchen a fresh, new look. Hardware is basically the jewelry of the kitchen, and depending on the kitchen style you’re going for and the colors of the tiles, cabinetry, and appliances, you can find the hardware that matches the overall aesthetic while also being sturdy and durable.

Metal hardware is your safest bet specifically for that reason, but you can also go for glass, crystal, and so on. Don’t worry too much about matching it to every element in your kitchen. Instead, choose hardware that enhances the overall look of the kitchen while still being comfortable and practical.

Wrapping up

Contrary to popular belief, updating your kitchen space doesn’t have to be too costly or time-consuming. In fact, it’s the small, simple upgrades that make the biggest difference. With these tips in mind, you can bring a breath of fresh air into your kitchen and give it the facelift it deserves.