Whether you’re trying to sell your home or plan to stay in it for generations, there are endless ways to bring your kitchen into the modern era with the new interior trends, showcasing the creative use of colours, modern appliances, and functional design.

Upgrade the Kitchen Metals

The kitchen hardware from the past was made from materials that were popular decades ago. However, with new materials and design trends becoming more popular, maybe it’s time to bring your old-fashioned kitchen up to date by adding sophisticated and modern cabinet door handles. When buying drawer pulls and cabinet door knobs for a quick installation, choose a style that is easy to clean and matches the drill length and the distance between drill holes of the old hardware. To change the style, fill holes or drill new ones if necessary.

Furthermore, look for a design that is both beautiful and functional. For instance, intricately carved designs may catch on loose clothing, while novelty pulls may turn off buyers. Since the kitchen is the busiest area in your house, make sure the handles you choose are appropriate for all family members.

When it comes to the material used in their construction, the latest kitchen handles are made of matte aluminium, stainless steel, brushed gold, and copper. Your cabinet door handles don’t have to match the finish of your sink and appliances. Moreover, mixing metals such as brass pulls with black appliances will add visual interest to your kitchen.

Change the Flooring

Many homeowners overlook the importance of flooring in their kitchens. If your flooring keeps you stuck in the past, consider changing your rolled vinyl or linoleum to a more durable, timeless material like wood, tile, or stone. These materials are long-lasting and will immediately increase the value of your home. Ceramic tile that looks like hardwood and travertine and slate have also become popular in recent years.

Remove Your Upper Cabinetry

Many old kitchens were designed with walls and upper cabinetry to store dishes and cookware. These cabinets frequently draw the eye and make the kitchen appear crowded. Consider removing the upper cabinets if you want to open up the space in your kitchen but don’t have enough room to expand outwards. This clears space on the wall for modern open shelving with a few decorative items and dishes.

Modernise the Countertops

Your countertops take up a significant amount of your kitchen space. While older kitchens may have inconvenient tile-and-grout or cheap vinyl for work surfaces, today’s countertop options are virtually limitless. Manufacturers have become more innovative in recent years, employing heavy-duty structural materials for countertops. There’s a solid surfacing option for everyone’s style and budget, from resin and polymer varieties to natural stone varieties like marble and granite to concrete, brick, and tile.

Provide Your Family with a Place to Sit

If you and your family like to spend a great deal of your time in the kitchen, you might want to consider including some seating. Seating can give your kitchen a whole new look, whether you choose countertop stools and seats at a breakfast bar or a banquette or bench at a window-side table. It’s an essential kitchen segment for busy families with children doing homework to parents entertaining guests while cooking.

Get Energy Efficient with the Latest Kitchen Appliances

We’re all trying to do our part to reduce the carbon footprint, and replacing your old kitchen appliances is a great place to start. If you’re going to upgrade your appliances, make sure they’re energy-efficient! You’ll get a contemporary look while conserving water and energy, which is good for the environment and your wallet. Low-flow kitchen faucets save a lot of water, so consider replacing your plumbing fixtures as well. Updating your kitchen should serve a dual purpose: saving you money and conserving natural resources. Also, consider replacing your old kitchen tools with new ones!

Paint the Cabinetry

If buying new cabinets it’s too much for you painting and staining your existing kitchen cabinetry is a great budget-friendly option. To cover up outdated wood and dingy coloured cabinets from the past, you could choose a vibrant and bold blue or a dark, modern black finish. From distressing doors to applying paint glazes and stains, you’ll be surprised how much elbow grease and a splash of colour can make your old cabinetry look brand new.

Consider New Lighting Solutions

Don’t forget about the lighting after you’ve updated the major components of your kitchen. While kitchen lighting is often overlooked, it is critical for your kitchen’s safety, ambience, and versatility. If you only have one overhead ambient lighting fixture in your kitchen, consider recessed lighting as a modern alternative. Install a dimmer switch for more flexibility when entertaining, cooking, or simply relaxing for a late-night snack! Pendant lighting above a kitchen island, under cabinet lighting, illuminated countertops, and chandeliers are all becoming popular lighting options.

Add a Decorative Flair

Although you might not believe it your kitchen is an excellent place to incorporate decorative elements that reflect your personality and lifestyle. Plant shelves on top of cabinets provide space for plants, artwork, and other decorative items for many homeowners. On the other hand, built-in display shelves beneath your kitchen island can display prized kitchenware, favourite cookbooks, or an heirloom china set passed down through the generations. For a pop of colour, add a vase of flowers and a fresh bowl of lemons.

Take Down Walls

The compartmentalised and boxed-in kitchens were so common generations ago. Consider tearing down some walls in your kitchen to open it up and share the view with an adjacent dining room or living room! This method is suitable for non-load-bearing walls with no structural value. This way your kitchen can expand in size or be opened up to other rooms in your house. If you want to consider the takedown wall option then you should consult a structural engineer or an architect to find out whether your kitchen allows you to go for it!