Time for a kitchen update?

Try these inexpensive and easy ideas for updating your kitchen.

Do you cringe when guests come over and see your kitchen? Does your kitchen look like it is trapped in the seventies? Perhaps it is time for a kitchen update. You can easily, and cheaply, transform your kitchen into a showcase.

Cabinetry
Look at your cabinets. Most likely, they are the most dominant feature in your kitchen. This can be a great place to start for your kitchen update. If replacing them is out of the question, you still have several options. For much less money, you can repaint them yourself and achieve an incredible look. Another option is to replace the hardware on them. The home improvement store has tons of choices for drawer pulls and cabinet knobs. These can give your kitchen a quick and easy update.

Appliances
Are your appliances looking dated? Consider replacing them for a kitchen update. If that cost is too much, it is also possible to repaint them to give them a new look.

Sink and faucet
Another quick and economical kitchen update is to replace your sink and/or faucet. Most people don’t really see your sink when they come into your kitchen, so just replace that if you feel that you need to. The faucet, however, is very visible and you can create a great look by replacing it. This shouldn’t cost that much -- you can probably find one you like for under $100 -- and it can be installed in a couple of hours.

Paint
Painting can also be an inexpensive and simple route to a kitchen update. Since most of the walls are probably covered with cabinetry, you won’t have that much to paint. Choose a color that compliments your cabinets.

Countertops
Replacing your countertops may be a good idea for a kitchen update. If you want to splurge here, you can replace them with granite and create a dramatic look for your kitchen. For considerably less money, you can get laminate. Some laminates even look similar to granite, but they are a fraction of the cost.

Decorations
Simply replacing your towels, curtains and decorations, can be an effective kitchen update method, too. Find some that compliment the style and current condition of your kitchen.

You can spend as much or as little as you want in a kitchen update. First, set a budget, and then make a dream list. Decide what you can afford to do at this time and then plan for a kitchen update that will transform your kitchen into a room that you want to showcase.