Did you know that according to a study done in 2009, it was found that men spend on average 15 weeks and 2 days in the kitchen… per year? This might seem like a long time to be standing somewhere that’s not both functional and appealing, so a few DIY makeover tips to modernize and update a kitchen can be just what a drab, outdated kitchen (on a budget) might need.
Metallic features can further add to the appeal and modernization of your kitchen. For both new construction and the long time homeowner, there are many things that can be done to bring back or add a little shine to a room homeowners spend a good chunk of their lives in.
Oven range hoods. A hood for the stovetop might be another perfect place for a little stainless steel, even if you don’t have much (or any) stainless present already. Also, if you have earthy undertones, brick, or mosaic tile, a copper oven range will look excellent with wicker patterns and wood floors.
Cabinet panels. With cabinets that have removable glass features in the panels, installing rippled sheet metal, along with adding it to the exteriors of the floor units can add a pop of metal into the room. You can even consider removing the doors and adding silver leaf or metallic spray paint to accent points for a little more shine.
Switch covers. Outlet and light box switches that can be either purchased in the metal of your choice or painted the color that matches best can be a place to add a hint of metal into the room.
Cabinetry hardware. Do you have old cabinets that you don’t want to paint? Change up the hardware. It should be easy enough to unscrew, detach, and replace with a brushed nickel, stainless steel, or copper handles to give new life to old wood cabinets and better match the modernization of the room.
Backsplash. Forget tile or wall paper, it’s time for the stainless steel or copper backsplash. It’s cost effective, easy to clean, and not hard to install. Other metallic, or imitation metal, backsplashes can be used as well.
Appliances. Almost any appliance comes in stainless steel now—a stainless steel refrigerator, microwave, oven, dishwasher, toaster, you name it. Some homeowners are choosing to put their washer and drier in the kitchen too… and yup, they can come in stainless steel too.
Ceiling. Most kitchens can pull it off, and what I am talking about is tin ceilings. With various degrees of designs, colors, and sizes, tin ceilings can add brighten up a kitchen and give it a little personality versus popcorn or drop ceiling tiles.
Countertops. Stainless steel doesn’t have to stop on the backsplash; stainless steel countertops are equally affordable as laminate countertops, easy to clean, match, and install.
Light Fixtures. If you have the option to replace a dingy chandelier, metallic light fixtures provide another way to acclimate the metal theme into the kitchen. With an option to repurpose an existing fixture with the use of a little DIY grit and a few cans of metallic spray paint… or another to thrift shop until one pops up that you like, replacing or repurposing a light fixture can be the final touch to a redesigned kitchen.
