Eight easy kitchen updates under $50
From vintage pulls to cool canisters, these chic accessories will give your kitchen a seasonal facelift — under budget.
March 14, 2014
Easy kitchen update
Fresh paint
Changing the colour in your kitchen is an inexpensive and easy way to charge up the space. Our pick this season is Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray; a classic and inviting netural tone that would look great on a ceiling, cabinets or for an accent wall.
Stonington Gray HC-170 paint, Benjamin Moore.
Stonington Gray HC-170 paint, Benjamin Moore.
Pretty pulls
We like to think of cabinet hardware as the jewellery for your kitchen. It’s amazing how these small (and inexpensive!) details can really create a big impact to the overall look. We love these solid brass and glass pulls from Restoration Hardware that will certainly glam up any kitchen decor.
Vintage pull, from $17, Restoration Hardware.
Vintage pull, from $17, Restoration Hardware.
Cozy rug
Add instant warmth and texture to a kitchen with a patterned rug — and you can use it to tie existing kitchen colours together for a unified look.
Renate rug, $25, Ikea.
More lighting
Strategically placed wall sconces help to highlight certain areas in the kitchen that need more focused lighting or to create ambiance. Try installing lighting on either side of windows, beside a door frame, or if you have a dining nook, on the wall to create a cozy eating area.
Contour single sconce, $49, West Elm.
Contour single sconce, $49, West Elm.
Refresh your fridge
Want to give an old fridge a new look without spending a bundle? The solution: chalkboard paint. Use your painted fridge to jot down grocery list items, notes to family members, or as an extra spot where kids can draw and get creative. Available in a variety of colours.
Chalkboard paint, $30, Benjamin Moore.
Chalkboard paint, $30, Benjamin Moore.
Add art
Dress up a bare wall with interesting prints or photographs. Create a collage of black-and-white family photos or display a large-scale statement piece. Here are a few more ways to hang art.
Farmers Market wall art, $25, Bed Bath & Beyond.
Open shelving
Display a set of colourful dinnerware on an open wall shelf — it adds a punch of colour to a neutral palette and will maximize your space. Tip: No room to install wall shelves? Simply remove a couple cabinet doors and voila! instant, easy-access shelving.
Grundtal stainless steel wall shelf, $30, Ikea.
Grundtal stainless steel wall shelf, $30, Ikea.
More storage
Store pantry staples — flour, sugar, coffee, rice — in glass canisters to keep your kitchen clutter-free and add interest and texture to your countertops. Label with stickers, tags or get label-ready jars like these ones from Pier 1.
Chalkboard jars, from $15, Pier1imports.
Chalkboard jars, from $15, Pier1imports.
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