Kitchen renovations can be quite expensive. If you have the cash for it, then you probably won’t think twice about going ahead with the upgrades anyway. But as part of your home staging efforts, a costly kitchen renovation project might not be the best idea considering that you would likely have many other staging-related expenses, not to mention the fact that there’s quite a risk involved with taking on an expensive project such as a kitchen style upgrade that may or may not be recouped later on with the home sale.
You don’t need to spend huge amounts of money in order to spruce up your kitchen, however. With some small details and finishing touches, and other inexpensive but highly effective decorating and styling techniques, you can transform the look and feel of your kitchen style and make it seem totally new without spending a lot.
Repaint and refresh your cabinets and countertops
Paint is inexpensive but has much to offer as far as visual impact is concerned. If you have white or dark wood cabinets and shelves, a fresh coat of paint would make them look brand new all over again. Repainting countertops, meanwhile, hides any wear and tear they may have incurred.
Layer the lighting
The kitchen is the area of the home that needs a lot of lighting, but it doesn’t have to be just one kind of traditional, functional lighting source. Task lighting, accent lighting, and other layers can be added for form, function, and style. You can find lots of inexpensive but classy lighting designs that change the character of your kitchen without leaving you broke.
Throw in some art
Wall art such as paintings are normally found in the dining area, but the kitchen can also benefit from the right print or poster. Choose paintings or even sculptures that match the theme of your kitchen staging, or you can experiment with contrast, for instance, a retro poster for a contemporary or minimalist kitchen.
Overhead pot rack
This is very trendy at the moment – making use of overhead space by hanging pots and pans on a rack suspended from the ceiling, usually right over the center island. It conserves space or gives you more shelves and cabinets to store your other kitchen accessories in. Done right, it’s also very classy and reminiscent of professional kitchens.
Change up the seating
If you use wooden dining chairs, thoughtful repainting dramatically changes their appeal, especially if the right colors or hues are used. Also, consider buying new dining chairs that are inexpensive but more in line with the effect you want to achieve.