New cabinets can completely transform a kitchen, but the cost and effort of replacing them can be overwhelming. This is especially true for renters who may not have the option to renovate. However, there are ways to update your kitchen and give it a modern look without breaking the bank or annoying your landlord. From simply changing the hardware on your cabinets to installing a brighter backsplash, you can easily turn your old-school kitchen into a modern space with minimal effort.
There are several options for refreshing kitchen cabinets. One popular choice is painting them, although this may not be suitable for renters. If your current cabinets are making your kitchen feel cramped and dark, painting them can make a big difference. However, painting cabinets requires disassembling and prepping them, waiting for them to dry, and putting them back together. If you're looking for a simpler solution, there are other options to consider.
Luckily, minor swap-outs can make a world of difference without the need for anything being pulled out of the kitchen. In fact, while some ideas for freshening things up include re-tiling, you can even get around that. Bringing your kitchen into the future just got a whole lot easier, cheaper, and more renter-friendly.
Pick out new hardware
Perhaps the easiest hack to modernize dated kitchen cabinetry is by picking out new hardware. Simply swap out your dated-looking knobs and handles for something more modern, and you're good to go! And, if the fact that it's a small adjustment with a big impact wasn't enough of a drawcard, they can also be easily swapped out again at a later stage. There are some things you'll want to keep in mind before getting started, though.
For starters, while giving your space an update is the name of the game, you don't want to go too modern — especially if your existing cabinets are straight out of the 90s. As interior designer, Jordan Samson suggested in a TikTok video, opting for a more classic style of hardware is generally the safest bet. Granted, you don't need to go old school. Just resist the urge to pair super modern, sleek chrome finishes with honey oak cabinets, for example. Another thing you'll want to think about is the hardware used in the rest of your kitchen. While mixed metal isn't necessarily an issue, everything should work together for a cohesive look.
As for price points, another benefit of installing new hardware is that it can be done on a budget. Amazon, for one, offers simple, classic door knobs in a variety of metals for a 30-pack at $45.99. Alternatively, head to your nearest hardware store to see what's on offer.
Add in a new backsplash and floor with self-adhesive tile
One of the biggest downsides to dated kitchen cabinets is that they often make the space look darker and more closed off. For that reason, it's paramount to find ways to bring light into the space. Your backsplash is a great place to start — and while re-tiling what you already have with a lighter, brighter tile is the more traditional way to go about it, self-adhesive backsplash options provide an even cheaper, easier, and renter-friendly upgrade alternative.
Self-adhesive backsplash comes in a variety of patterns, from sleek white tiles to faux stone styles, and with both options retailing for around $40 on Amazon, you can base your choice on the rest of your kitchen and how it all works together, all without breaking the bank. Just one tip: Keep things as bright as possible. Lighter colors help with that, as do glossy finishes.
When it comes to upgrading your kitchen, don't forget about the floor tiles. If you don't want to go through the hassle of re-tiling, you can try stick-on vinyl options from Amazon. These can be installed over existing tiles. Stick to lighter, solid colors or go for a bold pattern like checkerboard to avoid a mismatched look with your cabinets. With these simple changes, you can give your kitchen a fresh new look without any hassle.
