Updating Your Look with a Kitchen Refresh

When a Dracut couple wanted to update their kitchen, they decided to do a kitchen refresh themselves. What they thought would be an easy process quickly became an issue when choosing a new granite countertop. The conflict came when a more dramatic look was desired by him, and she preferred a lighter look.

Upon my first visit to the house to view the kitchen, there were more details to this refresh. Finishes that stayed included the existing darker oak cabinets and the existing laminate vinyl marble-look floor tiles. The paint color on the walls was Pratt and Lambert Indian Ivory.

When working with these elements in the kitchen, the best choice for granite was to bring in a more dramatic piece of stone for the countertop. However, the process of elimination needed to happen to convince the couple that the lighter stone countertop would be too much of a contrast. Especially when the goal was to create a wow factor.

The search was on! We visited the granite supplier and walked the warehouse with a sample tile and cabinet molding in hand. These pieces were placed next to every granite slab, from dark and dramatic to lighter and less visually interesting. By conducting this process, choices were made to include in my presentation to the couple. Photos were taken of the slabs since the more exotic natural stones typically do not have samples to borrow.

Handmade Ceramic Backsplash Tile

Next, we made selections like choosing the backsplash tile and window treatment fabric options to present to the couple. The lighter look she wanted could be achieved by the right backsplash tile if the right piece was found. A handmade ceramic tile with shade variations on the edges was the perfect bridge between the granite countertop and the darker cabinets.

The gradual shading of grays, whites and a bit of rose nicely complements the whole look. Now, what I like to call the icing on the cake. Fabrics are like gold to me. They are the element that completes the design of a space and is always the tie-in to pulling the whole concept together. No matter what type of surfaces are in the room.

Linen Embroidered Fabric for Window Treatments

The pattern selected was a gray linen background with multi-colored embroidered leaves to complete this kitchen refresh presentation. What was so great about this fabric was that it had every color in the kitchen design woven into the material. Indian ivory from the walls rose from the backsplash tile, a bit of green from the granite, plus a touch of shimmer. The kitchen refresh was complete!

Five Tips for a Kitchen Refresh

A kitchen refresh can be a simple aesthetic process, like painting cabinets and installing new flooring, or it could be replacing cabinetry, countertops, and even appliances. It all depends on your goals, needs, and budget. Here are five tips that can help you to create an updated space that is functional, beautiful, and affordable!

1. Keep the same kitchen floor plan.

A refresh can become costly when you need to move plumbing or electrical to accommodate a new layout. Keeping the same kitchen layout can save you thousands!

2. Consider stone solid surface countertops.

Your choice of countertop can be the focal point of your design. Quartz countertops are beautiful and durable and come in many colors and patterns. It's not just white anymore!

3. Look for unique and unusual accessories.

Look for elements that can help you to bridge the style of the existing kitchen surfaces and your kitchen refresh. Unique or unusual items can add visual interest to your design and connect the old and new elements.

4. Update The Backsplash tile

Tile can be a unique visual element in your kitchen refresh and help to update the look of older cabinets. Tile comes in a variety of colors, styles, materials, and patterns to fit any budget and style.

5. Hang New Window treatments

Finish the space with a window treatment fabric that joins all colors of the design together.

A kitchen refresh can give you a new beautiful, and more functional kitchen space. A refresh can fit into any budget and can be as simple as painting your old wood cabinets and updating your flooring to replacing elements like cabinets, countertops, lighting, and window treatments. If you are considering an update to the look of your kitchen, a kitchen refresh is just the ticket!

About Debbe Daley

Debbe Daley is one of New England’s leading interior design experts in the design, decorating, and styling of interior spaces. She is a professional speaker, educator, influencer, and business coach in interior design. Debbe is currently an installed Design Services member for the Boston Design Center.

Contact Debbe at ddaley@daleydesigns.com or (978) 697-0288