If your kitchen hasn’t been updated since the 1980s or your once-trendy laminate countertop quickly went out of style, modernising your kitchen space can be one of the most impactful things you can do for your home aesthetic.
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but if your kitchen looks a little worse for wear, it certainly might not feel like the heart of your home.
Thankfully, there are a myriad of things you can do to instantly modernise your kitchen, regardless of budget.
Here are seven tips that are sure to inject some fresh style into any dated kitchen.
1. Update your appliances
That microwave you’ve had for 30 years may offer some sentimental value, but unfortunately it is doing absolutely nothing for your new and improved modern kitchen aesthetic.
One of the easiest and most impactful ways to modernise your kitchen is to upgrade your appliances – the oven, microwave and fridge, in particular.
Since these appliances take centre stage in any kitchen, it is important that they seamlessly blend with your new style.
Our favourite choice for an ultra-modern look has got to be Euro Appliances, home to a stylish range of premium appliances that are sure to breathe new life into even the drabbest kitchen in Australia.
2. Change cabinetry hardware
For an instant modern update on a budget, the best thing you can do is to upgrade your cabinetry hardware.
Most cabinets and drawers come with hardware that is incredibly easy to remove and replace, and in most cases, all you will need is a few screwdrivers or an electric drill.
As a pro tip, pick hardware that is colourful. For example, a nickel finish can be satin-brushed to give a sprinkle of colour.
Try to avoid getting things that are too personal or things that are sure to look dated in no time; it will only make your life more difficult.
Some popular options for cabinetry hardware currently include matte black and matte gold – you could never go wrong with that!
3. Install a kitchen island
Kitchen islands have been trending for a very long time now, and we doubt this trend is going away anytime soon.
Aside from instantly making a kitchen look ultra-modern, kitchen islands are more than just aesthetically pleasing. They offer a bounty of extra storage space and can also double up as a breakfast or entertaining bar.
Overall, kitchen islands create a cool, contemporary, and inclusive area that would be worthy of any Pinterest board.
For some ideas on how you can incorporate a kitchen island into your space, be sure to check out this amazing article.
4. Rip up the floors
If you’re looking to totally transform your kitchen, ripping up your existing floors and replacing them with new ones is sure to make a bold statement.
If you have the budget, time and means to do this, nothing says ‘modern and fresh’ like new, natural stone or timber floors.
Being one of the busiest areas in the home, the flooring you select for your kitchen needs to fulfil a number of requirements.
Stone and timber floors are a sturdy and attractive solution with the added benefit of being able to wipe those inevitable spills and stains clean.
Some other modern flooring options include porcelain tiles and concrete – perfect if you’re going for that modern industrial look.
5. Remove upper cabinetry
Back in the day, the trend in most kitchens was to include walls and walls of upper cabinets to house appliances, dishes and cookware.
Oftentimes, these cabinets consume the eye and make the kitchen feel cluttered – the complete opposite of the large and airy space you’re going for.
If you want to open up and update your kitchen space, consider removing any existing upper cabinets.
Don’t worry – you won’t lose out on storage. Removing upper cabinets frees up your walls, allowing for modern open shelving with a few decorative items and dishware.
6. Modernise your countertop
Gone are the days of ghastly tile and grout or laminate countertops.
If you really want to transport your kitchen to the 21st century, the time has come to swap your existing countertop for something a little more tasteful.
From resin and polymers to natural stone varieties, such as marble and granite, there is truly an option for everyone’s style and budget in this day and age.
For some ultra-stylish countertop inspiration, be sure to check out this gallery.
7. Update the lighting
Last but not least, no modern kitchen transformation is complete without updating the lighting.
Kitchen lighting doesn’t just serve an aesthetic purpose – it is vital for the safety, ambience, and versatility of your kitchen.
Opt for a variety of differing lighting options – from task lighting and recessed lighting to overhead pendant lights or chandeliers for a modern illumination source.
Be sure to install a dimmer switch for versatility while cooking, entertaining, or having a glass of wine.
Modernise your kitchen on a budget
Whether you’re going for a minimalist look or want to create a kitchen that incorporates a bit of modern and a bit of vintage, updating a tired kitchen doesn’t have to be a costly or timely affair.
In fact, regardless of your budget or schedule, a few simple changes and some smart home renovation hacks are all it takes to transport your kitchen to the 21st century.
We hope that these seven tips for updating your kitchen space have inspired you to create a vibrant and fresh new space in your home.