Easy Kitchen Update Ideas for 2024

Let’s talk about some easy kitchen update ideas.

Who doesn’t love an easy kitchen decor refresh (or two?)

modern white kitchen with new, updated pendant lights

Easy Kitchen Update Ideas

We’ve already covered a few easy ways to update your bedroom.

So, today I’d thought we’d talk about everyone’s favorite space, the kitchen.

You might be surprised how simple little changes and can make a big impact and you won’t need to break the bank.

For many homes, the kitchen represents the heart of the home. Cliche but true!

The kitchen is an area where people not only congregate for meals and snack times but also enjoy spending time together as a family.

In addition, the kitchen is a beautiful center piece to build your home around and if it looks out of date, it’s easy for the rest of your home to follow suit.

So if you’re looking for a few easy kitchen updates, these are a couple of simple things you can start with which, will make a world of difference.

Let’s talk about some quick, affordable refreshes.

new runner in kitchen as an easy update for your kitchenKitchen runner c/o Ruggable

1. Update Your Kitchen Light Fixtures.

This is typically a project you can take on simply with just a quick trip to your local hardware store!

It doesn’t have to be a major change, but even a small update to the lighting can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of the room.

Particularly if your light fixtures hang above a kitchen island, they can be a focal point that draws the eye as soon as someone walks in your kitchen.

Installing or changing pendant lights can instantly upgrade your interior design.

This post on kitchen lighting tips you need to know, discusses this topic in a lot more detail.

glass cannisters on kitchen counter as an easy kitchen update ideamarble tray / glass canisters

2. Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a more involved project that can pack a huge punch in terms of upgrading your current kitchen’s look.

Whether you’re lightening up the room with white cabinetry, re-staining hardwood cabinets, or adding a pop of color, you’d be amazed at the effect this project can have.

Just make sure that you choose high-quality paint, prep accordingly, and take your time so the results are worth the effort.

If you’re looking for paint colors, be sure to check out one of my most popular posts – the 10 best kitchen cabinet colors according to the experts.

flowers and candle on kitchen counter.
fluted amber candle

3. Change Your Cabinet Hardware

Once your kitchen cabinets are painted, you can continue the upgrade by changing out the hardware for something updated to the new color.

Dark hardware might pop against the new white of your cabinets, or you may opt for something like polished nickel which will complement stainless steel appliances.

Whichever you choose, something as simple as different cabinetry handles can have a major effect on the interior design aesthetic of your kitchen space.

Of course, I have a full post dedicated to kitchen hardware right here!

close up of brass kitchen cabinet hardware, an easy kitchen update ideabrass kitchen cabinet hardware

2. Install Floating Open Shelves

Floating shelves do double duty as additional storage space and display shelves for pretty kitchen accessories or dishes.

They’re trendy but utilitarian and you can not only shift some of your dishes out from the back of your cabinets, but you can also display prettier pieces out in the open so you can enjoy them all the time, even if you don’t use them very often.

Extra shelves are also super helpful when it comes to keeping your kitchen counters organized.

wooden shelves in kitchen with white tiles.
floating shelves

4. New Kitchen Decor or Accessories

I recently updated a few little things on our counters.

Items we use everyday, which were starting to look a bit worn or chipped were replaced with newer, prettier versions.

This small change really freshened up the whole space.

So, before you take the plunge into a major kitchen remodel, consider doing some of these easy kitchen update ideas first and see if those give you the effect you’re looking for!

kitchen accessories on tray.
salt cellar / utensil crock / tray

SHOP ALL THE EASY KITCHEN UPDATE IDEAS HERE:

Close up of white kitchen tile backsplash.

If you’re looking for even more home design inspiration, be sure to check out these other posts below:

Why You Should Paint Your Trim and Walls the Same Color.

How To Style Your Kitchen Island

Best Wall Paint Colors For Dark Wood Floors.

Benjamin Moore White Dove Paint Review

How to Paint Over Cultured Marble Bathtub Surrounds.

A few more things…

Design lovers! Have you joined our fun and VERY helpful design Facebook group?

In this private group, members share photos with their design questions and dilemmas from their own home. We all chime in with our best advice!

It’s also great for sourcing hard to find items and pieces.

zhush design cheat sheet

Lastly, to help you even further with your home projects, download my FREE DESIGN CHEAT SHEET, it’s loaded with all sorts of quick tips and handy measurements.

It’s a must have “go to” for all of your home decor projects.

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Leave a Comment

2 Comments

  1. Sharayne wrote:

    Hi, would you mind sharing with me which company/person you used to do your kitchen update. I have a kitchen similar to yours that I would like to get done. Many Thanks.

    Published on 2.20.23 · Reply
    • Sue De Chiara wrote:

      We used a local designer, Muse Interiors. Based out of Greenwich, CT.

      Published on 2.23.23 · Reply