Bored in Lockdown? Refresh Your Kitchen

People around the world are taking advantage of their time in lockdown to tackle home improvement projects. A common area of focus is the kitchen, where a home stands to gain the most value.

If you've been eyeing your kitchen with a refresh in mind, here are a few projects to curb the boredom.

Add an Accent Wall

A fresh coat of paint can revitalize your kitchen and bring drab walls back to life. Adding an accent wall will take that to the next level, and add an incredible pop of color. 

Take a color wheel and find something that complements your current decor scheme. Alternatively, you can add a black kitchen wall to explore the black kitchen trend without making permanent changes. Turn this wall into a chalkboard wall for a fun surprise.

Wallpaper has also come back as a must-use decor tool. Get a fresh floral print or add some luxe texture with a marble design. Finally, adding natural elements like wood or stone can add elegance to your dining space.

Update the Backsplash

Your backsplash is another area in the kitchen that's likely to get outdated as trends change. Updating your backsplash can refresh your kitchen without breaking the bank.

One of the most budget-friendly ways to update your backsplash is to use paint and a stencil. Whitewashing existing tiles and adding a new stencil over it will transform this space. You can also get creative with materials to avoid investing in new tiles. Try bead wood, embossed tin, or a mirror for a modern feel.

Change the Cupboards

Changing the cupboards is one of the most effective kitchen refresh projects to handle during the lockdown. It can be time-consuming, but well worth the effort.

The most involved project will be to replace your kitchen cabinets with a newer model. Another option is to take everything apart, wash it, and apply a fresh coat of paint. Upgrading the hardware is a moderate investment that can bring dated cupboards into the new decade.

Add Open Shelving

The most common cupboard design is meant to keep things hidden and give the appearance of tidiness. However, too many closed off cupboards in a small space can feel imposing and crowded.

A straightforward kitchen refresh project to handle during lockdown is adding open shelving. You can do this by removing a cupboard door or installing simple shelves. Consider using the vertical space above your kitchen door for this project and using it to store cookbooks or baking tools.

Use Utensils as Decor

If your parents or grandparents were in the generation that displayed giant wooden forks and spoons on their kitchen wall, you could create an homage to them with modern utensils. This approach to updating your kitchen looks great and is a fantastic way to add functional storage. 

Add small hooks or pegs to an open wall space and choose a few utensils that complement one another. Consider using utensils that you don't cook with every day for this task or refinishing dollar store utensils to suit your decor.

Add Personality with Art

One of the hottest interior design trends in kitchens this year is adding non-kitchen art. That means, instead of hanging wooden quotes about coffee, adding imagery that you wouldn't expect to see in a kitchen.

This project is a great way to add personality to your kitchen and showcase a piece that you love. Rather than buying art for this plan, consider taking on a DIY wall art project for the ultimate approach to customization. There is plenty of inspiration on Pinterest.

Revisit the Window Treatments

Finally, refresh your kitchen by revisiting the window treatments. Get rid of drab, dated curtains and replace them with something new. You can sew new curtains that suit your style, make acrylic plant shelves to capture the sunlight, or add a frosted adhesive to soften the natural light.

There's no better time to upgrade your home and change your surroundings. Turn this situation into an opportunity with these simple kitchen updates.