6 Easy Kitchen Upgrades to Update a Dated 90s Kitchen
Are you looking for some easy kitchen upgrades? Learn how to update a dated kitchen without changing any cabinetry.
We're going to use everyone's favorite cabinets to rip out as our example: honey oak from the 90s. Solid wood cabinetry will be the most expensive part of your kitchen reno, so let’s try and salvage what we can.
Table of contents
1. Refresh the backsplash
Choose a backsplash with a bit of sheen to it. Opt for something that reflects more light to counter the visual heaviness of honey oak cabinets.
2. Box range hood
Consider installing a custom or DIY box range hood. This will further break up the heavy wood appearance of the cabinets and modernize the entire kitchen.
3. Update hardware
Upgrade cabinet hardware for a cost-effective change. Aged brass is a recommended pairing with honey oak, but any metal finish can work. Keep the hardware more traditional in style.
4. New countertops and floor tiles
Choose new countertops and floor tiles to bring the entire look together. Avoid overly busy stones, considering the existing movement in the wood grain.
5. Color palettes
Neutrals are an option, but consider other color palettes that work well with the orange undertones of honey oak. Terracotta and cream create a calming effect.
Blue, being the opposite color on the color wheel, provides an energizing feel depending on saturation.
Green is another color that complements honey oak.
6. Island makeover
Consider painting the island in a contrasting color for a two-toned look.
Alternatively, remove the island entirely and replace it with something freestanding.
Kitchen upgrades
That’s how you can give your kitchen a significant facelift without the need for major cabinetry changes. These kitchen update ideas will modernize and refresh a dated kitchen. Let me know in the comments if I’ve left out any kitchen upgrades or what dated room you want to see next.
Follow @jordansamsondesign for more design inspiration.
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