The kitchen: it's easily the most used room in your home, and because of this simple fact, it needs to be a space that you and your loved ones actually want to spend time in.
This means that in addition to having fully operating appliances, you're going to want to have a kitchen design that is not only functional but one that you'll appreciate for years to come.
READ: 7 Covetable Loft Designs That Will Leave You Speechless
And we know what you're thinking, we're living in a pandemic -- some of us are without jobs -- and the holidays are coming up. Now might not feel like the prime time to gut your entire space -- or your bank account for that matter.
You can revamp your kitchen by making the smallest of changes -- think tiling, paint, and backsplash -- and these stunning kitchen designs show you how easy transforming the space can be.
Express Yourself With Wallpaper
Kitchen photographed by Annie Schlechter
While wallpaper is far from new, it's a great way to add a pop of personal flair to your kitchen. We love that you can play up the colour of your cabinets, showing that somewhat adventurous design decisions can have a big pay off. If you’re hesitant about the permanency of wallpaper, you can always try peel-and-stick papers in a fun pattern, as they are incredibly easy to install and remove.
Dark and Moody
Kitchen designed by Caroline Kinchesk
If you're up for stepping outside of your comfort zone, black is a great option. For a modern, minimalist look, use the same black materials for all your cabinets and surfaces in the kitchen. The result? A kitchen that's sleek, understated, and tasteful.
Coloured Cabinets
Kitchen designed by Mark D. Sikes.
Painting your cabinets is one of the easiest ways to update your kitchen. And the best part? The colour options are truly endless. You can go bold with a statement colour like this vibrant burst of cobalt or more neutral with a softer tone like sage green or even navy blue.
Light it Up
Wener Straube, Donna Mondi Interior Design
You can swap out your old light fixtures with dramatic pendants, like these statement-making lights in a translucent finish from Lightology that add drama and necessary light without being too over-the-top.
Get Creative With a Backsplash
Kitchen designed by Amuneal
Backsplashes are another great way to incorporate colour in your kitchen without going overboard. They can span an entire wall, pop behind the range, or they can cover a smaller area between the countertops and cabinets. What we love about backsplashes is they are a budget-friendly update that you can easily tackle on your own.
Floors to Adore
Photographer Thomas Kuoh, Designed by Grant K. Gibson
You can give new life to your space by adding statement-making patterned floor tiles. Adding a playful flooring is a more subtle way to add impact than with an attention-grabbing backsplash.
Open Shelving
Photo by Jess Blackwell, kitchen designed by CK Interior Design
An incredibly easy way to upgrade your kitchen design is to add open shelving because they allow you to showcase your kitchenwares and other antiques and knickknacks. Not to mention open shelves serve both form and function while making it easier to find items and helping to break up a wall of cabinetry.
Colourful Accents
Photo by Studio M Interior Design, Inc.
If you aren't a fan of coloured cabinet or a bold backsplash or wallpaper, using colour in unexpected places like appliances and hoods is a fun way to incorporate colour, while making a regular appliance feel more unique.
