Improving the kitchen in small or big ways

Another holiday season has passed, and with it the marathon cooking and baking sessions. The hours spent using every kitchen appliance and inch of counter space had a potential benefit more lasting than a good meal: When we really use our kitchens, we discover what does and doesnt work in this very important room.

Remodeling a kitchen can be expensive and challenging, but you can make substantial cosmetic changes with just the help of a painter and electrician, says interior designer Betsy Burnham of Burnham Design in Los Angeles. And if youre ready for even bigger changes, its still possible to stay on budget and create a gorgeous kitchen with a minimum of stress.

Step one is deciding what really needs to be done. Can you work with the appliances and cabinets youve got, or is it time for a full-scale remodel?

Step two is the budget, coming up with a realistic estimate for each expense.

Then, the fun can begin. Three areas where a little improvement can go a long way:

Storage

A smoothly functioning kitchen has space for everything to be stored away, within reasonable reach. Can you achieve that with your current cabinets? If so, designer Brian Patrick Flynn of Flynnside Out Productions suggests keeping them and just replacing or refinishing the doors.

Cabinetry installation adds a lot to a budget, he says, so saving by simply reusing what youve got can be a massive help.

If your cabinet doors are stained wood, consider painting them. Then, change the hardware. Drawer pulls and cabinet door handles can make or break the look of the space, says Lee Kleinhelter of the Atlanta-based design firm Pieces. Take time choosing new ones.

Flynn agrees: I always use high-end hardware regardless of how high or low my budget is, he says. Adding an interesting metal and finish to your doors just really adds character and uniqueness. You can never go wrong with dull black pulls and knobs, and Im also a huge fan of antique brass. When it comes to silver tones, I try to stay classic and go with polished nickel.

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Improving the kitchen in small or big ways