Nobody wants to hang out in an outdated kitchen. You know the kind, the kind with faded cabinets, countertops that look like they’ve survived a few apocalypses and a faucet that’s more “utility sink” than “modern chic.” It’s the sort of kitchen where you avoid hosting friends because you’re worried they’ll judge you. Heck, you might even judge yourself every time you walk in. So, why not consider doing a nice kitchen renovation for the new year?

Really, if your kitchen makes you sigh every time you brew a cup of coffee, you’re not alone. Actually, most kitchens are supposed to be the heart of the home, but when yours feels stuck in the past, it can suck the joy out of even the simplest tasks. A kitchen is where the heart is in the home, shouldn’t this be the number one spot that everyone in the house actually enjoys going to?

Well, for the most part, you don’t need to do a full gut renovation or anything like that (if you don’t want to at least). It’s more about what you want to update, sometimes, it’s the finer details that actually make a difference. So, here’s exactly what you need to know!

Upgrade Your Faucet

It’s best to just go ahead and start with the faucet because honestly, it’s doing a lot of the heavy lifting in your kitchen. If yours looks like it belongs in a high school science lab or it’s still sporting that basic straight-silver design, it’s time to level up. 

Believe it or not, replacing your faucet is one of the easiest ways to make your kitchen look like it belongs in 2024 instead of 1994 (sure, it’s great they last that long, but not necessary to keep it for that long). Nowadays, the curved, matte black faucets are all the rage and it’s due to the look sleek, modern, and expensive (even if they’re not). If black isn’t your vibe, brushed brass is another excellent option.

Say Goodbye to Overhead Cabinets

You might not like to hear this, but overhead cabinets are the dinosaurs of kitchen design. Sure, they were useful back when people needed all the storage they could get, but now they just make your kitchen feel dark and claustrophobic. So, is this something that you’re a fan of? If your kitchen still has those clunky, looming cabinets above the countertops, it just might be time to just let them go.

So, why does this matter? Well, if you remove the overhead cabinets, that alone opens up the space and makes it feel brighter and more inviting. Plus, it gives you the perfect excuse to show off a stunning backsplash or some stylish open shelving. But is this a DIY job? 

Well, no, ideally, this isn’t something you should do alone, actually, you’re better off looking into a kitchen remodeling contractor because they can safely remove the cabinets, clean up, and even add floating shelves if you want that.

Tone Down the Brown

You can definitely agree that outdated kitchens love warm tones, right? Usually, brown cabinets, orange-ish countertops, beige tiles, well, in a way, the colors look like gravy, right? It just doesn’t look good (but it’s not like all-white looks any better either). So, while warm tones can work in moderation, too much can make the space feel heavy and dated.

But other than a full gut remodel, what can you even do? Well, it’s about balancing those warm tones with cooler, ideally, more modern colors. If your cabinets are screaming “pumpkin spice overload,” paint them in a trendy shade like sage green or soft white. Just be careful with painting, because not all paints will cover cabinetry well.

Countertops That Deserve a Second Look

Okay, so here’s the thing about countertops: they take up a lot of visual space in a kitchen. If yours are outdated, they’re dragging the whole room down. But yes, replacing them might sound expensive, but there are plenty of stylish options that won’t have you crying over your credit card statement. 

For starters, butcher block is a great choice if you want something warm yet modern, while concrete countertops add an edgy, industrial vibe. You could even look into contact paper (this is what most people do too.

But how about those who have countertops that are beyond saving? Honestly, this is fairly inevitable for older kitchens. So in that case, you might want to just strategically place cutting boards and trays that can cover up trouble spots while adding a touch of texture and personality. For the most part, nobody needs to know what’s lurking underneath.

Get Organized with Glass Jars

You’ve probably seen those dreamy, perfectly organized pantries on TikTok or Instagram. The ones with rows of glass jars filled with snacks, pasta, and other pantry staples? Well, there’s a reason this trend is everywhere, it’s ridiculously satisfying. 

Besides, clear jars are not only practical, but they also make your kitchen look polished and put together. So, you can easily transfer your flour, sugar, and cereal into jars, slap on some minimalist labels, and suddenly your pantry looks curated instead of chaotic.

But this doesn’t just need to be something for the pantry. If you wanted, you could even work on the fridge. Just think about it; neatly lined-up bins of produce and drinks don’t just look good, actually, they make it easier to find what you need. Besides, this means no more digging through the fridge for that one lone avocado you know is in there somewhere.

Let There Be Light

If your kitchen lighting consists of harsh fluorescents or outdated fixtures, it’s time for an upgrade. Yes, this is seriously one of the easiest ones of them all! So, statement pendant lights above an island or dining area can make your kitchen feel fresh and intentional. 

But even under-cabinet LED strips are another option, and you can easily DIY this since LED strips are fairly cheap on Amazon and other websites. Just be sure to stick to clean-lined fixtures.