Create
a New Kitchen for Less
Seven Tips for a Big-Impact, Small-Budget
Kitchen Makeover
Glen Peloso
Renovating your kitchen can be an expensive proposition, but what do you do when you want more but your pocketbook has less? Recent economic changes have made it difficult to jump into major kitchen renovations but there are ways of getting more of what you want and paying less to do it.
Planning
First, make a plan and a budget. You’re going to want to “go
crazy” in your space, but be prudent. There is a big difference
between what you need and what you would love to have in an ideal
world.
Painting
In a budget renovation, paint is your friend. Painting your
existing cabinets can take your kitchen from blonde maple or heavily
grained oak, to a cream paint finish – making the kitchen
look almost new again. If you can afford to have the doors
sent out to be professionally done all the better!
Flooring
You can greatly improve the look of the kitchen by changing the
flooring. The ideal is to use a natural stone, but there
are great porcelain look-a-like tiles that give a similar look.
Appliances
The kitchen is a workroom and the appliances are the tools, so
investing in new, modern appliances can make a room look completely
renovated. In fact new modern appliances in your space can have
a big impact on your overall look. To make an impact on your
pocketbook as well, select Energy Star® qualified appliances.
Remember, the appliances are also very important to the execution
of every meal that you make!
Neutral Colours
All the elements that are permanent – the backsplash, flooring,
appliances and countertops – should be done in neutral colours
to give the greatest number of years with your new look. The
changes you make year-over-year can be achieved in accessories
like towels, table clothes, artwork, tea kettles, etc.
Lighting
Devote some of your funds to lighting. You need general lighting,
so that you are able to have a bright and workable room. You need
task lights, to allow you to see while you cook and prepare food. And
finally, you may need mood lighting; it’s well suited to
the style of current homes where an “open concept” space
incorporates the kitchen as part of the main living area.
Accessorize!
The final change that can create a significant difference in the
kitchen is to change the hardware on your cabinets. Think
of the hardware as the finishing touch – like jewelry and
accessories they are elements that can make a simple black dress
into an elegant evening wear gown!
Article - Hot Design Trends for '09
Article - Create a New Kitchen for Less
Recipe - Scallops with Garlicky Black-Eyed Peas
Article - Create a New Kitchen for Less
Recipe - Scallops with Garlicky Black-Eyed Peas
About Glen Peloso
Glen Peloso is the principal of Glen Peloso Interiors and has been working in the world of design for the past ten years since completing a Masters degree in Fine Art. His design philosophy is based on his clients need for a space to live a happy and productive life, however they choose to define that. Form must always follow function in both residential and commercial projects. His work on over 300 design contracts has taken him to England, France, Italy, and various places in the USA, where he enjoys learning about the creative process and people as much as creating new spaces. After a successful run as the Sr. VP for a corporate housing company and then as a Sr. Design partner in another firm, he has created Glen Peloso Interiors and has surrounded himself with a fantastic team who share his desire to “see what everyone has seen but think what no one has yet thought” to stay on the cutting edge of design in restaurants, home, retail spaces, and offices. Glen is a regular design host on Restaurant Makeover, Take This House and Sell It, and Renovate My Wardrobe