A home’s kitchen is the most important room in the whole house. This is where meals are prepared, wine is opened and families gather to enjoy food together. If you’re a homeowner, you know that’s true and you also know that at some point, it’s going to be time to upgrade the fixtures and appliances in your kitchen. Kitchen remodels are infamously stressful and can take a much longer time than homeowners plan for. That’s just part of how it goes, but it doesn’t have to be such a pain to upgrade your kitchen and make it a better space for you and your family to prepare meals. There are many simple and affordable ways that you can update your space and elevate the energy in the heart of your home. If you’re interested in these tips, keep reading to learn more! We’ve put together four tips to help upgrade your kitchen this season that won’t break the bank, but will take your kitchen to the next level up.

Ceramic Pans

Before we think about fixtures and aesthetics, let’s think about the tools we use in the kitchen. Cookware is an absolutely essential part of any kitchen, and if it’s been awhile since your last cookware upgrade it might be time to invest in a set of ceramic cookware. Ceramic cookware is non-stick, long lasting and free of toxic chemicals present in some non-stick pans. Not to mention that these sets look sleek, modern and prepared to make any dish your heart desires. No more choosing a less than ideal sauce pan for pasta settling for a pot that’s too small for boiling water. A set of ceramic cookware will elevate your cooking game instantly.

Update Your Flooring

In terms of aesthetics, not all kitchens are necessarily renovated equally. What we mean by that is when one buys a home, you’re left with the fixtures and flooring that were there previously. Floors, especially in kitchens, are often renovated cheaply using linoleum or vinyl. This can be a quick and easy way to put down a usable floor, but it’s hardly the easiest to keep clean nor does it have any kind of aesthetic value. To elevate the look, feel and practicality of your kitchen, consider upgrading your floor to tiling. Tiles are easier to clean, look nicer and will bring your kitchen’s aesthetic to the next level. Wood flooring is also a nice idea, but is less practical for kitchens because wood is a porous material and can hold on to harmful bacteria. Additionally, make sure you have some nice looking rugs under the sink and near prep areas to make sure you catch any debris and to keep water from the sink off of the floors.

Consider Energy Efficient Appliances

Modern homes should be built with energy efficiency in mind, and the same goes for the appliances in your kitchen. Typically appliances use a lot of electricity making them expensive to use regularly, especially if you live in a state like California where energy costs are high. The big culprits in kitchens are refrigerators, dish washers and ceiling fans. On the market today, there are a large number of energy efficient appliances that will help you save on cost and elevate the look of your kitchen with a sleek new set of appliances.

Lighting Goes a Long Way

The lighting in your kitchen can make it feel warm and inviting, or glaring and washed out. Many kitchens are equipped with unattractive overhead lights with cheap, bright bulbs that just wash everything out. The first thing to do is replace any existing bulbs with warmer ones. They might be a little more expensive, but it will be worth it for the added ambience. Secondly, take stock of anywhere that could use an extra light. Ceiling lights are a great addition to a kitchen, and fairly easy to install on one’s own. Standing lights are also an option, but you might want to think about more stationary and permanent fixtures when it comes to kitchen lighting.

Conclusion

Updating your kitchen is an important part of owning a home for any homeowner. A few things to consider to elevate your kitchen’s look and tools is to get a set of ceramic cookware, update your flooring, upgrade to energy efficient appliances and make the lighting in your kitchen more inviting by adding warmer bulbs and light fixtures anywhere your kitchen might be lacking in light. These are just a few ideas to get started, but they are sure to give you a solid beginning to upgrading your kitchen and making it everything it needs to be for you, your family and friends that may join your table for a meal. And remember to enjoy the process, kitchen upgrades don’t have to be stressful!