How to Refresh Your Kitchen

Shelves are a budget-friendly way to add storage space with a decorative touch. Installing new wooden or glass bookshelves over the sink or next to your cabinetry is one of the simplest DIY kitchen update ideas you can tackle. Cabinet shelving is also a simple way to add much-needed space to showcase collections or sentimental items.

For one of the most dramatic changes, switch out the window treatments in your kitchen. You can choose natural materials such as wood shutters or bamboo blinds. A traditional roman shade can soften the hard angles of the space. Or try cafe curtains in a bold, graphic print for a instant style statement.

Give your kitchen a touch of charm. Paint cabinets a subtle shade of green. Liven up the kitchen more with a various potted plants. Fill pots with basil, thyme, rosemary and other cooking herbs.

Even the easiest DIY kitchen updates aren't as easy as this. Change the look of your floors without the investment of new flooring with an area rug. Outdoor rugs are a great choice. They are very durable, made for high foot traffic and can usually be cleaned with the spray of a hose.

Tip: Be sure to use a non-slip rug pad under the rug to protect your existing flooring.

Small kitchen updates can give you more space without taking up space. Add a kitchen cart that expands your countertop and gets rid of clutter. Keep small appliances, cookware and specialty items tucked away and out of sight.

Collectibles add charm and a personal touch to your kitchen decor. Collectible kitchen items span a wide range of objects, from tea kettles and tools to skillets and plates. Display them on an open shelf or create a gallery wall effect by hanging them on a wall.

Bring focus to your kitchen with an accent wall in a bright color, or a lively piece of wallpaper. Giving your walls a facelift changes the look and feel of your kitchen. You can go for a drastic change with a completely different color choice for your walls. Or go subtle with newly painted borders and accents.

Perk up an unused corner of your kitchen with your favorite coffee and tea must-haves. A beverage bar is the one spot where cold or hot drinks and warm conversations can happen. Upgrade the area with smart small appliances like a coffee machine, espresso maker and the perfect electric tea kettle. Add an assortment of coffee and teas. Don’t forget the storage canisters for the cream, sugar and flavored syrups.

Small details make a big impact. For an easy kitchen update, simply swap out your existing cabinet hardware for a chrome or rubbed bronze finish. Make new cabinet hardware more budget-friendly by getting hinges, knobs and drawer pulls in contractor packs.

Under cabinet lighting is an easy way to add depth and drama to your kitchen. Choose different colors and wattages for a unique decor element. Budget-friendly and easy to install, it also provides task lights that make kitchen work easier. Plus, it's also a great way to save energy, especially if you use LED bulbs.