The kitchen truly is the heart of our homes, not just a space for cooking, but to gather, laugh, and make memories together.
As a mom of two who’s constantly looking for smart home solutions, I’ve fallen in love with kitchen upgrading tips mintpalment.
And these tips make so much sense for busy families like ours. You’ll know once you read further!
Now, what exactly is mintpalment? It’s basically a philosophy that balances beautiful design with actual functionality.
Because pretty isn’t enough when you’ve got kids asking for snacks every 5 minutes! These kitchen upgrading tips just work for almost every house type and every person with a home.
In this post, I’m sharing 15 amazing mintpalment kitchen upgrading tips I’ve collected, plus what to think about before you start knocking down walls or ordering fancy appliances.
Whether it’s a tiny apartment kitchen or a huge open-concept space, these tips can transform your cooking area without emptying your bank account (which we all know is already stretched thin enough!).
What is Mintpalment?
Mintpalment isn’t just another fancy design term, it’s a practical approach to kitchen updates that puts REAL LIFE at the center of everything.
Here you won’t just see those aesthetic kitchens that look untouched by human hands.
At its core, mintpalment focuses on creating gorgeous designs that also have practical functionality.
It’s about skipping trendy elements that’ll look outdated next year and instead choosing updates that make your daily kitchen routine smoother and more convenient.
In kitchen upgrading tips mintpalment, you’ll see how they transform your kitchen into the most valuable room in your house, not just in terms of resale value, but in your family’s daily happiness!
15 Kitchen Upgrading Tips Mintpalment
If you’re ready to transform your kitchen then here are 15 kitchen upgrading tips mintpalment that have perfect balance of style and functionality.
I’ve tried many of these in my own home, and the results were surely not disappointing. Without any further delay, let’s jump in.
Refresh Cabinets Instead of Replacing
A simple and quick way to bring change into your kitchen is by painting those existing cabinets rather than installing new ones.
Pick any neutral colors like soft grays, whites, or blues that complement your home’s style and color them.
And cabinet refreshing creates a huge visual impact and that too at the fraction of cost!
Things to consider: This project takes time and patience, rushing leads to drips and uneven coverage.
Make sure to clean, sand, and prime properly. And maybe arrange a pizza night out when the fumes are strong!
Change Cabinet Hardware
Swap outdated knobs and pulls for modern options in finishes like brushed nickel, matte black, or brass depending on your style.
New hardware really has the power to instantly update the look of cabinets without major expense.
I changed our brass knobs to matte black pulls last year and my husband actually noticed the difference… which NEVER happens with my major projects.
Things to consider: Bring an old piece of hardware to the store to ensure new pulls fit existing holes, or else you’ll end up going back and forth.
Also remember to count exactly how many pieces you need before shopping, like cabinets and drawer handles.
Use Peel-and-Stick Backsplash
Peel and stick backsplash are one of the best ways to instantly change the whole appearance of your kitchen.
In kitchen upgrading tips mintpalment suggested using these peel-stick backsplashes for quick and affordable change.
The best thing is that they are removable tile sheets so you can always remove them when you get bored with its design or pattern.
There are various types of peel and stick backsplash like subway tile, geometric designs, or marble look-alikes.
Feel free to choose whatever you want to see in your kitchen and just paste it.
Things to consider: Just remember to clean walls thoroughly before application. Some brands stick better than others, so READ REVIEWS! Avoid placing directly behind stovetops where intense heat might affect adhesion.
Add Open Shelving
Adding open shelving is always the best addition to any space, whether it’s a bedroom or kitchen.
Just remove a few upper cabinets and replace them with floating wood or metal shelves to display pretty dishes, cookbooks, or plants.
The reason it works in creating impact is because it opens up visual space making small kitchens feel bigger while giving you a place to show off your cute dish collection.
Things to consider: Be honest about your tidiness level because open shelves will show everything that you place there.
So, choose items that look good and that you use often enough to prevent dust collection.
Improve Lighting
Among the kitchen upgrading tips mintpalment, they mentioned how important lighting is.
So, we decided to layer lighting under-cabinet lights, statement pendants over islands, and warm ambient lighting to brighten any work areas.
With good lighting, you can completely transform how your kitchen feels and functions! Those dark corners where you can never find anything, it’s sorted too.
Plus, dimmable lighting creates different moods for cooking versus entertaining.
Things to consider: Here’s what you can try, get different types of lighting, be it ambient, task, or overhead lighting, then place them accordingly.
You can also mix warm and cool lighting bulbs to create visual interest.
Look for affordable plug-in options if you’re not ready for electrical work.
Update Countertops Smartly
Time to replace those outdated surfaces with something new but affordable.
For those with tight budgets, countertop refinishing kits can give your kitchen a temporary refresh.
Having a new countertop, you can instantly elevate the look of your kitchen, giving it a modern feel.
Things to consider: You can go for Quartz as it gives high-end appeal and durability.
For those considering budget options, butcher block is great as it adds warmth but keep this in mind that it requires more maintenance.
Also before you purchase any countertop, measure the space twice so you don’t end up with a too big or too small countertop.
Add Window Treatments
Window treatments are just a perfect addition to our homes. These fabric softens all the hard surfaces in kitchens while also adding color and pattern.
And another advantage of having window treatments is that it provides privacy from those too-close, noisy neighbors.
For your windows, you can hang some simple roman shades or light, washable curtains that complement your kitchen colors but don’t block natural light.
Things to consider: Since kitchen fabrics tend to get dirty fast, make sure the curtains you get are washable. Keep treatments away from direct contact with cooking areas.
Use Smart Storage Solutions
Having smart storage solutions is essential for kitchens. You need something that you can easily get access to while cooking.
You can install pull-out drawers in deep cabinets, add dividers for baking sheets, and use tension rods for cleaning supplies.
You can also add hooks inside cabinet doors and use them to hang small stuff.
With these smart storage options, you can easily find what you need when you need it. No more avalanches of plastic containers crushing you or digging through dark cabinets.
Things to consider: A simple way to start is by organizing your biggest pain point first. Sometimes removing shelves and adding drawers works better than fancy organizers.
Measure interior cabinet dimensions carefully before buying organizers.
Do Appliance and Fixture Updates
A sleek new faucet becomes the centerpiece of your sink area while actually making dishwashing easier.
When we replaced our basic faucet with a pull-down sprayer model, it was the BEST DECISION EVER!
Replace just one or two outdated elements, and see how it changes the whole look of your kitchen.
Also those old appliances, no matter how precious they are, they still are the reason behind your expensive electricity bill.
In kitchen upgrading tips mintpalment, they advise that it would be best to retire those old appliances and welcome the energy efficient one.
Things to consider: Change those items with the good quality ones that you use often.
Mid-range appliances often perform just as well as premium ones for most families but if it’s too old then it’s best to change them.
Update the Flooring
When upgrading your kitchen, changing that old flooring is important too.
You can install durable vinyl plank flooring or refresh tired floors with specialized paint that’s designed for high-traffic areas.
Since floors take up major visual space, updating them can actually transform the entire room.
Modern vinyl options look amazing too, plus they’re also durable too, good at handling spills and drops.
Things to consider: When choosing flooring, make sure to choose waterproof options specially made for kitchens.
But if you can’t replace floors then thoroughly cleaning the existing floors works too. Once it’s cleaned, you can either paint them or simply seal them for better protection and look.
Define Area with Rugs
Rugs are best as they give off a comforting vibe in kitchen and reduce fatigue when you’re standing to cook.
They also create visual zones in open concept spaces. Our kitchen rug clearly marks where food prep happens vs where kids do homework.
Place washable, low-pile rugs in cooking or prep areas to add comfort and color.
Things to consider: Kitchen rugs get DIRTY really easily, so getting a washable rug is non-negotiable!
Make sure these rugs are secure with non-slip pads to prevent any accidents. Try to choose the one with patterns as they easily hide crumbs.
Add Personality with Thoughtful Accents
Adding personality in your kitchen area really adds more charm to the space.
Personal touches make those normal kitchens feel like they truly belong to you.
You can display a few meaningful items like family recipes framed, colorful cooking tools, or vintage kitchen items that make you smile.
You can also DIY a few items yourself! There are multiple video tutorials available on the internet.
Things to consider: To keep the space feeling fresh and new-new, try rotating seasonal items. Limit the number of decorative items to avoid cluttered counters.
Choose functional pieces that earn their counter space.
Add Plants for Natural Touch
Green plants can just make any space feel alive, and plants in the kitchen just make it feel fresher and more alive!
Plus, having fresh herbs within reach makes cooking more fun. I have this basil plant by the window that has survived me forgetting to water it for a few weeks (luckily)!
If you’re not really a plant person then you can try low-maintenance herbs.
Just place those plants in sunny spots or hang them from ceiling hooks, this creates visual interest without taking counter space.
Things to consider: Choose those varieties that thrive in kitchen conditions. Herbs do double duty as decor and ingredients.
For those people who struggle with plant care, you can get yourself quality faux plants.
Use Sustainable Materials
The use of sustainable materials is not only good for your home but also for the environment too.
We have this salvaged wood floating shelf in our kitchen that gets quite a few compliments than anything else.
There are many eco-friendly options like bamboo cutting boards, recycled glass countertops, or reclaimed wood accents, that you can use in your kitchen.
Things to consider: Before you buy sustainable materials, do proper research on how to maintain and look after them.
Sometimes sustainable options actually last longer than conventional ones, making them worth slightly higher upfront costs.
Paint the Walls Smartly
We can’t leave those walls just as they are, they deserve a moment to shine too. And you can do that by applying a fresh layer of paint!
When we painted our kitchen from beige to soft gray, the entire space felt cleaner and more modern.
It’s best to go with washable paint but in lighter colors as they can make the space feel bigger and airy.
Plus with kids who always choose walls to create art, these washable paints stay amazing as always. Go for an accent wall too, like in some bolder shade if you want more personality.
Things to consider: Kitchen walls need scrubbing sometimes, so semi-gloss or satin finishes work best.
Here’s a smart trick, you can test colors at different times of day since kitchen lighting changes dramatically from morning to evening.
Things to Considekitchen upgrading tips mintpalment
r When Upgrading Your Kitchen
Before jumping into any kitchen project, take a minute to think through these important points, because a little planning can save you from tons of headaches later.
Kitchen projects can quickly become a mess without proper planning.
No matter what type of upgrade you’re doing, whether it’s a complete renovation or just refreshing a few elements.
These considerations will help keep your project on track, on budget, and stress-free, not completely but still.
So, let’s look at what you really need to think about before you start pulling out cabinets or ordering materials.
Assessing Your Current Kitchen
Take notice of what’s working and what’s not in your existing space. Make a list of what actually needs fixing: is it storage issues, poor lighting, outdated appliances.
Whatever it is, make a list and then you’ll feel more difference when the problems are sorted. Also, take photos and measurements of everything if you don’t want to regret later.
Set Realistic Budget
Determine your absolute maximum spend, then plan to use only 80% initially, saving 20% for unexpected issues. Kitchen projects always have surprises for you so it’s best to be prepared for them!
Create a spreadsheet tracking every expense from paint to hardware to installation. Prioritize spending on visible elements while saving on things nobody notices.
Layout Considerations
Now you need to think about how you actually use your kitchen daily. The classic work triangle (stove-sink-fridge) should inform any changes.
Those trends might look amazing on magazines and TV shows but they aren’t for real life kitchens.
When planning our upgrade, I realized moving the microwave would save counter space without changing plumbing or electrical, it was an easy win that made morning routines smoother.
Hire Wisely
Get multiple quotes for professional work, check references, and verify licenses. For DIY projects, honestly assess your skill level before starting or you will be left with an expensive mess.
Some projects like painting cabinets are DIY-friendly, while others tasks like electrical, plumbing, need someone with skills and expertise.
Material and Finish Choices
Select materials based on your lifestyle, not just looks. With two kids and a dog, I chose quartz counters and vinyl flooring that stand up to real life messes.
You can also bring samples home to see how they look in your lighting before actually deciding on them.
What looks perfect in a showroom might seem completely different in your actual kitchen.
Timeline Management
Be realistic about how long projects take and then add extra time! You can create a calendar showing each phase, accounting for delivery times and contractor schedules.
Having a visual timeline helps everyone in the family know what to expect during the disruption.
Focus on Functionality and Durability
Choose upgrades that improve daily life. That pull-out trash cabinet is WORTH EVERY PENNY when you have messy kids!
So prioritize high-touch items like faucets and cabinet hardware for quality, while saving on less-handled elements.
Remember that kitchens take heavy use, so durability matters more than in other rooms.
Consider Workflow
In kitchen upgrading tips mintpalment, consider how your family actually uses the kitchen for a few days. Note the traffic patterns and what are the most-used items or areas.
Our coffee station moved to the end of the counter after I realized we were constantly crossing paths during the morning rush.
Small workflow changes can make everyday life so much easier without major renovation!
Conclusion
Whew! We’ve covered A LOT about kitchen upgrading tips mintpalment style. The real charm about this approach is how it focuses on what really matters.
Like creating a kitchen that works for your family while still looking amazing. And no, you don’t need to empty your savings account or hire fancy designers to transform your space.
Starting with simple changes like hardware updates, fresh paint, or better organization systems can completely change how your kitchen feels and functions.
Then as your budget allows, you can deal with bigger projects like countertops or appliances.
The mintpalment philosophy reminds us that kitchens should be both beautiful and practical space, because what good is a gorgeous space if it doesn’t work for real life?
Remember that the best kitchen for you is one that makes your daily routines easier and brings your family together.
