If you can't afford a kitchen remodel but want to change the look of it, you have a few options in updating your space. The best part about these projects? Not only are they affordable, but they're quick, so you can implement a budget-friendly makeover in a few hours or a weekend.
Quick Kitchen Projects:
1. Write On The Refrigerator. If you have a dated refrigerator and can't afford to replace it yet, jump on the trend to paint your appliance with chalkboard paint. This hides how old the refrigerator is while giving it a practical, fresh look. You can pick up a quart of chalkboard paint at your local hardware store. Two to three coats create the best chalk writing surface.
2. New Knobs. Hardware is like the jewelry of cabinets. By changing old knobs and pulls with new, stylish ones, you can really impact the look of your space. New hardware can get pricey if you are looking for extra details so if you're on a budget, look for something shiny and sleek.
The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) was great this year! Beyond seeing some unique products from the top manufacturers in the country, we spoke to a lot of designers and bloggers who provided us with some real insight to where they feel the industry is headed and what trends are hot right now.
As always we wrap up our trade show coverage with our favorite picks.
Cambria Quartz Countertops
This man made countertop material is stain-resistant, non-porous and maintenance free. It also contributes to LEED certification. What more do you want in a kitchen countertop material? At KBIS they introduced 38 new colors, some of which mimic carrera marble and various shades of granite.
TOTO Luminist Vessel Sink
These sinks look TRON inspired. A LED illuminated ring is now a sink. Cool in a club, yes? Cool in your home, maybe?
These days, staying up-to-date with technology and new materials can be quite a challenge. Even in the kitchen, builders and homeowners have a wealth of options when selecting countertops, flooring, faucets and appliances.
The newest trend to watch? Carbon fiber, which can be used in a variety of applications from sporting goods to cars, and is prized thanks to incredible strength that is five times that of steel and a lightweight build.
Carbon fiber is slowly being adopted by the kitchen industry, and appeared earlier this year in Kohler's Karbon articulating kitchen faucet, a design inspired by "lighting and construction equipment that feature articulating joints," according to a press release from Kohler.
With the tagline "Art that's designed to be used," Danze Fixtures and Faucetsprides itself on creating artful, creative faucet designs that don't compromise convenience or functionality.
According to the company, "Homeowners have come to expect a lot from their kitchen. Not only does it have to be one of the best designed rooms in the house, it has to perform and function like no other space." The right fixtures in the kitchen or bath go a long way towards achieving this.
Danze Faucets offers more than 30 collections for the kitchen and bathroom, including several models that offer new technology such as thermostatic valves, pull-down sprayers and more. A few of our favorites include:
