Is your kitchen in need of a freshening up? If so, you’re in the right place – we’ve put together an informative list of tips and ideas for modernising old kitchens!

 

Modernising old kitchens doesn’t always require a full renovation

 

Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your house. It’s a place where you cook, eat and socialise, so it must be a space you love. But it’s tough to love your kitchen if it’s a fixer-upper from decades ago or stuck in a style that’s dreary and dated.

The solution to your kitchen woes? Modernising it!

New design trends are all about making the most of space, using colour and modern appliances to create a functional, stylish kitchen. Even better, you don’t need a full kitchen renovation to make it more modern.

You can easily update your space with simple contemporary kitchen ideas without breaking the bank!

 

Tips and ideas for modernising old kitchens

 

If you’d like to modernise an old kitchen without spending a lot of money, you can do it in a wide variety of ways:

 

 

Give your walls a new paint colour

 

Start with the basics! A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for any room, and the kitchen is no exception.

Bright, cheerful colours can help to modernise an outdated kitchen and make it more inviting. Painting your kitchen walls is a quick and easy way to give the whole room a facelift.

And, with so many colours and shades to choose from, you can easily find a hue that complements your existing décor. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or a dramatic transformation, painting your kitchen walls is a great way to achieve the look you want.

 

 

Add decorative elements

 

When it comes to kitchen decor, the sky is the limit. Whether you’re looking to add a personal touch or want to give your kitchen a more modern look, there are endless possibilities. One great way to achieve this is by adding decorative elements such as shelves, cookbooks, china sets, flowers, and fruit.

These items add visual interest and tell a story about your lifestyle and personality. In addition, they can help to brighten up the space and make it feel more inviting.

 

 

Install new lighting options

 

One of the quickest and easiest ways to give your kitchen a fresh new look is to install new lighting fixtures. They will help to modernise the space and improve the functionality of your kitchen.

For example, installing under-cabinet lighting can help to illuminate countertops, making it easier to prepare food. Or, if you entertain often, consider installing a dimmer switch so you can adjust the ambience to suit your guests.

There are many different lighting options available, so you’re sure to find something that suits your style.

 

 

Paint your existing cabinetry

 

Are you tired of looking at your dated kitchen cabinets? If you’re not ready to replace them entirely, why not try painting them? This is a great way to modernise your kitchen without spending a lot of money.

You can choose from a variety of colours, including black, coral, cream, white, navy blue, and forest green.

 

Have more seating available

 

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, so why not make it a place where people can gather and enjoy each other’s company? Adding more seating to your kitchen is a great way to modernise the space and make it more inviting.

With countertop stools or seats at a breakfast bar, you can turn your kitchen into a gathering place for family and friends. Banquettes and benches also add a touch of sophistication and can be used as an intimate dining area or a place to relax with a cup of coffee.

 

Replace your kitchen appliances when modernising old kitchens

 

When it comes to modernising your kitchen, few things have as big an impact as new appliances. They give your kitchen a fresh look and improve its function.

If you have older appliances, you may find that they break down more often and require more repairs. By upgrading to newer, energy-efficient models, you can save yourself both money and headaches in the future. And, of course, new stainless steel appliances are always in style.

 

 

Swap out your flooring

 

Flooring is a big part of any kitchen and can help to tie the whole room together. If your current flooring is making your kitchen feel dated, try switching to something more resilient and timeless, like tile, wood, or stone. These materials will not only last longer, but they’ll also help increase your home’s value!

 

Upgrade your metals when modernising old kitchens

 

Outdated kitchens were often made with materials that are now out of style, such as brass hardware. By switching to more modern metals, you can give your kitchen a fresh new look.

Some great choices for modern metals include matte aluminium, stainless steel, brushed gold, and copper. These materials can be used for cabinet hardware, light fixtures, and range hoods.

 

 

Replace the mixer tap

 

While you can clean and polish an old mixer tap, it will never look as good as a new one. And if your old mixer tap is starting to show its age, then a new one will be a major improvement.

There are many different styles of mixer taps to choose from. Whether you want a traditional chrome tap or something more modern like gunmetal or brass, there is sure to be a style that suits your taste.

 

 

Find storage solutions for benchtop clutter

 

Sometimes, improving old kitchens simply comes down to finding creative ways to organise your space. Consider adding a magnetic strip to the side of your fridge, for example, or adding hooks under cabinets where you can hang your utensils and other essentials.

 

Replace the worktop entirely

 

Over time, kitchen worktops can become stained, scratched, and simply worn out. If your benchtop is starting to show its age, then it might be time to replace it instead of repainting or resurfacing it.

There are several different materials you can choose from, including granite, marble, quartz, wood and even concrete.

 

Mix and match when modernising old kitchens

 

One great way to modernise your kitchen is to mix and match different colours and shades of cabinets. This can add a unique look to your kitchen that will stand out.

For example, you could use one shade of cabinet doors on the top and another on the bottom. This can add a bold contrast to your kitchen, making it pop. Additionally, you can match your dining chairs to perfectly complement your new look.

 

 

Use open shelving

 

Rather than hiding away all of your beautiful plates and cups in stuffy cupboards, open shelving is a modern alternative that will make your kitchen stand out. It looks great and is practical too — perfect for busy cooks who want to be able to grab what they need quickly and easily.

 

Make your windows a focal point

 

Windows are often an overlooked feature in kitchens. If yours are small or lack style, consider finding ways to make them a focal point in the room.

Whether you add some bright curtains, frame the window with trim, or simply keep it bare for a minimalist look, your kitchen is sure to benefit from more natural light and a sophisticated feel.

 

Modernising old kitchens means playing with patterns

 

Who says that modern has to mean minimal? If you’re looking to add some visual interest and energy to your kitchen, consider incorporating patterns in a variety of ways.

From tiled backsplashes and floors to colourful chairs and art on the walls, experimenting with different textures and prints is a great way to create a unique space that stands out.

 

 

Update your kitchen countertops

 

Our final tip is one of the most effective in modernising an old kitchen. Kitchen countertops are where almost everything happens, from early morning weekday breakfast to hosting dinner parties at the weekend with friends. The choice you make with your countertops can have a significant impact on your kitchen in general.

Whether you opt for granite, marble, or another material entirely, updating your worktops is sure to make any kitchen more modern and beautiful. Stone kitchen countertops are particularly popular right now thanks to their distinctive look and unquestionable durability.

 

The Stone Gallery – your kitchen countertop experts

 

At The Stone Gallery, we have a wide range of unique, affordable, eco-friendly, and beautiful kitchen work products that are perfect for modernising old kitchens.

We have the most extensive indoor stone gallery in Ireland where we stock a wide range of unique and beautiful stone products.

Visit our showroom for stylish kitchen countertops and a range of unique stone products guaranteed to take your old kitchen to the next level. You can rely on our experience, knowledge and cutting-edge innovation and product range!

Our on-site experts are standing by to help turn your kitchen renovation dreams into a reality so get in touch today!