Dreaming of a home renovation? You’re not alone. A consumer specialist survey of more than 600 homeowners conducted in June revealed that 57 percent of homeowners did a home improvement project from March to May with 66.9% of those homeowners citing “have more time” as the reason why.
If you, too, have a little extra time on your hands, we recommend tackling the heart of the home first. In the kitchen, even small changes can pack a major punch.
Here, we share three easy updates that will go a long way toward the kitchen of your dreams.
1. Upgrade Your Countertops
You can enjoy a beautiful, functional new space at a fraction of the cost simply by updating your countertops to Cambria. You might even be surprised by how much a countertop update can change the look of your space and make it match your interior design style.
From traditional and modern to farmhouse and glamorous, Cambria offers the most expansive design palette in the world with 200+ designs in a wide variety of hues, depths, and movements, all of which can be easily mixed and matched together for a one-of-a-kind aesthetic.
AFTER: The addition of Cambria Delgatie™ countertops in this kitchen completely changed the aesthetic of the space.
BEFORE: Dated low-performance countertops.
That also means Cambria has a variety of high-performance alternatives for products like granite, marble, concrete, soapstone, and more.
Comparatively, Cambria surfaces are made of pure, natural quartz and feature unparalleled strength and durability. They’re nonporous, nonabsorbent, and NSF-51 certified, so they’re scratch and stain resistant against common household items like coffee and wine; and they’re maintenance free. You can wash them with just warm water and mild soap. Plus, Cambria backs everything with a transferable Full Lifetime Warranty to give you peace of mind with your countertop investment.
AFTER: With a simple countertop update of Pendel Hill™, this traditional lakefront kitchen feels fresh and bright.
BEFORE: Dated low-performance countertops.
And instead of spending those precious extra minutes in your day bogged down in a remodel, Cambria is professionally installed in three easy steps: a measurement appointment, countertop customization, and installation day. That’s it!
2. Play With Paint
Add style with a chic but simple modification through paint. The right hue can make a major, if understated, difference.
The right white, for instance, can take an interior from drab to sophisticated. The perfect pink, meanwhile, can turn a design from lackluster to feminine in an instant.
Think about paint in terms of your goals for the space: Do you want to lighten and brighten? Do you want to add contrast? How much natural light does the room get? Are you aiming for cohesion with an ancillary space? All of these questions will help determine the route you take.
The deep blue hue on these kitchen cabinets in the former home of Wit & Delight founder Kate Arends adds contrast to the design. Cambria featured design: Ella™ Paint color: Benjamin Moore Narragansett Green.
A fresh coat of paint on the cabinets, for example, is a relatively easy way to update cabinetry that is sound and functional but less than lovely looking. Popular right now is tuxedo cabinetry—or two-tone cabinets—that usually pairs a darker color on the bottom units with a lighter shade on top.
The obvious coupling is black and white—a minimalist black-and-white palette creates a clean backdrop—but we also love shades of navy and gray.
Or, of course, paint the walls. Contrast white marble-like countertops with a bold hue like mustard yellow or moss green. Use black chalkboard paint to create a space for an ongoing market list or for important reminders to family members. Here, Domino magazine shares its favorite kitchen paint colors.
A two-tone kitchen design that pairs black lower cabinetry with periwinkle perimeter cabinetry. Featured design: Annicca™ Space by Carmelin Design Build and Christ Cucullo Photo by Bird House Media.
This kitchen design was transformed by bold paint, Newport countertops, and black cabinet hardware. Space by Jaclyn Peters Design Photo by Arianna Tennyson.
Not sure about painting your cabinetry or walls? Add color through accents, like window treatments, appliances, furnishings, and accessories. It will accomplish a similar effect.
And remember to stick with colors you love to ensure the look is always timeless and never dated.
3. Handle Your Hardware
Simple hardware swaps can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen. The idea, however, is for people to notice that the kitchen design is beautiful without thinking too hard about why.
When thinking about a hardware swap, first consider the style of your cabinetry, the other metals in your kitchen (i.e., appliances, light fixtures, etc.), and how/where the hardware will hang.
Black Buster + Punch hardware against black cabinetry adds visual interest and dimension in the home of House of Hispters founder Kyla Herbes. Cambria featured design: Brittanicca Warm™.
According to Apartment Therapy, hardware styles tell visitors quite a bit about your space: Hexagon-shaped pulls complement mid-century modern design, while oversize and rustic-looking pulls are farmhouse chic. Gold bar pulls are simple but glam, and glass knobs look vintage.
Brass cabinet hardware from Buster + Punch elevates the look of this kitchen design. Cambria featured design: Ironsbridge™ Space by Kyla Herbes.
Mixed metals are “in” right now, so do not worry about replacing everything at once. Chrome, nickel, and stainless steel finishes will never go out of style, but warm metallics offer a fresh, modern look. For a quick update, consider replacing your hardware with products in gleaming brass or bronze that pair well with a variety of countertop styles and paint colors.
This do-in-one-day upgrade is easy to install and works wonders to cheer up a drab kitchen or connect the room with your design aesthetic. And best of all, you can always swap them again if your preferences change!
Visit here for more kitchen transformation inspiration.
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Ready to explore Cambria quartz designs in person? Contact a Cambria consultant or use our retail locator to find a professional in your area for project support and planning, material selection, or visualizing what’s possible.
Explore the #MyCambria Gallery to see how others transformed their spaces and follow us on social media.
