3 Simple and Refreshing Kitchen Renovations | New York City

Is your kitchen outdated? Kitchen renovations can be pricey and time consuming, especially in a New York apartment. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Here are three ideas that will have a big impact but won’t break the bank.

1. Invest in Appliances and Fixtures

Outdated appliances and fixtures can quickly date a kitchen. Thankfully, it’s easy to replace them!

Investing in new appliances is a simple way to create a cohesive look in a small New York kitchen. First, decide what finish you prefer. White appliances are making a comeback, but stainless is still going strong, too. Then, do some research and see what your options are. Energy efficient appliances are a great investment, and will cut energy costs, leaving you extra cash to save up for more extensive kitchen renovations.

Updating fixtures will also have a big impact on your kitchen. Choose pieces that work with, yet modernize your kitchen’s current style. A large pendant over an island or new faucet are both great choices.

Image Source: Flickr/Jason Toff

2. Update Your Cabinets

Outdated cabinets can be an eyesore. Luckily, it’s possible to revamp them without spending a lot of money.

Are your existing cabinets in good shape? Consider painting them. White kitchens are very popular right now. If an all white kitchen isn’t your thing, consider two-tone cabinetry; lighter cabinets on top and darker on bottom looks very modern. You can also replace outdated cabinet fronts or add moulding to boring cabinets for a more custom look.

If your cabinets are in poor condition, consider replacing them with stylish, yet affordable IKEA cabinets.

Would new cabinets break your budget? Simply replacing knobs, hinges, and pulls will have a dramatic effect while not costing a lot of money.

3. Replace Your Counters

Updating old or damaged counters is another kitchen renovation idea that won’t cost a ton of money.

Replacing counters is a quick way to modernize a tiny NYC kitchen, and you may even be able to find a slab remnant and save lots of money. Swap boring, ubiquitous brown granite for stunning marble, durable quartz, dramatic slate, warm wood, or modern concrete. Even laminate comes in modern and attractive options these days.

When choosing counters, consider how long you’ll keep them. If this is a short-term fix before a big renovation, marble probably isn’t a good choice. However, if you’re planning to keep the counters for a while, you may want to spend more.