Keep Your Kitchen Fresh With Four Affordable Ideas

Keep Your Kitchen Fresh With Four Affordable Ideas

Big, small, or in-between, the kitchen is the linchpin in our daily lives. Sure, it’s where we store our catch from the local grocery and whip up tasty meals, but for many households, it’s a place of congregation for friends or loved ones alike. Our days typically begin and end with a stop at the kitchen, and maybe even a midnight snack or two, should the mood strike. The kitchen has a well-earned nickname as the heart of any home for good reason, so naturally, we want to keep it looking its best and showing it the respect it deserves, right? Right!

For many of us, we spend a reasonable amount of time in our kitchens, and keeping your kitchen looking fresh is as important as making sure that you’re always prepared with fresh, nutritious food throughout the week. We’re going to go over four affordable tips to keeping one of the most cherished rooms in your home looking its best, whether you’re indulging in a meal for yourself or hosting the next big shindig.

Cut Out the Clutter:

Those that have taken to the wise ways of the author and decluttering queen, Marie Kondo, know that getting rid of stuff you don’t need can spark quite a bit of joy. So, start small and hit those easy spots. Let’s face it — the junk drawer can take on a life of its own, and what began as one is now two, or three, or … you get the idea. Do we need 47 hot sauce packets or that stack of coupons that expired last Fall? No, I don’t think we do.

Next on the list should be organizing all your countertop appliances, cook wear, utensils, and spices. We have a great list of kitchen storage solutions that are all under $50, making sure that all of your kitchen-related items are kept in check and ready on deck for whatever delicious meal you have planned. With handy-dandy holders for your utensils and charming spice racks within arm’s reach, you’ll be cooking with gas in no time.

Spice Up Your Color Palette:

There are plenty of ways to bring your kitchen back to life by simply adding a splash of color, and it doesn’t require hiring a professional painter to do it, either. If you aren’t afraid of a little bit of elbow grease, this can make for a fabulous weekend project with your significant other, family, or friends that are willing to pitch in.

A fresh coat of paint on those boring classic white cabinets can do wonders for a room. Don’t be afraid to throw in a little pastel to truly brighten up your kitchen.

Add a stick-on vinyl or glass backsplash if you have the DIY spirit, which can profoundly affect the look of our kitchen without the enormous cost or commitment of a professionally tiled backsplash.

Even easier is a colorful kitchen throw and mats that add a little personality with virtually no effort. Remember, it’s your choice, so have fun with it!

Plentiful Plants:

The plant craze is running full-steam ahead, and many of us are putting our green thumbs to the test. While many might be thinking about decoration, when it comes to the kitchen, I think we can pull a little double-duty and let those plants do a bit of sprucing up and potentially add some herbs to our dishes.

Potted plants such as English Ivy or Aloe Vera will add some color and life to the room, while herbs like Basil contribute a lovely smell and flavor to a wide variety of dishes. The best news yet is that all these plants can be picked up cheaply at the local nursery.

Dinner Is Served:

Once you’ve prepared that delicious meal for yourself, family, or friends, you’ll all want to take a load off and enjoy it together at the table. Well, picking up a new kitchen table can be pricey, but simply updating your dining chairs can change the whole atmosphere of the room.

The world is your oyster when it comes to chair choices, ranging from the classic wooden armchair to the ultra-modern aluminum frame chair. Perhaps you’re looking for a more bohemian vibe with a whicker element. The sky is the limit when it comes to chairs.

Now, you might think that updating your seating will break the bank and definitely can if you don’t keep looking for good deals. However, there are countless options available that will fundamentally change the look of your home without doing the same to your bank account. New York Magazine’s The Strategist has an impressive list of stylish dining chairs for under $200 that will undoubtedly inspire.