We come around to love some “outdated” elements, like cool patterned linoleum and dark cherry cabinets. But what happens when too many out-of-fashion features make the entire kitchen look like a victim of neglect? 

You don’t need to renovate. Keep what you love and breathe new life into a dated kitchen with a few of these ideas. 

Signs you need a kitchen remodel

There’s a difference between “dated” and “disaster.” Before we dive into avoiding a kitchen renovation, let’s mention those times when you can’t go without some more in-depth help. Spending any money or time attempting to update areas in severe disrepair just isn’t worth it. 

Do not attempt to make cosmetic fixes to:

  • Areas with any type of water damage

  • Appliances that do not operate as intended, especially temperature-wise

  • Warped or sagging cabinets

  • Peeling laminate countertops

And of course, substandard utilities. It’s best to address these areas one by one if you cannot swing a full renovation. Check out our recent post on modernizing old homes for more.

10 simple yet strategic ideas for updating a dated kitchen

Ready to buy a few buckets of white latex paint and go to town? Pause, and take a deep breath. Specific updates yield better results when we concentrate on one area or feature at a time.

Besides, none of today’s update ideas include a drop of paint. (But should you need help with that, here’s a guide to paint colors for each room.)

1. Appliances only

If you know a couple of strong people or spring for install-included, here’s the most effortless, zero-remodel way to drastically update a kitchen. Scope out appliances, wait for them to go on sale, and snatch them up to fast-forward your kitchen a few decades. 

And no, your appliances do not have to match. The fresh appearance, upgraded features, and energy efficiency are all that matter. 

 

2. Hang or display your best cookware

A function-forward kitchen never goes out of style. If you appreciate your cookware or have some chef-quality equipment, give it the spotlight.

Putting the focus on what you do in your kitchen versus what you spend on more aesthetically modern features can change anyone’s perception of the room. 

3. Style shelving

Hutches, built-ins, and open shelving. These are also great locations to prioritize your possessions over whatever old features you think are dragging your kitchen down. You can even double down and lean into the kitchen’s original era. 

Get some tips for styling open shelving in kitchens. 

4. Change the entire lighting scheme

Brightening up dark corners is an easy way to breathe new life into an old kitchen. Even if shadowy spaces aren’t an issue, reset the lighting. 

In addition to visible fixtures (statement lighting, perhaps?), utilize under-cabinet lighting. If your countertops are nothing to shout about, style them with 

5. Update cabinets (without painting them!)

There are plenty of ways to rehabilitate old cabinets without taking the risk of painting them. A lot of it will depend on what your existing cabinets are made of, but consider the following:

  • Cabinet refacing, where you replace the fronts and not the entire box. It’s cheaper, faster, and transformative.

  • Sanding and restaining. If you have real wood cabinets, especially lighter colored ones, you’re not necessarily stuck with the hue, tone, or depth of their color.

  • Replace the hardware in a style that more closely aligns with your desired design scheme. 

  • Too many cabinets? If you don’t need a solid wall of storage, strategically rip a few out and add that open shelving.

6. Replace or add an exhaust hood

Every kitchen needs proper ventilation. Exhaust hoods can be high-profile features with solid influence over how we perceive a kitchen’s age and style. And if you want to go all-out with this, great news–statement hoods are very much a thing now.

7. Make the faucet fit

Not all builder-grade is bad, but it’s astonishing how many builder-grade sinks and faucets survive changes in ownership. Whether or not you spring for a new apron or undermount sink, herald in a new age by updating the faucet. 

8. Design a new backsplash

Do your dated kitchen a favor by adding a virtually timeless tile backsplash. Unique ceramic pieces or porcelain subway tiles can de-age a kitchen in a day. 

9. A new island counter

A top-quality counter costs a pretty penny and is the centerpiece of many kitchen remodels. If this isn’t in the cards right now, update the kitchen island counter alone. Save more by choosing a butcher block surface–the perfect prep area–and ensuring it’s well cared for. 

10. Fresh flooring

Modern vinyl flooring is so durable, cost-effective, and efficiently installed that it’ll barely disrupt your week. Check out our LVP review as we debunk myths, share the benefits, and break down how it’s made and installed.

Top it off with a new runner rug and you’ll be stunned at the difference. 

You don’t need to be remodel-ready to speak to a professional designer

If you take remodeling your kitchen seriously, you won’t rush it. Rigorous planning and budgeting are, after all, two keys to major remodel success. 

But that doesn’t mean you can’t update particular features in the meantime. From a huge range of hardware to custom storage fixes, The Designery can help you make measured upgrades. We also specialize in quality tilework and flooring for all budgets. Kick off your small project by booking a free consultation.