Whether you’re planning to sell your home or just looking to spice up your surroundings, a kitchen makeover can provide a refreshing lift without the need for all the complications that can accompany a full renovation job. By definition a makeover is far less intrusive than it’s just mentioned cousin, but simply because the work is more cosmetic than structural doesn’t mean that the results can’t be stunning.

When planning a makeover we can set aside any worries about kitchen cabinet removal and replacement or dramatic floor-plan changes, instead we direct our focus to the visual elements that makeup the look of the kitchen. We can consider color, cabinet style and condition, cabinet hardware, appliances, lighting fixtures and of course floor and counter-top finishes. Finally the walls can be looked at regarding texture, color and finish.

Kitchen Cabinet Renovation
Some of the most dramatic effect that you can accomplish in a kitchen makeover is accomplished with cabinet refacing. It’s also one of the most involved processes (read: messy!), but the results can be as visually impressive as putting in a full new kitchen. Refacing is the removal of the doors and sometimes front framing of the existing cabinetry and replacing it all with new custom built parts. You can go from a shaker country kitchen into a modern flat-panel bamboo look in just a matter of days, or vice versa, most of the work is done at the cabinet shop so the installation process is usually quiet painless.

A second option for the kitchen cabinets, and one that is simpler to implement is to apply a fresh coat of paint to the existing cabinetry. Believe it or not a professional grade paint job can leave even the most mundane kitchen looking lively and ready to serve. Bare in mind that you can also refresh the hardware too. A great way to fill the holes left when you remove the old knobs, handles or hinges is to mix up and apply some car body filler. It hardens nicely and can be sanded flush with the surface only to completely disappear under paint. Your new hinges and pulls can bare no resemblance to the previous style if you like.

What about the Appliances?
It can be very expensive to replace the major appliances and usually in the case of a simple makeover it isn’t necessary to do unless the appliance has stopped working properly and is beyond repair. Some simple advice to make your existing appliances integrate well is to ensure they are seated correctly into the cabinetry. If the refrigerator is free standing, check the adjustment screws and ensure that the unit is siting perfectly level. A badly seated fridge can really distract your eye and make any kitchen look off balance. It’s always a good idea to wash your appliances thoroughly so they blend easily into the newly painted kitchen.

And speaking of paint, remember to use good judgement with this vital stage in the renovation process. The color’s designated for the walls will have a significant baring on the overall job because the color is such a vital element in setting the tone in a room.

Kitchen makeover ideas come easily when you’re actually working in the kitchen. Keep a note pad handy while you cook and work, you can immediately jot down ideas as they occur, whether it’s a complaint about something or and idea to add something new you can refer back to the notepad in the final planning stages.