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How to Make an Old Kitchen Look New: 7 Ideas

If it’s been a long while since your kitchen was in-style, don’t worry – you have great options for an upgrade! Although an outdated kitchen may stick out like a sore thumb, there are tons of different updates to bring it beautifully into the modern era. We’re profiling how to make an old kitchen look new – and sharing the 7 places to get started!

At Choice Remodeling, we’re a home remodeling company that performs interior renovations like kitchen remodeling – as well as outdoor upgrades like windows and doors. We specialize in working hand-in-hand with homeowners to transform outdated designs into truly timeless spaces. Keep reading to see how to make an old kitchen look new – or reach out to schedule a design consultation today!

Big & Small Kitchen Updates 

Sometimes planning your new kitchen can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like everything needs to go! One of the best ways to take your kitchen from out-of-date to headline-making is to upgrade it one piece at a time. We’re breaking down the big and small kitchen updates that make an impact, highlighting what’s in and what’s not:

Lighting – Lighting in a kitchen needs to be both comfortable, to make the space welcoming, and functional, to make sure you can see what you’re doing when you’re cooking. However, currently in-style lighting schemes also make the lighting more ornamental with pendant lighting fixtures becoming the first choice. It doesn’t matter if your aesthetic is farmhouse or modern, we can find a pendant to match it.

• What’s In: Pendant lighting
• What’s Out: Track lighting and recessed lighting

Backsplashes – While this is something of a small kitchen update, the impact is massive. Not having some sort of tile backsplash can certainly date your kitchen. When it comes to the backsplash itself, you can choose from a wide range of color and pattern choices. While some homeowners feel comfortable to tackle this project on their own, if you’re planning a full kitchen remodel, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

• What’s In: Subway tiles
• What’s Out: Not having a backsplash at all, or metal backsplashes

Countertops – When it comes to how to make an old kitchen look new, the countertops are a key factor. There is such a huge difference in both the look and feel of cheaper countertops compared to luxury ones. Both quartz and granite are in-demand materials as they provide a truly unparalleled upscale look – as well as a handful of practical advantages.

• What’s In: Granite and quartz countertops
• What’s Out: Laminate countertops

Flooring – An underrated kitchen update, flooring can have a significant effect on the overall feel of the space. Like with an outdated countertop, old flooring sticks out as an eyesore in the worst way. Not only will the quality of the material degrade, but the prevailing styles have changed so drastically over recent years. While once large, wavy linoleum patterns were seen as chic, homeowners today prefer lighter colors, particularly in a wooden style.

• What’s In: Lighter colors and wood tones
• What’s Out: Linoleum and overly complicated patterns

Appliances – Even amateur chefs revel in the feeling of cooking with a commercial-feeling range. The most common kitchen update we see for appliances involves swapping out older, plastic-looking appliances for robust, stainless steel options. For extra style points, consider adding a working fume hood above the range.

• What’s In: Stainless steel with a commercial Look
• What’s Out: Basic, plastic-looking appliances

Sinks – The modern choices for sinks provide added functionality and a more distinct sense of style. Single sinks are almost entirely out of style, since almost everyone agrees that more space is a must. While a sink in itself won’t be a showstopper, it can be a great addition to a luxury countertop.

• What’s In: Large, undermount sinks
• What’s Out: Single sinks and molded sinks

Cabinets – New cabinetry is one of the biggest monetary investments in a full kitchen remodel. Of course, new cabinets also do more to transform a kitchen than almost anything else! Right now, a wide range of kitchen cabinet colors are in – everything from white paint, to lightly stained wood, and even bright colors are in. The only style we don’t see nearly as much is darker paints and stains, as these colors cause the kitchen to feel more compact and less inviting.

• What’s In: Lighter shades (including wood) and bright colors
• What’s Out: Dark colors

Request Your Design Consultation

All of our new kitchen remodels start the same way: a conversation between our designer and the homeowners. During that consultation, we’ll discuss your dream kitchen, your wish list, and how to make it all a reality. We’re excited to meet with you, whether you want to visit our New Holland, PA showroom or you’d like to invite us into your home.

Contact us right now to schedule your consultation!