We’ve all been there.
You’re minding your business, scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest, and then you see it. Clearly, it’s the house of your dreams.
Everything is immaculately styled, clean and better yet: labeled. Each piece of furniture is aesthetically pleasing. The whole space matches your vibe perfectly.
While daydreaming on social media can be a good time, we’re here to make it more of a reality.
Upgrading your space doesn’t require a million-dollar budget or a total renovation. With just a few simple touches you can have your home feeling brand new to you (or should we say, social media worthy).
Our new “Minimal Ways to Upgrade Your Home” series shares our favorite tips and tricks to upgrade your home without breaking the bank. And today, we’re starting with the heart of the home.
The kitchen.
With all of us eating three meals daily, the kitchen can take a lot of wear and tear. It can be easy for it to feel like a space dedicated to work rather than a place for people to gather and enjoy. If it’s time to switch up the vibes of your kitchen, look no further!
Switch Up Your Cabinets
Every celeb from Dakota Johnson to Kendall Jenner seems to be jumping on the green cabinetry trend. Or, maybe you’re more drawn to the vintage vibes of a pastel-colored kitchen.
No matter what inspo you are finding online, take a second before you reach for that sledgehammer. You don’t need to buy a new set of cabinets to give your kitchen a facelift. A simple coat of paint will do!
Cabinets take up the bulk of kitchen square footage, so making them a bold statement piece can be fun. Before you start, though, be sure to take note of whether your cabinets are made of laminate, wood, or metal, as different materials require different types of paint. We also recommend investing in a good primer to make your paint job look as smooth and flawless as possible.
Display Your Cookware
Quality cookware is an investment. So, why should we tuck our collection of stainless steel pans and perfectly seasoned cast iron into the back of a cabinet?
Instead, we love the look of a wall-mounted pot rack. Not only is this a great, homey way to utilize blank wall space, but it is also hugely functional. No one likes digging through a stack of pots and pans to find the one you want. Hanging them on the wall makes grabbing the piece you need easier than ever.
You can find pot racks in a variety of styles at all price points. We love the clean look of this metal and maple one from Crate and Barrel.
Switch Up Your Storage
We’ve all made the mistake of adding something to our grocery list, only to come home and find we actually already had some hiding in the back of our pantry. One of the big challenges of stocking a pantry with cooking staples is that it can be easy to lose track of what you have and don’t have when it is not all visible.
Consider taking a different approach to pantry storage by purchasing clear containers to display your pantry staples in. Not only does this allow you to see exactly what you have on hand, but it can also make your pantry more visually pleasing.
There are numerous types of clear storage containers on the market, but we are big fans of these ones, which come with an eco-friendly bamboo lid.
Change Up Your Backsplash
If you are looking for a way to create a new aesthetic in your kitchen, a new backsplash can be the perfect way to do it. Backsplashes are one of the more fun design elements in a kitchen, as they can add tons of style in very little space. Love a clean, all-white look, but need a little texture? A classic subway tile might be just right for you. Need a pop of color? Check out these gorgeous tiles available in a variety of Pantone-inspired colors. Quirky patterns more your thing? You can get tiles in almost any shape under the sun.
With truly something for everyone, you can easily add personality to your kitchen, no demolition or new appliances needed.
Decorate Your Table
Many of us take the time to curate a gorgeous dining room table setting. When it comes to the everyday kitchen table, though? Well, we don’t always take the time.
A few simple decor additions to your kitchen table can help brighten the whole room. Try adding a table runner or throw for texture and interest, like this linen one from Pottery Barn. Placemats and chargers are another great way to add an unexpected bit of color. We love the feminine details and vintage vibes of these glass chargers from Williams Sonoma.
Feature Your Produce
We know all our fellow Cool Moms care about healthy eating and are always striving to incorporate a variety of colorful plant foods. Why not use that food to beautify your space?
You can display your produce in a variety of ways that will help your kitchen look good while also inspiring you to eat it. Food like apples, citrus, bananas, potatoes, and onions can all be kept out of the fridge. Try arranging them in bowls on a bar cart or purchasing a hanging produce stand.
Add A New Light Fixture
When it comes to overhead lighting, you might not have thought much about it beyond “Do I need to put in a new lightbulb?” Light fixtures can drastically change the feel of your space. Many homes come equipped with the dreaded “boob light” (not sure what we mean? Google it. You’ll never see your light fixtures the same again). While these are cheap, they do very little to create ambiance. Whether your style is farmhouse, boho chic, or ultra-modern, consider replacing your standard light fixtures with more of a statement piece.
Here at The Cool Mom Co., we are all about the earthy, effortlessly cool vibes, so we love statement pieces like this bamboo basketweave pendant shadelight from World Market.
Have you tried any of these simple kitchen upgrades? Tag @thecoolmomco on Instagram, so we can see your unique style!