Top 3 Ways To Make A Traditional Kitchen Feel More Modern

A lot of older homes still have traditional kitchens, but we all know a complete renovation of this area isn't always the most affordable option. According to Inspirations & Celebrations, although a traditional kitchen is cozy and comforting, a more modern one is much trendier and more efficient. They also note that modern kitchens usually come with smart gadgets and handle-less equipment, adding to their clean and streamlined aesthetic. They also incorporate less wood than traditional kitchens do, while everything in it has a home in the storage cabinets.

So what can you do to achieve a revamped kitchen without having to do a complete overhaul? While the options are endless, we've put together a list of three of the best and most effective ways you can make a traditional space in your house feel more contemporary. After all, a kitchen is often described as the heart of a home because it's where the family often comes together, so it's important that you spend time making it the best it can be.

Updating your cabinets is one of the simplest changes you can make for an instant lift in ambiance and aesthetics. Now, this doesn't mean you have to re-do them completely; small changes can have a big impact. As Capitol Design Build suggests, updating the hardware on your cabinetry is a great place to start. They recommend gear in a modern metal finish, such as satin nickel or matte black. You could also paint your existing cabinets a solid color, such as white, black, or gray. If you want to be more adventurous, you could opt for two-toned cabinets by painting your bottom cabinets a dark shade and your upper cabinets a lighter hue.

Another brilliant idea is to lengthen your cabinets vertically up to ceiling height, as An Inspiring Home suggests. This will not only give your kitchen a fresh look but will also make it appear taller and more spacious while taking care of the issue of dust accumulating on the top of your cabinets.

The lighting in a space is often overlooked, but the right one has the potential to make your space feel brand new. According to Interiors Place, low-hanging lighting and lighting in alignment with your kitchen island or dining space is ideal for a modern aesthetic. Low-hanging pendants are also great for making your space feel taller than it is. They also suggest installing a dimmer switch as an added touch, so you can dim the lights during appropriate times of the day to achieve a chic ambiance.

GE Lighting recommends flushed ceiling lights or even colored LED strips for areas with open shelving or a bar counter. Lighting to match your hardware, such as surface mount fixtures, is another option for a clean and cohesive look. Whichever option you choose to go with, we can guarantee that changing old lighting systems to newer, sleeker ones will have your kitchen looking trendy and polished.

Part of what makes a kitchen modern is how you can use it. Investing in some newer, more energy-efficient appliances is a smart choice. According to SheKnows, not only will this upgrade your space and make it more convenient to use, but it'll also add value to your home, which is always a plus. For example, SheKnows recommends splurging on luxury stainless steel appliances such as an industrial stove. This will revamp your kitchen while turning it a lot more efficient, which is largely what makes a modern kitchen desirable.

It's also worth noting that, simply put, a newer appliance will be better at its job. As Energy.gov says, energy-efficient appliances can save you a ton on your energy bill while also allowing you to cook with a variety of features you wouldn't have access to with older models. Incorporating all or at least one of these tips will have your kitchen going from drab to fab in no time.