Hi! Brittany here again and I cannot wait to show you how we took our dated kitchen to the kitchen of our dreams with 5 easy steps that you can do in your own home!


TEAM GREIGE!
If you, like us, love the layout of your kitchen and your cabinets are still in great shape then painting is a great option for both your time and your wallet. Even in a large space, dark cabinets can make a room feel small. White is an easy go to for cabinetry but for us we wanted our cabinets to pop and have unique character. If you haven’t heard of greige before (like me) it’s a warm grey with a touch of beige undertones. You’ll see this trend in the homes of Monika Hibbs and even Studio McGee, so really where can you go wrong?
Tip: Hire a professional that has experience and reviews on cabinet painting. Looking in Wilden? Check out Archer Painting Professionals.
TEAM GREIGE!
If you, like us, love the layout of your kitchen and your cabinets are still in great shape then painting is a great option for both your time and your wallet. Even in a large space, dark cabinets can make a room feel small. White is an easy go to for cabinetry but for us we wanted our cabinets to pop and have unique character. If you haven’t heard of greige before (like me) it’s a warm grey with a touch of beige undertones. You’ll see this trend in the homes of Monika Hibbs and even Studio McGee, so really where can you go wrong?
Tip: Hire a professional that has experience and reviews on cabinet painting. Looking in Wilden? Check out Archer Painting Professionals.

Mix Your Metals
Do you, like almost everyone, have stainless steel appliances? Did you know, that doesn’t require you to stick to chrome hardware? Mixing metals can be daunting but is welcome in your kitchen. I don’t expect you to get a gold fridge just so you can have a gold cabinet pull or gold faucet. For us, we have touches of black throughout our home and wanted to incorporate this into our kitchen to keep a modern clean look. The simple rectangular cabinet handles were the perfect choice for us. To match, we switched our kitchen faucet and sink to black as well. These pop against our solid white counters and greige cabinets.
Tip: Do your research on hardware, size and placement. Studio McGee has some great resources on their blog for this! Also, not all hardware costs $12+ each, we found ours on Amazon for a lot less.

Update Your Countertop + Backsplash
More than likely, once you’ve painted your cabinets your counters and backsplash will no longer work. Removing your old laminate counters is super easy with a couple hands and a drill. Backsplash, a little more tricky but give it a shot if you’re handy or hire a professional – I won’t judge you!
Quartz is very popular in homes due to cost, durability and finish. This product doesn’t require sealing and because it isn’t a natural product you are guaranteed a specific design – no more looking through slabs of granite to find the “if you’re lucky close to perfect” piece. Check out Revitastone to speak to a team that knows their stuff!

Tip: do NOT put hot items on quartz. This is an opportunity to finally find a beautiful set of pot holders to match your decor or maybe a vintage set your grandmother passed down. Your choice!
Showcase your Personality
Don’t hide away your delicate dishes that are family heirlooms. Show them off along with your unique glassware and cookbooks these days are just as beautiful as they are useful. We want to see them – just not on the counters.
Open shelving and glass doors are a great way to keep your kitchen organized and tidy while still showing off your favourite pieces. These are also great ways to add texture to your space and open up the room as well. If you have the ability to switch up a cabinet or two, do it!
Tip: In the early 2000’s what did everyone have in their homes? A home phone. Do you know what we don’t have now? A home phone. The built in desk from this era of home is actually the perfect bar or coffee nook that you didn’t know you needed. Well, I knew I needed a wine fridge – anything else just wasn’t acceptable.

Declutter Your Counters And Then Declutter Again
The one thing that dates a kitchen more than brown laminate counters is the clutter on top of them. Sorry, but no one wants to look at your knife block, toaster, microwave or spice rack. Make room in your cupboards for your must have items and yes I’ll forgive you if your coffee maker sits on the counter – come on, i’m not that horrible.
This step costs nothing! And it may even show you the appliances you actually use and need in your home. Sell the rest at the Wilden Swap page and make some quick cash – you’re welcome!

Tip: Create vignettes on the counters with those pretty things that excite you in the kitchen! Wood cutting boards, plants or even a beautiful cook book you love. Think texture, colour and height. Search local thrift stores or my personal favourite, Home Sense, if you need an extra touch!
What do you think? Easy right? There are so many options for you to update the heart of your home and I hope this inspires you to make the change you’ve always thought you needed!
xx Simply Saari
Follow Simply Saari for more pictures and tips on Instagram HERE.