Our Houston Interior Designers Share Our Favorite Kitchen Refresh Ideas to Get Your Home Holiday Ready
We’re busy helping clients get their homes ready for the holidays here at our Houston interior design firm. One of the most important spaces of the season is the kitchen, which becomes a central hub for cooking, chatting, and making holiday memories. We’ve compiled 11 easy kitchen updates to help you get your space ready just in time.
Deck the Halls With These Easy Kitchen Updates
Remodeling a kitchen can be a big job, especially right before the bustle of the holiday season. However, you can bring a little holiday spirit to your space with these easy kitchen updates. Pick and choose the best kitchen refresh ideas that work with your timeline, budget, and space. Some of these can be completed while you check off your holiday shopping list, while others will require the help of a professional a few weeks before your company arrives.
1. Declutter and Clean the Countertops
It’s amazing just how fresh a clean and organized space feels. While we all know we’ll make a mess preparing a holiday feast, take the time to clean and declutter your countertops before guests walk through the door. Put away small appliances that aren’t in use, and make room for serving space and holiday decor accents.
2. Upgrade Your Kitchen Appliance Package
You can’t cook if you don’t have the right tools! Switching out your appliances is a fairly simple upgrade that can make a big impact on the look and function of your kitchen. Just make sure to carefully measure your space to prevent any unwanted surprises on installation day. Depending on your preferences in appliance manufacturers, new appliances can take anywhere from a few days to more than 14 months. You may need to plan ahead if you want a luxury appliance package. Lead times are good for many brands, though, so if you are out of an oven just days before the big event, you should be able to get an adequate replacement.
Pro Tip: The day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for plumbers. Don’t tempt fate by overloading your disposals or putting the wrong items down your drains!
If you don’t have the cabinet or pantry space to store countertop appliances like blenders and toasters, consider upgrading these gadgets to be uniform, stylish, and functional.
Pro Tip: If you lack counter space, consider appliances that serve multiple functions, such as a microwave/convection oven or a powerful blender that can chop nuts, stir batter, and make smoothies.
3. Install a New Kitchen Backsplash
Even more so than your countertops, your kitchen backsplash is the most prominent focal point of the room. Upgrading this feature can dramatically change your space and make the whole kitchen feel new. Some trending tiles to inspire you include handmade artisan tiles with vibrant designs and textural zellige tiles for a more subtle look.
4. Paint Your Cabinets a Fresh Color
A coat of paint is a great way to breathe new life into old cabinets, especially when the construction is high quality. However, we never advise our Houston interior design clients to attempt tackling this project themselves, no matter what the home design shows say. While it can be completed in a timely manner, painting your cabinets is a big job and should be handled by a professional for the best results. All white is a popular kitchen motif, but consider other neutrals like Dove Gray, Sage, and even two-tone combinations for a cozier look perfect for the holidays and year-round.
5. Accent With New Pulls and Knobs
Cabinet hardware is like jewelry for the kitchen. It’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your personal style and add glamor to the space. And when it comes to hardware, the options are truly limitless! Our Houston interior design team recently took a trip to our local Baths of America showroom and was delighted by all the options. When making your selections, ensure your hardware feels sizable but not too large and that your choice coordinates with other metallic finishes in your home.
6. Select New Plumbing Fixtures
Make doing the dishes after holiday dinner just a little easier with updated plumbing fixtures. Options for pull-down sprayers and touchless activation might seem small at first, but they can make a big difference in the moment. Again, select a finish that coordinates with your cabinet hardware and lighting for a cohesive and curated look.
7. Bring in a Kitchen Island
If you have the space, bring in a kitchen island. An island makes a wonderful spot for extra food prep, serving, and gathering with family and friends. This job doesn’t have to involve going to the cabinet store or setting aside time for installation. There are many island units available for purchase, or you could get creative with a repurposed piece of furniture — just make sure it’s the proper height between 34 and 36 inches.
8. Freshen Hand Towels & Oven Mitts
Now, this one can be completed during a holiday shopping trip. The little things really do make a difference and greatly impact the first impression of guests. Even with a gourmet kitchen, a dirty dish rag on the counter can completely throw off the mood. If you haven’t already, freshen your kitchen with new hand towels and oven mitts. You can’t go wrong with classic patterns like gingham that you can use well into the new year.
9. Add Open Shelving for Storage and Display
If you are short on cabinet space, look for opportunities to incorporate open shelving for extra storage and display. Open shelves are great for guests because your company can easily access mugs and glasses without shuffling through your cabinets.
10. Showcase the Holiday Dishware
The holidays are a special time, and many families commemorate the season with festive holiday dishware or good china. If you have these items, now is the time to showcase them. Display dishware in glass-front cabinets, on open shelves, or with a formal table setting.
11. Remember That a Little Decor Goes a Long Way!
If you want to save your kitchen remodel as a New Year’s resolution, you can still refresh your space with a bit of holiday decor. Welcoming accents like a lit candle, fresh linens, an elegant tablescape, and matching glasses for toasting go a long way in making your guests feel at home. Don’t overlook the details when entertaining this holiday season!
The Kitchen is the Heart of the Home and the Holidays
The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and that’s even more true during the holidays. We make more than meals in this space. We create memories that will last a lifetime. We hope these easy kitchen update ideas help you get your space ready for the season. If you need help, our Houston interior design team is just a call away.
