It’s a warm autumn day. The busy days of summer are over, the kids are back in school and a new routine is in place. You are happily adjusting back into the swing of things and then suddenly it happens. You peer over your coffee mug and take a long look around the kitchen. You find yourself daydreaming of what it would be like to change out that older faucet … and how easy would a large farmhouse style sink be when cleaning big pots and pans? What about that new shade of grey for the walls and a sprinkle of color on a new backsplash? It finally hits you – a case of fall fever. Much like when spring hits and we have the urge to purge, clean closets and plant flowers – this is the time of year visions of the nesting period that looms ahead can be all consuming. So how do you accomplish a little refresh instead of an entire “re-do” when it comes to the kitchen or bath?

Sink or Swim

• Replacing the existing kitchen sink is a fairly simple undertaking and with some of the newer models on the market it does not require much extra time or effort.
• Switching from a self-rimming or under counter model to an apron front or farmhouse style will give the space a new look and demand attention. Many top selling lines allow for the apron sink to fit directly on top of the existing cabinetry (while taking into account the removal of the false drawer if you have one). The result is a spacious basin that serves both function and fashion.

Staying a ‘door’ able

• If keeping a lid on the budget is of utmost importance but the itch for new cabinetry is one you cannot shake then perhaps refreshing the doors and drawers with a fresh coat of paint or finish might do the trick. Swapping out dated hardware for more modern pulls and knobs adds to the “quick fix” appeal. The end result is rewarding not only because it is cost effective but it also achieves the new-look goal with minimal effort.
• A new trend that is also gaining popularity is that of re-facing the actual cabinets themselves through a professional kitchen and bath remodeling specialist. This is appealing to those homeowners who are in the process of exploring an upcoming remodel project anyway but who may be faced with escalating costs and hopes of saving the existing materials.

Make a splash

• While the paint is drying on the cabinets, head out and grab some paint chips to choose a complimentary wall color to perhaps brighten up the space.
• Lastly, changing up or adding a backsplash is a great way to add visual appeal. Introduce a few bright mosaics or stick with a classic, clean subway tile and a whole new look is born. Given the space above a countertop and below the cabinets usually is not that large, this addition lends itself to being a cost effective and an easy way to pull it all together.

David Decker is president of The Affordable Companies which provide affordable luxury in kitchens, bathrooms and flooring. They are based in Carmel (317-575-9540, www.the-affordablecompanies.com). Email home improvement questions to [email protected].