Renovating an Outdated Kitchen

 10 DIY Projects to Flip an Outdated Kitchen

When flipping a house, it's important to focus on the details that matter most. Kitchen updates are among the most common and vital elements of a successful flip. A shabby or garishly outdated kitchen won't fly, but a modernized kitchen design can significantly boost the value of your house flip. Fortunately, you don't always have to go all-out on the kitchen remodel to get the best results.

There are tons of DIY-friendly projects you can use to flip an outdated kitchen into a cozy masterpiece while sticking to your flip renovation budget. Here are ten of the most effective DIY projects to improve the kitchen of any house you flip.

 

1) Replace Small Kitchen Hardware

You don't have to rebuild a kitchen to modernize the hardware. In fact, kitchen hardware is one of the smallest yet most impactful ways to update your flip's kitchen. Choose a new kitchen faucet such as a swan-necked pot filler with an extending hose for washing. Choose a modern style for your faucet and handles. Then update the cabinets with a pack of new drawer-pulls and cabinet handles.   

 

2) Repaint Cabinets and Trim

Paint is one of the most affordable ways to completely transform the kitchen. You can also invest in vibrant (and washable) wallpaper for the parts of the kitchen with exposed drywall. A fresh coat of paint can give the cabinets and trim an entirely new color scheme. You can choose a new primary theme, accent colors, and contrasting colors. 

 

3) Strip and Stain Cabinets Instead

If you have painted cabinets, you can strip the paint and then restore the natural wood hues of the cabinetry. You can oil-polish the wood, or you can stain wood cabinets to any natural shade you desire. Reseal the stained cabinets for a warm, welcoming look. If the cabinets are currently wood, you can stain them a new shade or paint them instead.

 

4) Re-Tile the Backsplash

The backsplash makes a big impact on the appearance of the kitchen. Many types of tile are quite affordable, making a new backsplash a great addition to any budget kitchen renovation.

 

5) Install New Decorative Molding and Cabinet Trim

You can even change the shape and style of the cabinets and kitchen design with the strategic use of molding and trim pieces. Trim pieces can add detail to the cabinets and subtly change their design style. Molding adds subtle elegance to the kitchen near the baseboards and ceiling. Explore shapes and style differences that you might prefer.

 

6) Add LED Strip Lights

Add more light to the kitchen without behind-the-wall installations using LED light strips. Light strips make it possible to light up the counter prep space, and the shelves in the cabinets and pantries by lining shelf edges with stick-on LED lights. Many of these are also smart lights with voice control and multiple color-changing options.

 

7) Place New Shades On Light Fixtures

You can also reinvent the existing light fixtures. Most kitchen lighting can be completely transformed just by changing out which light shade you use. If the fixture is of standard sizes, you can swap out light covers for a completely different style. You can restyle flush lights, pendant lights, and even some chandelier styles.

 

8) Color Stain and Reseal Stone Countertops

Did you know that you can change the color of the countertops? While we don't recommend painting beautiful natural stone, you can color stain granite and other natural stone to give the countertop a whole new look without investing in new stone. Strip the current countertop seal, apply the stain, and then reseal the stone to protect it from moisture and unwanted staining.

 

9) Add Rugs and Placemats

You might be surprised how much the surface-level decor can change the look of the kitchen. For example, a few throw rugs and fatigue mats can make the kitchen more welcoming. The same is true of placing decorative & functional placemats along the breakfast-bar which can make family and guests feel more comfortable hanging out in the kitchen.

 

10) Update the Pantry Organization

Pantry renovations are very popular, but don't have to break the bank. Consider ways you can update the pantry organization without a costly new pantry system. You can install sliding wire drawers, new hanging shelves, and sectional spaces on the own. You can also update the pantry simply by organizing everything into baskets, trays, and matching dry storage canisters.

 

From Flip to Rental with Leaf Management

After all your hard work, you could sell your flipped house quickly on the market. But as the owner,  you could also turn it into a long-term investment as a rental home. If you are eager to jump into your next restoration and renovation project, entrust your finished properties and tenants to experienced property managers as a way to secure onging income from each flip. Leaf Management can help you transform every flip into a profitable rental home. Contact us today ot learn more.