Practical ways to do a kitchen makeover

If you’re tired of looking at your outdated kitchen, but feel replacement would be impractical, you’re not alone. Check out these DIY remodeling trends for simple and unique ways to refresh the most used rooms in the home.

Mini-makeover kits

Many larger retailers have caught on to this home DIY trend and have begun stocking mini-makeover kits. Each kit is designed for a specific project with simple application tools.

Among the hottest right now: kits that include everything you need for counter-top, cabinet or appliance refinishing. The new Giani Granite countertop kit covers all typical existing counter surfaces and transforms your laminate or composite material into the look of natural granite. These kits stress the ease of application as “being easy enough for anyone.”

Nuvo Cabinet refinishing kits are designed for the DIYer who is looking for an easy makeover project. They do not require pre-priming, sanding or even removing the cabinet doors. So before you hire a contractor, check out the mini-makeover movement.

Upcycling

Upcycling is the process of converting old or discarded materials into something useful and beautiful. For example: using slices of used corks to create a cork mosaic backsplash. Home decor artist Nicole Fleming agreed. “There seems to be something more genuine about the story and pride each repurposing project provides compared to owning something that has been mass manufactured,” she said.

Upcycling also makes a positive impact on the environment. When you upcycle, you remove items from the global garbage print. Some avid upcyclers even argue that repur-posing instead of recycling can actually be more beneficial because recycling requires energy or water to break down materials, while upcycling only requires your own resourceful creativity. So instead of throwing out your junk, try the smart alternative.

Pin-spiration

Many homeowners who want to spruce up their kitchen struggle with knowing where to begin. When looking for kitchen design inspiration, start your project online. Turn to popular social networking sites that focus on sharing innovative ideas. Among the hottest onlilne tools right now is Pinterest, whose focus provides tips on everything from small decor crafts to full room renovations. Pinterest also allows you to engage with other users and discuss projects, helping to work out any remodeling hurdles.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.