It’s no secret that the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in anyone’s home. It’s the room we cook and eat in, but it’s also the main gathering place for our friends and family.
It’s only natural that a kitchen efficiency is at 100% at all times. But besides being functional, we also want it to look great and leave our guests speechless.
So, kitchen efficiency works hand in hand with its looks. Luckily, there are plenty of quick ways to make improvements without undertaking a full-scale renovation.
In this blog, you’ll discover how to boost the efficiency of your kitchen like professionals do.
1. Refinish Kitchen Cabinets
Updating your kitchen cabinets is one of the most impactful ways to improve the kitchen efficiency.
And the best way to do it is by refinishing your kitchen cabinets.
Refinishing cabinets is more affordable than replacement and makes a huge difference in the look and feel of your kitchen design. And while you’re at it, new drawer pulls or knobs for your cabinets’ hardware will also contribute to improving your kitchen.
Here at Mortise & Miter, we have an effortless process of refinishing both upper cabinets and base cabinets as well. Our experts not only make your cabinets look better, but they also provide a unique experience.
Refinishing vs. Replacing Cabinets
Refinishing your cabinet doors costs less than getting new cabinets because you’re just applying a new coat of stain or paint.
Although a simple process, refinishing is time-consuming and requires several tools and skills to turn out great. Besides, it can get really messy.
Here are several benefits of refinishing kitchen cabinets:
- Improved look and increased kitchen efficiency
- It's more affordable than getting new cabinets
- It brings the same value as refacing or replacing kitchen cabinets
- Your kitchen hardware will look even better on refinished cabinet doors.
2. Update Your Kitchen Efficiency With New Countertops
If you’re looking for a way to impact your kitchen without signing up for a kitchen remodel, changing your countertops is a great option.
New countertops are the focal point of a kitchen and will transform the look and feel of this room. Besides, they are not necessarily expensive or difficult to install.
There are a variety of materials and finishes to choose from, so you’re sure to find the counter that increases the kitchen efficiency, but also fits your needs.
Countertops Materials
Wood, laminate, granite, marble, and quartz are the most common countertop materials. Each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that fits your needs and lifestyle.
- Wood countertops are a great choice if you're looking for a natural look and cozy atmosphere. They're durable but require constant maintenance, like sealing, waterproofing, and staining. They are the traditional option for counters among homeowners, but they're slowly losing ground.
- Laminate countertops are affordable and easy to install, but they aren't as durable as other materials. They're a good choice if you're on a tight budget, but we don't recommend using them in your main kitchen.
- Granite countertops are durable and heat-resistant, making them a good option for busy kitchens. With a proper finish, granite counters become super easy to clean, making them popular among homeowners. However, granite is a natural stone, so it's a bit more expensive.
- Marble countertops look beautiful and can give your kitchen an upscale feel, but they're far from the best choice when it comes to functionality. Marble is porous, so it isn't resistant to water damage or stains. It also cracks and chips easily, and on top of these, it's also the most expensive counter option.
- Quartz is a man-made stone designed to face the most challenging kitchen environments. It has a uniform pattern, requires less maintenance, is more durable, and has a longer warranty because it's an artificial material. Quartz is nearly indestructible, and it's priced similarly to granite.
Pro Tip: Quartz counters are the best investment you can make for your countertops. Granite is also a decent option, and concrete is also starting to gain ground.
3. Add New Flooring To Improve The Kitchen efficiency
Flooring is one of the most important elements of a kitchen – it’s what provides a foundation for everything else in the room. If your kitchen flooring is old and worn out, it might be time to replace it.
New flooring can make your kitchen look and feel brand new.
Installing new flooring is not a DYI task, and hiring a contractor will ensure proper installation and warranty.
To find exactly the material that fits your needs, our experts at Mortise & Miter will go through every flooring option with you, so we can find the most cost-effective solution for your home.
There are a variety of materials to choose from when it comes to kitchen flooring. Here are four of the most popular options that will improve your kitchen efficiency.
Tile Flooring
Wood Flooring
LVT Flooring
Luxury Vinyl Tiles flooring is growing in popularity for many reasons. LVT flooring can look like any other flooring type because of its design flexibility. It comes in shapes of both tiles and planks, yet it’s still a relatively new flooring product.
LVT flooring is durable, warmer and softer than tiles and laminate, has many color options, and has a relatively easy installation compared to other materials.
4. Update The Backsplash
The backsplash protects the walls from water and food splatters. It’s one of the first things people see when they walk into the kitchen, so it can quickly become a focal point in some spaces.
If you’re looking for a way to improve your kitchen without spending a lot of money, updating your backsplash brings significant value and functionality to your home.
There are a variety of materials and styles to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs and tastes.
Backsplash Material
Tile backsplashes are the most popular choice because they’re durable and easy to install.
A new backsplash might not make or break the aesthetics of your kitchen, but it’ll sure keep the walls behind your counters safe from food debris, water, or stains.
5. Upgrade Your Appliances
Replacing old appliances with new ones increases the functionality of your kitchen dramatically.
New appliances are more energy-efficient, which means you’ll save money on your energy bills. They’re also more reliable than older appliances, so you’ll spend less time repairing them.
When it comes to kitchen appliances, the oven is one of the most used features of a kitchen. It must function properly and safely. If your oven is old and outdated, replacing it is a great way to upgrade your kitchen’s efficiency.
6. Install Overhead Lighting For A Better Configuration
Good lighting is essential in any room, but it’s especially important in the kitchen.
A good overhead lighting configuration will make your kitchen feel brighter and more open. It’s what makes those family gatherings more relaxing and bonding.
Not only that, but with great lighting, your kitchen efficiency will skyrocket, and you’ll be able to take full advantage of your space.
There are various lighting options to choose from, so you’re guaranteed to find something that fits your needs.
Lighting Options
When it comes to kitchen lighting, there are various options to choose from. Some of the most popular options include:
- Recessed lights: Recessed lighting is a popular choice because there’s nothing for dust to collect upon overhead.
- Pendant lights: Pendant lights are great for areas away from food preparation where more style and less function are desired.
- Track lights: Track lights are the least popular choice because they're outdated, difficult to clean, and collect a lot of dust.
7. Add A Kitchen Island To Increase The Kitchen Efficiency
A kitchen island increases the functionality of your kitchen by providing extra cooking space and a more accessible extra counter.
Although they provide extra storage space, which can be helpful, a kitchen island will take a good amount of space. It’s a great upgrade if you have an open-concept kitchen or a lot of free space.
Kitchen islands can also serve as a dining table, which is great for people that eat breakfast or dinner in the kitchen.
When it comes to kitchen islands, there are a variety of options to choose from. Some of the most popular options include:
- A kitchen island with seating is perfect for people who like to eat breakfast or dinner in the kitchen. It provides extra counter space and a perfect dining area, making it convenient and functional.
- A kitchen island with a built-in cook top is perfect for people who like to entertain guests while they cook. It provides extra accessibility and cooking space, making it convenient and functional.
8. Replace Your Outdated Faucets
Outdated faucets look depressing and old. They also have limited functionality, often requiring a separate spray wand.
Newer faucets are taller, allowing for convenient hand washing of larger pots and trays, and commonly have an integrated spray head.
Other convenient features include a color-changing temperature ring (red to blue for hot and cold) and touch-to-activate (allowing you to use any part of your arm to contact the faucet when you have especially dirty hands!)
Other Extra Features To Update A Kitchen Efficiency
Extra features like cabinet hardware significantly increase the look and functionality of your kitchen, and they’re also more affordable.
We’ll discuss some of them below.
Under Cabinet Lights
Under-cabinet lights are a popular choice because they’re affordable, easy to install and bring great functionality to your space.
Under-cabinet lights are perfect for people who like to cook. They provide comfort and create mood lighting, making your kitchen welcoming and cozy.
Corner Solutions Like A Lazy Susan
A corner solution for your kitchen is a great way to save space and improve access to areas more difficult to reach.
Lazy Susans, for example, allow you to make use of the corners of your kitchen, free space which is often wasted. A corner solution also provides extra storage space, which is helpful for most homeowners who value cooking at home.
More storage solutions like open shelving or new upper cabinetry are some other extra ways to update a kitchen.
Magnetic Sheets For Easy Access
One of the benefits of using a magnetic sheet to store your kitchen utensils is that it will increase accessibility. This option provides you with a way to easily access your kitchen utensils, making them convenient and functional.
A magnetic sheet is also great for organizing your utensils. It provides a great way to store utensils neatly to find what you’re looking for way easier.
What’s important to remember is that your kitchen efficiency starts from its design and layout. As long as everything in your kitchen is laid out by professionals, you’re ensured an efficient kitchen and an enjoyable cooking experience.
If you’re interested in designs, you can check out NKBA website for their ideas, or you can call us today at (913) 214-6211 to talk with our designers and find the best layout for your needs.
Conclusion
With so many upgrade options available, updating a kitchen became way easier!
You don’t have to overhaul your entire kitchen to uplift it. Instead of breaking the bank on a full remodel, consider making these minor changes that still make a huge difference in how your kitchen feels and functions.
Our team at Mortise & Miter knows what makes a functional design work. You’ll get valuable insights to uplift your kitchen in the most cost-effective ways.
Get an expert’s advice on which upgrades work best with your existing kitchen layout and style.
Request a quote and we’ll get back to you within a day, or call us directly and get a well-deserved upgrade!
