The dramatic “after” effect on this kitchen was easy to achieve with paint, tile and new accessories.

We’ve been doing some amazing kitchen remodels over the last several months — including one we finished up just in time for the holidays. But we also realize not everyone wants or needs a full-scale remodel. Sometimes just a little “freshening” is all that’s necessary to give your home a new feel.

For example, we recently gave a client’s kitchen a facelift. As you can see from the “before” photo, this wasn’t a kitchen that needed to be gut-renovated. The appliances and even the countertops were fine but the overall effect was a bit drab.

So we brought in our painters to give the cabinets a clean, modern coat of white, and contemporary chrome pulls replaced the knobs. We could have refaced the cabinets but painting was more cost effective since the cabinets had good lines and were in terrific working condition.

Our client’s “before” kitchen had a good footprint, cabinets and appliances — it just needed a little updating.

We also removed the granite backsplash and inexpensively replaced it with glass tile in muted blue/green tones to give the kitchen some color. New barstools and accessories rounded out the look. We didn’t even have to change the window blinds!

Another way to instantly update a kitchen is new lighting. Perhaps it’s swapping out an overhead light with recessed cans. Or adding pendant lights over your breakfast bar. Anything you do to change lighting will not only enhance your kitchen’s appeal but increase functionality too.

And this all works for bathroom remodels too. Replacing a vanity, hardware, lighting or accessories is a weekend job that delivers many times over in appearance and usefulness.

While we love the opportunity to do major kitchen remodeling designs, we enjoy “fluffing” just as much. Please contact us for a complimentary consultation and find out just how affordable and easy it is to give your home a new look in 2014.

Happy New Year from all of us at Tracy Lynn Studio!