Soft turquoise tones complement oak cabinetry.
Updating your kitchen needn't be a time-consuming or complex process. Small changes, such as re-painting kitchen trim or molding, makes a big difference to your kitchen's look. When purchasing paint for your kitchen update, choose an oil-based paint, as it is more stain-resistant and durable than latex paint. Also choose paint with a semi-gloss finish since it is easier to clean than other paint finishes. Some paints also contain mildew-resistant chemicals; consider purchasing one of these if your kitchen tends toward dampness.
Walls
By painting your kitchen walls, you can drastically change your kitchen's appearance. If your kitchen walls have been covered in wood or plastic paneling, you can still paint them; simply fill any large scratches, lightly sand and prime them before applying paint. Bright colors give kitchens a cheery feel, so try classic hues like red, turquoise, pale green, orange, off-white and yellow. Keep this effect from being overwhelming by painting trim or cabinetry in a neutral white shade. Small kitchens feel larger if you use soft pastels
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If you aren't ready to change the look of your whole kitchen, try painting just a single accent wall. Walls that hold a lot of cabinetry or which contain large banks of windows are recommended for this purpose, as the impact of painting these is less dramatic than if you paint a larger expanse of wall. In addition, you easily can paint over the walls if you decide that you don't like their new color.
Floors & Ceilings
Painting the floor or ceiling of your kitchen will subtly alter its look. If you would like your kitchen to feel cozier, paint your kitchen ceiling in a dark, warm-toned hue. Conversely, make smaller kitchens feel airier by painting ceilings in pale shades, such as white or baby blue. Unattractive kitchen floors are quickly transformed by paint. You can even paint over wood or plank floors. Accentuate these patterns with checkerboard designs or stripes.
Doors & Windows
Add panache to your kitchen by repainting your kitchen doors and windows. Revive pantry doors or interiors by painting as well. Use clear, vibrant tones, such as sea green, pale pink and desert orange.
Cabinetry
Repainting your cabinet doors or interiors can help brightly accent your kitchen. Before painting cabinet doors, remove them from their hinges, unscrew all hardware, and cleanse, sand and prime them. If your old hardware doesn't match your new cabinets, try spray-painting it in complementary colors.
Trim
If you aren't ready to apply bold color all over your kitchen, try adding lively zip to your trim. Cheer up ceiling molding, baseboards and backsplashes by applying jewel-toned hues. To paint tile backsplashes, first sand them and cover them with a super-adhesive primer.
Furniture
Re-painting your kitchen furniture can take as little time as a single afternoon. Try painting your kitchen island in a vivid shade, such as sun yellow or tomato red. Refresh old kitchen chairs or stools with a coat of white paint. Stain china hutches in jewel tones, such as dark blue or emerald green.
Refrigerators
Unlike other appliances, you can update refrigerators with regular paint. Painting your refrigerator makes your kitchen look instantly cleaner and fresher. To paint your refrigerator, begin by thoroughly cleaning it. Remove any rust, lightly sand it and paint with enamel in multiple coats. White makes your refrigerator look newer, while pale green or chocolate brown gives your refrigerator a more modern look.
