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After the home buying process and moving in, there are new challenges to tackle as a homeowner. If you have recently purchased a house or condo and are still getting used to living in it, your kitchen could use some updating. Whether you want to make it more functional or add some style points, we’ve got simple ideas on how to upgrade your kitchen with your handyman. After renovating houses for years, we know that small touches can go a long way when it comes to making over any space. Whether you rent or own your home, upgrading your kitchen doesn’t need to be expensive nor take up lots of time – just a little bit of effort on your part will go a long way. 1) Change up your cabinet colors and add some molding If your cabinets are in good shape, you can give them a quick makeover with paint. If you have dark cabinets, a bright color like light blue, turquoise, or teal will give your kitchen a totally new look. Be careful not to go overboard with the color, though, as a bright kitchen can get overpowering, fast. To add some visual interest to darker cabinets, try adding a stencil, a single accent wall, or a large framed artwork piece. If you have lighter cabinets, a darker color will add some contrast and texture to your space. Try painting them a warm color such as a deep red or rich chocolate brown for a modern, classic look. For a more traditional look, you can go with a color such as black or a warm grey. To add a little visual interest to your cabinets, try stenciling a design or adding a large artwork piece. For a more modern look, consider adding a piece of molding around your cabinets. Choose a molding that’s the same color as your wall to create visual interest or a contrasting color to make your cabinets stand out. To create a more traditional feel, you can use a molding that’s the same color as your cabinets. 2) Update your countertops If your countertops are in good condition, you can give them a quick facelift with a new countertop paint or a concrete overlay. If you have laminate countertops, a quick coat of paint will make them look brand new. If you have ceramic or concrete countertops, an overlay is a great, cost-effective way to give them a new look. If your countertops are in bad condition, you can replace them with new ones. Granite is a great option for a kitchen countertop, as it’s durable, easy to clean, and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Keep in mind that you’ll need to seal it every year or so to keep it in good condition. 3) Install under-cabinet lighting If you have a dark kitchen that lacks light, adding under-cabinet lighting can bring the space to life. This is a quick and easy DIY project that can be completed in a weekend. There are a variety of under-cabinet lights on the market today, including plug-in and battery-powered varieties. If you have an average-sized kitchen, you can easily install a plug-in under-cabinet light. You can also purchase a plug-in light that has built-in motion sensors, so it will automatically turn on when someone enters the room. Alternatively, you can install a battery-powered under-cabinet light if your kitchen doesn’t have an easy outlet nearby for plugging in a light. 4) Add a drop ceiling or cove molding If you have high-ceiling kitchen, a drop ceiling can be a quick way to make it feel more cozy and inviting. You can add a drop ceiling by securing a flexible grid system to the ceiling, followed by installing a lightweight drywall to cover the grid system. Alternatively, you can use a lightweight fabric to cover the grid system. For a more permanent option, you can install a cove molding to cover the high ceilings. 5) Change out your handles and hinges If your kitchen is still in good condition, changing out your handles and hinges can go a long way in updating the space. You can find a variety of affordable and stylish kitchen cabinet knobs and fixtures at your local home improvement store. Alternatively, you can hire a handyman to install new cabinet knobs and hinges for you for a one-time fee. 6) Install some tile backsplash If your kitchen doesn’t have a backsplash, a tile backsplash is an easy and affordable option. Be sure to select an understated tile pattern, as you don’t want it to be the main focal point of the room. To maximize space, you can install a single row of tile along the bottom of your kitchen walls. Conclusion When you’re renovating your kitchen, the goal is to make it a functional space where you can spend time with family and friends. It’s also important to make your kitchen look great, and we hope that these ideas will help you do just that. Whether you want to add a backsplash or simply paint the walls, there are lots of ways to upgrade the look of your kitchen with your handyman.