8 Simple & Affordable Contemporary Kitchen Upgrades
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[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="27"][vc_column_text]Dream kitchens in homes of the rich have always been a source of inspiration. But what is it that makes them really stand out? The details, the layout, and all the finesse?Although most of us salary people have to deal with kitchen quirks and inconveniences every day, there is still a lot we can do.These affordable upgrades will show you how to turn your kitchen from a place you tolerate to a place you enjoy.[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="74"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1496159338418{padding-top: 400px !important;background-image: url(http://imagineerremodeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/i4.jpg?id=25112) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="yes" css=".vc_custom_1457706868588{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1496157798082{padding-top: 400px !important;background-image: url(http://imagineerremodeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/kitchen3.png?id=968) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1492720050089{padding-top: 75px !important;padding-right: 40px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;}"][gem_divider margin_top="43"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="27"][vc_column_text]It's highly likely that the lighting in your kitchen is dim or the overhead fixture keeps getting into your way.While changing an outdated overhead fixture isn’t difficult, it needn’t be expensive either.If even after browsing the entire offer from IKEA you haven’t found what you are looking for, there are some really interesting unique pieces on Etsy.[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="74"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="yes" css=".vc_custom_1457706868588{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1457706737265{padding-right: 40px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;background-color: #f5f7f6 !important;}"][gem_divider margin_top="43"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="27"][vc_column_text]If you still use old glossy magazine pages for lining the drawers and shelves, well, there’s your problem.Replace those with fresh non-slip liners and use the opportunity to take everything out and put it back in an organized way.Non-slip liners also have many other uses, like being used under a cutting board or a mixer.[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="74"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1496157995604{padding-top: 400px !important;background-image: url(http://imagineerremodeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/showroom_5.jpg?id=24703) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="yes" css=".vc_custom_1457706868588{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1496159357622{padding-top: 400px !important;background-image: url(http://imagineerremodeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/i2.jpg?id=25110) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1492720050089{padding-top: 75px !important;padding-right: 40px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;}"][gem_divider margin_top="43"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="27"][vc_column_text]Saying how big a difference a quality cotton rug can make won’t do it any justice. You have to see for yourself.An upgrade from a standard rug comes in the form of floor carpet tiles.They are easy to install and you can design your own tile rug in a puzzle-like fashion. Did we mention that they are highly stain-resistant?[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="74"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="yes" css=".vc_custom_1457706868588{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1457706737265{padding-right: 40px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;background-color: #f5f7f6 !important;}"][gem_divider margin_top="43"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="27"][vc_column_text]The sink and the faucet are somehow the centerpieces of any kitchen.While replacing the whole sink is not on the easy-to-do list, you can always upgrade the faucet, even if you are renting.Keep in mind that in the faucet world you can easily spend a small fortune, but there are some really nice swivel-hand ones for as low as $80.[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="74"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1496158252876{padding-top: 400px !important;background-image: url(http://imagineerremodeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/81pdcI9VTUL._SL1500_-1024x768.jpg?id=24568) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="yes" css=".vc_custom_1457706868588{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1496160189673{padding-top: 400px !important;background-image: url(http://imagineerremodeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/i3-1.jpg?id=25111) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1492720050089{padding-top: 75px !important;padding-right: 40px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;}"][gem_divider margin_top="43"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="27"][vc_column_text]Organizer inserts for drawers and sliding shelves for floor cabinets will make your kitchen feel more open and less cluttered.In addition, wire shelves and under-cabinet baskets will hold all your kitchen cloths, cleaning products, and pet food, maximizing the available space in your cabinets and even your fridge.[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="74"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="yes" css=".vc_custom_1457706868588{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1457706737265{padding-right: 40px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;background-color: #f5f7f6 !important;}"][gem_divider margin_top="43"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="27"][vc_column_text]Kitchen upgrades don’t have to be focused just on looks. Having a more enjoyable place to prepare food means having a source of quality drinking water.Under-sink or countertop water filters are a more affordable investment than buying bottled water.Apart from removing chloramine and lead, premium water filters with cartridges remove bacteria, as well.Countertop models are ideal for rented apartments, as they fit on every faucet and require virtually no installation.[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="74"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1496158667536{padding-top: 400px !important;background-image: url(http://imagineerremodeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/pexels-photo-89525.jpg?id=25113) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="yes" css=".vc_custom_1457706868588{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1496158787837{padding-top: 400px !important;background-image: url(http://imagineerremodeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Kjøkkenbenk_Ikea2_1389.jpg?id=25114) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1492720050089{padding-top: 75px !important;padding-right: 40px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;}"][gem_divider margin_top="43"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="27"][vc_column_text]Polished wood and natural stone countertops are pricey, and even solid surface countertops fall short of cheap. And if you are renting, the whole idea of replacing is out of the question.So, your alternatives are temporary upgrades. Karlby by IKEA is an example of a removable countertop that is both functional and good looking.[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="74"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="yes" css=".vc_custom_1457706868588{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1457706737265{padding-right: 40px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;background-color: #f5f7f6 !important;}"][gem_divider margin_top="43"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="27"][vc_column_text]White plastic switch plates do not only look cheap and unimaginative, but they are prone to discoloration, especially in kitchen conditions.By replacing those with stainless steel, you will get a classier look and they will be much easier to clean. They come in many sizes and most of them are fixed closer to the wall than standard plastic ones.[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="74"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1496159046422{padding-top: 400px !important;background-image: url(http://imagineerremodeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/82a68d89a66e31fc3937ce21f2366ae745b1b3a3.jpg?id=25115) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height="yes" css=".vc_custom_1457706868588{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1496159231799{padding-top: 400px !important;background-image: url(http://imagineerremodeling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/i1-1.jpg?id=25109) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1492720050089{padding-top: 75px !important;padding-right: 40px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;}"][gem_divider margin_top="43"][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="27"][vc_column_text]Even with a limited budget, there is a lot you can do to make your kitchen more comfortable and enjoyable to use.The upgrades can be both aesthetic and functional, while the best solutions combine both features into one perfect product.[/vc_column_text][gem_divider margin_top="74"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][gem_textbox padding_top="55" padding_bottom="55" padding_left="-10"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]
Blog Contributor: Lillian Connors
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Lillian Connors can’t resist the urge to embark on a myriad of home improvement projects and spread the word about them. She cherishes the notion that sustainable housing and gardening will not only make us far less dependent on others regarding the dwellings we inhabit, but also contribute to our planet being a better place to live on. You can check her out on LinkedIn.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/gem_textbox][/vc_column][/vc_row]