Users on Reddit commonly warn against the popular choice of subway tile for kitchen backsplashes, considering it an aesthetic error due to its ubiquity and lack of originality.
Updated Kitchen Decor: What to Consider for a Tired-Looking Kitchen
Many kitchens, despite being functional, can appear outdated due to elements beyond the cabinets. A recent Reddit post triggers a discussion among users about revamping a tired kitchen on a budget.
A homeowner faces the dilemma of updating his aged kitchen without breaking the bank. In anticipation of paint suggestions, the post draws attention to the backsplash as the primary culprit for the kitchen's dated look.
Emily Ruff, a seasoned interior designer and owner of Cohesively Curated, offers insights on the aging kitchen conundrum.
Refreshing Dated Kitchen Cabinets
The homeowner's conundrum is common among many homeowners; although the kitchen appears functional, his wife despises the wooden cabinets. A complete renovation is out of the question due to budgetary constraints.
Regarding the worn-out appearance, many Redditors suggest that the backsplash is the cause, and it requires replacement. However, aware of the cost, one user suggests temporary fixes like peel-and-stick backsplashes.
While an economical solution, a designer notes that peel-and-stick backsplashes might not be ideal for long-term use, particularly in humid kitchens. Long-lasting alternatives, such as slab tiles, ceramic or porcelain subway tiles, glass tiles, natural stone backsplashes, and zellige-style ceramic tiles, offer durability, moisture resistance, and easy maintenance for a more polished and lasting update.
Other Solutions for Dated Kitchens
A few users suggest replacing the countertops for a significant improvement. The homeowner is hesitant, and Ruff advises leaving the countertops alone for now to save on costs. Instead, focusing on the backsplash update will create a noteworthy impact.
While some Redditors favor repainting the cabinets, they caution against using grays, which have become somewhat dated. Ruff advocates for repainting the cabinets using warm neutral shades like Balanced Beige from Sherwin-Williams, Revere Pewter, or Pale Oak from Benjamin Moore.
In conclusion, while cabinet repainting and countertop replacement can be viable options to refresh a dated kitchen, the backsplash plays a crucial role in the overall appearance of the space. A thoughtful consideration of backsplash options can transform the space without breaking the bank.
- To address the wife's dislike for the wood cabinets in their dated kitchen, the homeowner could consider a cost-effective solution like repainting them in warm neutral shades such as Balanced Beige from Sherwin-Williams, Revere Pewter, or Pale Oak from Benjamin Moore.
- For those on a budget, RealSimple suggests exploring temporary backsplash options like peel-and-stick tiles, while for long-term use, slab tiles, ceramic or porcelain subway tiles, glass tiles, natural stone backsplashes, and zellige-style ceramic tiles might be more suitable due to their durability, moisture resistance, and easy maintenance.
- To give the kitchen a revamped look without splurging, homeowners might find it helpful to focus on updating the backsplash, as suggested by interior designer Emily Ruff. By choosing the right backsplash materials, homeowners can achieve a significant transformation for their home-and-garden spaces without breaking their home improvement budgets.
