25 Kitchen Update Ideas That Don’t Require a Hammer

Did you know that a plumbing fixture can be a work of art? That’s certainly the case with this Kohler Pull Down Kitchen Sink Faucet. And, it’s as practical as it is beautiful. The pull-down hose has a 2-function sprayer to stream and sweep. And when the sprayer is not in use, it fits securely in the magnetic dock. The included soap dispenser provides additional functionality. Since the hose and spray head are pre-installed, it’s super easy to install the faucet. In addition to oil-rubbed bronze, the faucet is also available in vibrant stainless.

The latest sinks are for more than just washing dishes. This Kraus Undermount Sink with Integrated Ledge and Accessories allows you to both prep and clean up in one place, saving precious countertop space. It includes a bamboo cutting board that resists cracking, warping, odors and bacteria. The roll-up dish drying rack is handy for rinsing off produce and veggies, and also drying dishes. The heavy duty 16-gauge steel sink, which can withstand corrosion and rust, also includes a dish grid, strainer, and drain cover. The model shown above is 27” but it is also available in small and larger sizes.

Marble countertops cost thousands of dollars, but you could use a Giani Marble Easy Epoxy Countertop Kit to achieve similar results. And it works on almost any type of countertop: Formica, Corian, laminate, ceramic tile, granite, or butcher block. If you can use a paint roller or brush, you can upgrade your kitchen in a 2 to 3 days (which includes the time between each step) using a simple three-step process. Each kit covers 35 square feet, which is the typical size of a kitchen countertop.

The right pendant lights can also instantly improve the look of your kitchen, and these Cualans 3-Pack Chrome Crystal Adjustable Pendant Lights will look beautiful in any design style. The lights are made of crystal and metal, and the lamp shade and canopy have a chrome finish. Each light has an adjustable cord and uses a 60-watt bulb. The light shades are 7.87” long, and the cords are adjustable to 62.99”.

A sample item was provided for an honest review

You could wash your glasses in the sink, but why would you if the other option is to use this Delta Faucet Glass Rinser? From champagne glasses to beer mugs to baby bottles, simply press the glass, cup, or other drinkware down over the rinser, and powerful jets of water will remove stubborn residue – much faster and easier than soaking or scrubbing. The rinser easily installs over empty countertop holes (like those for the sink sprayer and soap dispenser), and the overhang directs water flow into the sink. It’s available in either a chrome or spotshield stainless finish.

Under cabinet lights can change the look of your kitchen. They’re also practical, providing task lighting to illuminate dark spots while you cut and do other essential prep work.  These EShine 12-inch LED Touchless Dimmable Under Cabinet Lighting Panels are activated by waving your hand, so you don’t have to worry about touching the light switch. You can also adjust the dimmers by holding your hand under the sensor. Each lighting kit includes six 12-inch panels that can either be installed using screws or stickers (both are included).

Here’s another stylish and practical way to update your kitchen. If you hate the idea of lugging heavy pots of water from the sink to the stove, this Imlezon Foldable Wall Mount Pot Filler can rescue you from that chore. Made of pure stainless steel with a polished inner surface, the lead-free construction ensures that your water is natural. The pot filler has two values, and folds out of the way when it’s not being used.

Tile is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to update your kitchen, and this Giorbello Glass Subway Backsplash Tile is simply gorgeous. Each tile is 3” x 6” and comes in a case of 44 tiles, which can cover 5.5 square feet. The glass tiles are durable, and safe to use in wet areas, like behind the sink. In addition to classic white tiles, the other color choices are just as beautiful and include gry, emerald green, baby blue, black, ruby red, classic brown, slate, and light olive.

If you want an alternative to subway tile, consider this Art 3d Genuine Shell Mosaic Kitchen Backsplash Tile. It’s made of a variety of materials, including authentic shells and conches, crystal glass, and artificial resin marble stone. Each tile is 12”W x 12.7”L, and there are 5 tiles in a pack, so each pack is designed to cover 5 square feet. The tiles have a mesh backing, and are installed with non-sanded grout.

A sample was provided for an honest review

Clean air is the most important component of any room and this Sharp Triple Action Air Purifier with Plasmacluster Ion Technology helps you to achieve that goal.  Using a patented Plasma cluster ion technology, it can remove even microscopic pollutants. The triple filtration system includes a washable pre-filter to trap dust and large airborne particles. Also, the activated carbon deodorizing filter removes odors. In addition, the True HEPA filter removes 99.97% of particles. True HEPA filters are usually expensive to keep replacing, but Sharp’s are designed to last anywhere from 2 to 5 years depending on use. There’s also a smart sensor, and when the air purifier is set on auto, it will control the fan speed based on the amount of impurities detected in the air. The air purifier also includes a humidifier function.

A sample was provided for an honest review

When you’re trying to stay healthy, touchless trash cans are a lifesaver. You can avoid touching your trash can (unless you’re taking out the trash) with this  Kohler Black Stainless Steel Trash Can. The 13-gallon can has a durable stainless-steel pedal that provides hand-free operation. The lid easily opens and it also quietly closes. In addition, the hinge design protects your walls from scuff marks. The black, 13-gallon size is shown above, but it is also available in stainless steel, and white with stainless steel. There are also several smaller versions of the trash can, as well as a dual liner option.   

Your existing appliances may work fine, but they’re just ugly. If you don’t want to spring for new appliances, consider painting your existing items to revive them. Liquid Stainless Steel Fridge Paint is a water-based, 100% stainless steel paint that produces an automotive grade, brushed stainless finish. It can also be used to paint your dishwasher, and other appliances that you want to bring into the 21^st century.

According to color experts, the color red stimulates the appetite. It can also breathe new life into your kitchen. Kilz Tribute Interior Matte Paint and Primer in One – Haute Red is a beautiful choice for reviving your walls or even your kitchen cabinets. However, if you find this choice to be too bold, there are numerous other colors in this collection to choose from, including Golden Compass, Bright Marigold, Baked Terra Cotta, and Penny Luck.

If new cabinets aren’t in your budget, consider a fresh coat of paint and new cabinet and draw pulls. For example, this Cosmas 10-Pack Oil Rubbed Bronze and Glass Cabinet Hardware certainly makes a design statement and provides an elegant look to your kitchen. The hardware is made of clear glass and oil rubbed bronze, and is sold 10 to a pack. The hole centers are 3” and the overall length is 4  5/8”.

One change that can make a big difference in your kitchen – and the adjacent room – is a sliding barn door.  This Belleze Pine Unfinished Pre-Drilled Sliding Barn Door not only updates your kitchen space, but also helps you reclaim valuable square footage. The door is made of pine and it’s strong, yet has a smooth surface. It can be stained, or you can paint it your favorite color.  The door shown above is 42” x 84”, but you can choose several other sizes – including a double door.

A sample was provided for an honest review

Upgrade your water purification process with the Coway Aquamega 100 Water Purifier. You can put your glass, bottle, cup, pot, or other container right under the spout and merely press the button to get water that has gone through a 3-stage filtration process to remove up to 99.9% of contaminants. The purifier uses tankless direct water filtration. It connects directly to either your faucet or water line, and can be set up in just a few minutes. The 3 filters last for over 500 gallons of water (comparable to 4,000 water bottles). The air purifier is available in a black and silver option, and also a white and silver version.