5 Small Kitchen Updates with Big Impact

There’s no single recipe for the perfect kitchen. While one homeowner might be all about white cabinets and quartz countertops, another may tend toward darker hues and butcher block. No matter which formula you follow, there are plenty of ways to add your own secret ingredients.

Still following the metaphor? In that case, think of IKEA as a well-stocked pantry filled with goodies that will ensure your kitchen is anything but cookie cutter. Each of these small (read: not pricey) purchases — from new drawer pulls to dishes you’ll be excited to put on display — will add an extra serving of color, functionality and enjoyment to your home’s warmest space.

Extend Your Storage

Not every kitchen comes with a dreamy walk-in pantry. If yours is light on space, IKEA has pieces that can do some heavy lifting with minimal effort. An island outfitted with deep shelves is the perfect spot to stack bulky gadgets like a slow cooker or food processor, while a utility cart can be transformed into a display case for wine glasses or a rolling baking zone to store flour, sugar, and more.

Opt for Openness

If cabinet space is at a premium, consider freeing up some real estate by putting your prettiest pieces out in the open. IKEA offers dozens of styles of shelving — from floating wall shelves to modular stainless steel units — so pick the one that best suits your aesthetic. Then stock up on ceramic dishes that coordinate with your decor and snag a set of pots, sauté pans and saucepans that look chic hanging from hooks or a mounted wall rack.

Make It Personal

Yes, we love a functional kitchen. But shouldn’t the heart of your home also have a little…heart? Think of the walls as a gallery for you to display your most meaningful treasures. Reserve one of your open shelves for glassware and ceramic pieces you’ve collected over the years or add hooks to hang beloved pieces like decorative aprons, cutting boards, and other souvenirs from your travels.

Embrace Organization

You’ve lusted over every last one of those how-to-create-a-photo-ready-pantry videos, now do it yourself. IKEA is a literal one-stop shop for everything you need to get your kitchen in order, from spice racks and utensil crocks to drawer dividers and pot lid holders.

Think About the Finishing Touches

Consider these pieces the icing on the cake. Switching in new drawer pulls and other hardware — like a brushed stainless steel faucet with a sleek silhouette — or introducing some bold hues with an area rug or even a few printed dish towels can make a big impact with little effort.

Want more inspiration? Browse IKEA’s kitchen gallery for more smart and stylish solutions.

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