Kitchen upgrade ideas for your small kitchen

A kitchen we made using the window as a backsplash to view the small garden

If you live in a condo unit and been thinking of upgrading your exposed utilitarian kitchen without having to reconstruct it entirely, here are few ideas you can consider.

CHANGE OR INSTALL A NEW BACKSPLASH

There are many finishes to choose from—marble, tiles, mosaic, or quartz. You can opt for anything from ornate to simple, and instantly give your kitchen a fresh new look.

GLAMORIZE EXPOSED KITCHEN SHELVES

Extending from the renewed backsplash, a stone finish shelf can continue upward, even all the way to the top of the wall.

Add some accent wall sconces if you’re changing the backsplash.

ADD WALL SCONCES

If you’re changing the backsplash, and adding in the detail all the way up the wall, it is best to add some accent wall sconces or task wall lights.

DROP A PENDANT

If the space allows, a statement piece such as a standout pendant light or chandelier would be nice to add.

REORGANIZE YOUR KITCHEN STORAGE

Remove unwanted tableware and flatware. Invest in one or two sets that can be used to entertain and use every day. I don’t believe in party plates since I like to treat my everyday dining at home like a party, even with just my family.

All my plates and serve ware have to be pretty. Treat every day like it’s your last—and that includes using really nice tableware! Check My Happyhome of Happy Ongpauco-Tiu for the cutest unusual finds; mykitchenessentials on IG for Bordallo and Le Creuset items; and Garden Barn for Top Chef material. Having a few Christofle pieces won’t hurt as well. Having the silver MOOD set is a dream.

Also, get some drawer and cabinet organizers so you’ll have more space.

SEEK SOME ORGANIZING HELP

If storage organizing is not your thing, you can seek the help of a professional organizer. Mayfairandco.home on IG carries storage products for your kitchen and at the same time can help you fix your storage issues. Look for my former Interior Design student, Imee Magdaraog.

CHANGE THE LOOK OF YOUR CAB DOORS

Bored with your kitchen doors? Cover these with sticker panels that are waterproof. I use 3M DINOC. These come in a variety of colors, textures and finishes. I would do a metallic finish in gold or silver to highlight a marble backsplash.

DISPOSE

Get rid of the appliances you don’t use. These just take up space.

You can also person- alize your appliance selection with the way your family likes to prepare food. (HTTPS://WWW.WIL- LIAMS-SONOMA.COM) (HTTPS://SHARKNINJA.COM.(HTTPS://SHARKNINJA.COM. PH)PH)

INVEST

Invest in the most useful, tiny and modern appliances for healthy cooking.

My daughter is a big fan of the ice cream ninja maker. It’s not exactly small but since we are ice cream lovers, it’s a practical appliance in our home. It is also a healthy alternative for a pre-diabetic like me! She creates fresh cherry ice cream, combining fresh cherries and Italian cherry preserves to create the yummy swirly dessert.

My son is quite practical, too. He just uses the panini maker everyday to prepare his sandwiches for merienda. Pop in some focaccia bread and ham with arugula and just squish it with the panini maker. You’re done in a minute or two.

You can also personalize your appliance selection with the way your family likes to prepare food. Keep it to a minimum since most appliances nowadays can do multiple things. The Breville toaster, for example, can air fry, roast and bake as well. Look for these options.

These small appliances can be placed together in one area or cabinet and can be concealed to look clean.

10 POWER TRACK

Get a power track or electrical power system. This is a track that can hold multiple movable outlets–useful for any appliance that can be moved around. It also prevents messy wiring. I use two kinds: Eubiq and Mainline.

Get a power track or electrical power system. (HTTPS://EUBIQ. COM)

Whatever it is that you need for your kitchen, sit down with your family and see what needs to be done. These are options you can do without having to reconstruct the whole kitchen.

The author is the founder of Chat Fores Design Studio, an award-winning and recognized interior designer known for redefining and elevating spaces. She specializes in residential, hospitality and amenity spaces for different real estate companies. Chat has also collaborated with international design firms to create residential interiors in Manila