Help to Update a Kitchen With a Bay Window

Refinishing Cabinets

• Cabinets are among the most expensive and most important aspects of kitchen design. These are pieces that dictate the layout and function of the space, both of which are indicative of a successful kitchen design. If brand new cabinets aren't in the budget, there are a few simple, fairly inexpensive alternatives. If the cabinets are of good quality and in good condition, a new coat of paint and some new hardware should do the trick. Since a bay window will let in lots of light, a thorough paint job will be essential; ensure there are no missed spots, streaks or other imperfections as these will be more obvious in a bright room. If the body of the cabinet is in good shape but the faces are outdated or damaged, refacing is significantly less costly than a full replacement. This option requires that all cabinet doors and drawer fronts be removed and replaced.

Paint

• Painting is among the simplest, most inexpensive ways to bring new life to a kitchen. Bright hues, particularly shades of white and members of the pastel family, are ideal for a dark room or those without much natural light. A kitchen with a bay window doesn't usually suffer from limited light and can support just about any color without creating a space that feels too small. Neutrals, particularly beige, taupe, some blues and mossy greens are soothing additions to the kitchen and will be appealing to a wide group if the home goes on the market. Bright, bold colors are modern favorites and do best in rooms with lots of natural light. These bold colors include jewel tones; certain shades of red, purple, blue and green, that are vibrant and energetic. These colors work well in the kitchen since the majority of wall space is covered with cabinets and appliances, which prevents the bright color from feeling overwhelming.

Flooring

• Kitchen flooring tends to take more abuse than flooring in other parts of the home. If existing wood floors are in decent condition, stripping and refinishing is a simple, relatively inexpensive option. Stone flooring can be thoroughly cleaned and polished to return its luster. If the floor is beyond repair, there are a number of options for replacement. The popularity of concrete has grown in recent years, and it is paintable, stainable and can be stenciled to add visual interest to the room. Manufactured hardwoods will resist staining, warping and cracking while ceramic tile is durable, easy to care for and fairly inexpensive.

Countertops

• Countertops, as with cabinets, are among the most costly investments in the kitchen. These pieces are an essential aspect in kitchen aesthetic and function. If countertops are in generally good shape, a thorough cleaning might do the trick, but most often replacement is preferable. Old laminate is paintable, and there are products on the market to make them resemble natural stone, a modern favorite for countertops. Stripping old laminate or tile leaves the plywood deck, which can then be topped with new laminate, tile or other material. A concrete overlay -- a thin layer of concrete troweled over the deck -- is significantly less expensive than a full concrete countertop and weighs significantly less, meaning no extra support is necessary.