People often assume that in order to modernize their kitchen, they need to make big changes. This is not necessarily the case. If you can't afford a full remodel or do not want to put in that much effort, making a few small changes to your kitchen can help bring it into the modern era. Here are a few upgrades to consider.

A Kitchen Island

Is there enough floor space in your kitchen to add an island? If so, this is one upgrade well worth making. A kitchen island can make your space so much more usable. You'll have an extra surface you can use to chop veggies or prep meals. The extra cabinets in the bottom will give you more space to store your items. At this point, it's pretty clear that kitchen islands are more than a trend; they are a modern kitchen element that makes kitchens more functional.

A Butcher-Block Counter

Butcher-block counters are becoming quite popular. These are essentially counters made from end-grain wood. You use them like a cutting board, although they are built-in counters. Consider having just one section of your counter replaced with a butcher block. This will give your kitchen a more modern look while also preventing you from having to continually pull out cutting boards to use. And when the counter gets a lot of knife marks or starts looking worn, it can just be sanded down to give it a smooth surface again.

Painted Cabinet Doors

Do you have older, stained, or natural wood cabinets? If so, you should consider having the doors removed and painted. Painted cabinets are quite on-trend right now. If you later decide to change the color, you can just paint over them again. You can also replace the cabinet hardware while you're at it. New hardware can give your cabinets a whole different look.

New Backsplash

If you do not have a backsplash over the counter, adding one can really help transform your space. Or, if you have a backsplash, consider replacing it with something more modern. Stone tile and glass tile backsplashes are both quite modern and stylish. Choose a tile that looks nice with your current counters, and go from there.

You don't have to renovate your entire kitchen to give it a new look. Consider the smaller upgrades above so you can modernize your kitchen. Contact a local kitchen remodeling contractor to learn more.