- Swap Out the Hardware
Change the knobs, handles and pulls on your cabinets. According to the designers, matching hardware gives a more cohesive, modern look, and since they’re small items it’s a quick switch that doesn’t cost much.
Tips for Ibadan:
Visit local metal/ironmongery or furniture hardware shops to see your options (brass, stainless steel, bronze etc.).
Try to get handles with the same screw‐hole spacing as the old ones so you don’t have to drill new holes.
If your cabinets are wood, you might spray‐paint hardware first (e.g. matte black or gold) to get a fresh look.
- Change Dated Lighting
Updating pendant lights, chandeliers, or adding under‐cabinet lighting can modernize the space and make it feel brighter and more functional.
How to do this well:
Swap out ceiling lights for something more current, e.g. sleek pendants, or something with clean lines.
Add under‐cabinet lights or LED strips to improve task lighting and to reduce shadows.
Make sure lighting color temperature is warm or neutral (around 3000‐4000K) so the kitchen feels welcoming.
- Opt for Sheer Curtains
Using light, sheer curtains helps natural light filter in, which brightens the kitchen and gives a warmer, airy feel. Heavy drapes can block light or make the space feel darker.
In practice:
Choose fabrics that let light through but offer some privacy. Think linen or cotton blends.
Use a curtain rod that’s slightly wider than the window frame so curtains can fully open and let in max daylight.
Wash/light‐color patterns tend to reflect more light back into the room.
- Organize Pantry Items
Store dry goods (e.g., rice, pasta, flour etc.) in clear jars or canisters. The idea: what might look cluttered becomes more styled and intentional. Also you’ll easily see what you have and what you need.
Ways to do this:
Use glass jars with matching lids to give a clean uniform look.
Label the jars (even simple stickers) for neatness.
Keep items you use often within easy reach; less used items can be on higher shelves.
If open shelves are used, ensure they’re clean and not overcrowded—space helps make shelves look intentional.
