Refreshing the kitchen after the long winter months is both a necessity and a delight!  Let me take you along to see my process for my simple Spring kitchen refresh, and my 7 steps to lighten and brighten this space.  I hope you leave with some actionable ideas of your own!

Boy, is it just me, or does the aftermath of the winter months leave you feeling a bit bogged down?

It’s as if all 6 of us are caged lions, roaring to be free of our all too familiar surroundings and overcome by the packed in clutter and interior noise.

I assume this scenario is not just a TIDBITS thing, otherwise the term “Spring Clean” would not be such a popular one.

To free myself and my family from the clutches of winter, I’ve had 2 main goals in mind for each space I endeavor to refresh.

1 – Lighten

2 – Brighten

My good blog friend Jennifer, from Town and Country Living has brought together some mega talented bloggers to show you how to refresh your spaces for Spring.  I’m joining the kitchen group today, and you’ll find all the other lovely homes and spaces at the end of this post.  I’m so humbled to be among these incredible women and was thrilled to have this small nudge to focus on my kitchen.

What I LOVE about this blog tour is that we are showing you, not just telling you.  So come along with me and I’ll be sharing 7 Steps to Lighten, Brighten and Refresh your kitchen for the Spring season.

But first . . . a BEFORE shot.

I didn’t even do the dishes for you.  Just pulled out my camera, snapped a pic, then pushed up my sleeves for some cleaning.

The kitchen is most likely the most used and abused space in the home.  It gets dirty quick which is why I try to give it a good deep cleaning quarterly or at the start of each new season.

But I was also craving a few decor changes that would lighten the space, because we all know the dirty dishes will be there every time you turn around.

Take a look at this styled AFTER picture, see if you can spot the differences, then let me walk you through what I did to lighten, brighten and refresh the kitchen.

*This post contains affiliate links to products I use and love.  Look for the “SHOP THIS POST” text with clickable images below.  I hope this makes it easier to find the items you are curious about.  Thank you!

5 STEPS TO LIGHTEN, BRIGHTEN AND REFRESH THE KITCHEN

1 – REVIVE, PAINT, TOUCH UP.

Did you notice the color of the peninsula was different?  We’ve had the blue/green color “soft chinchilla” (BM) on our peninsula for a long time, and it was loved by many and what color we painted it was one of my most frequently asked questions.  However, I was more than craving some subtle color that didn’t feel so heavy, and found “Iceberg” by Benjamin Moore.  It brought in a lovely blue/gray shade and I immediately loved it.

Painting the peninsula was such a quick and easy change that made a huge impact on how the kitchen feels.  I’m anticipating some who may have preferred the darker contrast in the previous color, but for now, I’m loving the lighter and brighter tones.

Even if you can’t change the color of the surfaces in your kitchen at this time, I still recommend doing some paint touch-ups or a good scrub down on the cupboards and cabinets.  Whether you have painted surfaces or wood finishes, a good scrub will do volumes for lightening and brightening your kitchen.  Wood surfaces can be revived with oils as well, to make them really shine.

2 – REMOVE HEAVY/BULKY ITEMS OR LAYERS

Since I discovered the lovely section of corbels at Hobby Lobby, I’ve had in my mind to swap out the bulkier ones we installed ages ago.  I wanted something lighter and with more of an antique vibe.

Just this simple change made another big impact, and I found myself wanting to remove more layers and bulky items that I had previously placed in the kitchen for decor purposes.

Layers in design are often a common concept, but I think if we go overboard we can foster a cluttered look.  I started removing cutting boards and things placed high on shelves that were never used and kept only the items we use frequently and at a handy reach.

The kitchen, being such a high functioning space, seems best when we can keep decor and clutter at a minimum – don’t ya think?

3 – SCRUB APPLIANCES AND SINK

The next thing I did to refresh my kitchen was to give the appliances and sink a good scrub.  My absolute favorite product for getting my glass stovetop and sink clean is the non-toxic Norwex cleaning paste.

It does an amazing job on bathroom surfaces as well.  I am a consultant for Norwex, so let me know if you are ever interested in trying cleaning products.

But whatever your cleaner of choice, the sink and appliances are usually desperate for a refresh regularly and will also brighten your space.

4 – POUR SOAPS AND PRODUCTS INTO DECORATIVE CONTAINERS

I don’t know about you, but no matter how pretty a Brands product design or label, I would still prefer containers with no words or graphics.

But then again, I’m obsessed with pretty little containers.

I dug through my home and Amazon, to find a prettier way to store our dish soap and hand soap.

And found that this simple change cut out more visual noise and clutter than I imagined, in turn helping to lighten my space.

Anything I can do to make the dish piling spot more appealing is worth the effort!

5 – FRESH TOWELS

I’m sure you wash and refresh your kitchen towels and rags regularly, but where those can get grungy fast, it’s nice to buy a couple of new ones every once in a while.

I treated myself to some linen hand towels in lovely Spring colors.

And tossed out a few towels that had seen much better days.

I also love having our chicken’s fresh eggs on the countertops again!  Nature’s Spring decor at its finest!

6 – RESTOCK AND REFRESH THE SHELVES

It’s no secret that I love the open shelving, and I take the opportunity to swap some of the items on my shelves every Season.  It’s an easy switch and refreshing to my eyes.  I went for a lighter more cohesive look on my white shelves.

And restocked some of our pantry essentials on the other shelves.

Open shelves or not, take a look at all the insides of your cupboards and shelves and give it a good clean and sifting.  Restock what you need, toss what you don’t.

7 – FRESH FLOWERS

I often say, if you find yourself not loving your home, all it really takes is a good clean and some fresh flowers to change your mind.

Keep the arrangements as simple as can be, and save money by buying from the supermarkets instead of floral shops.

If you want longer life on your purchase, find a small house plant to nurture right by your sink.

But just that little bit of fresh life will lighten, brighten and refresh your space instantly.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the tips and feel inspired to make some small changes in your own kitchen.  I so appreciate you taking the time to come by!

Feel free to SHOP the items in this post below.  (Not all items included as most were thrift, DIY or antique store finds)

SHOP THIS POST

(P.S.  Love this shirt so much, I bought 3 colors!)

I know my friends below would love to have you visit them as well and I am certain you will find many more great ideas for your home this Spring season.

Enjoy clicking around and I hope you come back soon!

Monday – Living Rooms

Town and Country Living / Maison de Pax / Duke Manor Farm / Decor Gold

Tammy Damore / Kelly Elko / Shabbyfufu

Tuesday – Dining Room

House by Hoff / Happy Happy Nester / Paint Me Pink / Craftberry Bush / Designthusiasm

Wednesday – Kitchen

Sincerely, Marie Designs / The Happy Housie / Zevy Joy / A Burst of Beautiful

Tidbits / In My Own Style / Sand and Sisal / Thistlewood Farms

Coming Thursday – Porch/Entryway

Vinyet Etc. / Shades of Blue Interiors / Taryn Whitaker / Unskinny Boppy

The Happy Housie / Bless’er House / Seeking Lavender Lane / Rooms for Rent

VISIT MY OTHER SPRING REFRESH POSTS

LOOKING FOR MORE SPRING POSTS? CHECK THEM OUT HERE:

 

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DIY Raised Garden Beds

Rearrange Grocery Store Flowers for a Better Bouquet