The Lazy Homeowner’s Guide to a Kitchen Refresh

Categories: Design


It’s finally fall, the season of sweater weather, sports, and school activities. Of course, all of these look a bit different this year as we continue to adapt to living with COVID-19. One thing that you might wish would look a little different this year is your kitchen. We’ve said it before, but we keep finding more and more things we’d like to improve in our homes, especially when we’re spending more hours at home than years past.

You may be like us: creating list after list of home renovation dreams. But, who are we kidding? We don’t actually want to take the time and energy to do a complete do-it-yourself kitchen project. We’re just ready to enjoy a new kitchen.Here’s the thing, you don’t have to do it all to get everything you want out of your new kitchen. The simplest way to refresh without a total overhaul? A DIY-friendly drop-in sink and a fresh coat of paint.

Yes, it really can be that simple.



A stylish kitchen with a white farmhouse sink, dark gray cabinets, a patterned tile backsplash, and a stainless steel dishwasher, featuring decorative items like a "BREAD" box and a vase of greenery.


We recommend starting with the cabinets. Yes, painting cabinets can be a messy job, but follow these five tips and you’ll easily modernize your kitchen:

Protect your existing countertops, backsplash, and floor with inexpensive rosin or brown builder’s paper.

Remove doors, drawer fronts, and handles. Expert tip: remove all doors and drawers so you don’t risk mixing up which goes where when you reinstall. It seems time consuming but trust us on this one: it will save you time in the long run.

Sand your cabinets…within reason. Yes, it’s a good idea to sand cabinets before painting, but don’t go down to the bare wood. A simple light sanding will make sure your paint adheres to your cabinets. Be sure to vacuum away any sanding dust. Note: repeat this step between each coat of paint.

Whether you use a mini roller or a traditional paint brush, paint evenly by following the wood grain and wiping away any excess from the edges of cabinet doors. Novice painters will feel like pro’s using an eggshell or satin sheen paint, which de-emphasize imperfections.

If all else fails, consider spray-painting doors. It goes without saying that this is best done outside.



A white farmhouse sink with a chrome faucet, set in a kitchen with a light green tile backsplash and small potted plants on the windowsill.


Once your cabinets have gotten a facelift, it’s time to install the star of the show: your new kitchen sink. Yes, you can get the high-end, professionally installed look with our drop-in sinks. We’ve rounded up three of our favorite easy-to-install options:



A white ceramic kitchen sink with three faucet holes and a smooth, glossy finish.


The Sinkology Jackson Drop-In Fireclay Kitchen Sink is one of our most versatile sinks that will suit almost any kitchen. We especially love seeing it in all-white kitchens complete with marble countertops.



A hammered copper kitchen sink with three faucet holes and a rich, warm finish.


For those looking to make more of an impact, copper is the way to go. The Angelico Drop-In Copper Sink comes complete with faucet holes, positioned either on the left or right side, for the easiest user-friendly install that looks like a million bucks.



A white farmhouse kitchen sink with three faucet holes and a smooth, rectangular design.


Even farmhouse style-loving homeowners can enjoy an easy upgrade with the Sinkology Josephine QuickFit Drop-In Farmhouse Kitchen Sink. We really love it in the neutral, transitional matte black. Click here. You’ll see why. With these tips, even the laziest among us can enjoy a “new” kitchen. When you finish your kitchen project, snap a pic and share it with us on Instagram @Sinkology. We can’t wait to see the transformation!



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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or crafted stainless steel sink, our Sinkologists™ are here to help. Contact us or follow us on FacebookHouzz, Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok for more helpful tips and design ideas.