A common wish of those owning older homes is a kitchen remodel that turns their dated workspace into a more modern family spot.

This type of kitchen remodeling is a great way to make the busiest room in the house more pleasurable to work in as well as more useful.

Whether limited to small-budget makeover ideas or going all-out on a full kitchen renovation, here are a few ideas that can modernize the look of any kitchen!

1. Update the Lighting Fixtures

Lighting fixtures help to create atmosphere and character.

One of the easiest and affordable kitchen remodeling ideas for modernizing a kitchen is replacing older, outdated light fixtures with modern and minimalist fixtures with bright, cool light bulbs.

Adding pendant lighting over the workspaces in addition to changing the main fixtures will help, too.

2. Swap to Minimalist Faucets and Hardware

Another easy kitchen remodel to make is switching traditional or ornamental styled faucets and cabinet hardware for plainer, more minimalistic options.

Black or brushed aluminum finishes to replace old chrome can do wonders to change the look of a kitchen for a very small investment.

3. Consider the Cabinets

There are multiple ways to modernize cabinets depending on their current style and the kitchen renovation budget a homeowner is working with.

Plainer cabinets can simply be repainted in a different or more subtle color.

Cabinets with traditional moldings can be upgraded by replacing the doors.

Outdated cabinets can also be completely replaced with taller, more modern types that will go perfectly with those updated light fixtures and faucets.

4. Update the Flooring

While new flooring can add considerable cost to kitchen remodeling, it can completely change the look of the entire room.

Tile, concrete, hardwood, and even some types of laminate flooring are transformative in kitchens with outdated vinyl, worn-out tile, and other floors in need of replacement.

5. Replace the Counters

Countertops are another kitchen renovation component that gives a big bang for the buck.

Replacing old, out-of-style laminate, solid-surface, and ceramic tile counters with beautiful granite, marble, butcherblock, and concrete counters is yet one more way to make any kitchen look more modern.

6. Add A Backsplash

A stylish backsplash in a modern pattern or tile look is yet another simple way to add modern flair to any kitchen.

Replace outdated patterns or put in a backsplash where there was none and get both function and form with this easy upgrade.

7. Add Additional Functionality

No kitchen remodel is complete without adding in some new features for increased functionality.

Build an island if the space permits, install specialty-purpose cabinets, upgrade appliances to stylish appliances, change to a larger farm sink or under-cabinet style, include new appliances that are not there now, or even build in a kitchen nook.

A Newer, Modern Kitchen is Right Around the Corner

Though the extent of a kitchen renovation will be limited by available space and budget, there are plenty of ways that homeowners can spruce up even the smallest of kitchens to make them look more modern.

The simpler kitchen remodels on this list are perfect to start gradually transforming a stale-looking room into a fresher workspace.

To tackle the more significant ones, homeowners can plan more with kitchen remodeling contractors experienced in making homeowner dreams come true!