7 Little Luxuries That’ll Instantly Upgrade Your Kitchen — Starting at Just $7.95
No matter your cooking or takeout habits, or the size of your household, it’s safe to say that your kitchen is probably one of the busiest places in your home. And if you suddenly began cooking way more than ever before in the past year, you’ve probably made key additions to your tool arsenal to make your kitchen more convenient and efficient than ever.
But isn’t it also time to upgrade your kitchen, as well? There are plenty of ways to take your kitchen to the next level, many of which don’t require breaking the bank. Investing in the little luxuries in your kitchen can help refresh your outlook and stave off cooking burnout for good.
Here are seven ways to treat both your kitchen and yourself.
A Stack of New Kitchen Towels
When was the last time you swapped your dish towel out for a fresh one? Recently, I hope! (Those things get grimy quick!) Investing in a stack of kitchen towels will streamline the process of wiping down anything you need to — and because you can buy these durable towels in packs of 15, 30, and even 45, you can rest easy knowing you won’t have to do the laundry as often if you need a fresh towel at the ready.
The “Fancy” Version of a Kitchen Staple
It might be impractical to buy a nicer version of something you can buy at the grocery store every single time you need to re-up, but if you can splurge every once in a while, why not? Your kitchen has worked hard, and deserves the good stuff every now and again. Maybe try a fancy olive oil — which also makes a great gift! — or this bottle of apple cider vinegar from Pineapple Collaborative. Bonus: The bottle is pretty enough to leave out on the counter, should you choose.
An Upgraded Vegetable Peeler
When was the last time you sharpened your vegetable peeler? Probably never, right? (I don’t blame you, it’s difficult to do!) It might be time to trade in your peeler for a new model, preferably one with a comfortable grip and an intuitive swivel. Peeling that butternut squash has never been easier.
A Milk Frother
Your morning coffee will never be the same — with just a few quick whirs of this handheld frother, you can create fluffy milk begging to be turned into a latte. If you’re still mourning the morning commute habit of a large latte, this gadget is the only thing you need to replicate the ritual at home.
A Quality All-Purpose Knife
Good knives can make or break the kitchen experience for even the most casual cook. They can also be really expensive — triple-digit prices for a single knife! — which is why it’s worth investing in at least one all-purpose knife that will see you through most kitchen tasks. This chef’s knife costs half as much as other name-brand cutlery and will hold up against almost any task you give it.
Durable Soap Dispensers
Dish soap is a necessary feature for most kitchens… but the bottles that most liquid dish soap comes in can be less than photogenic. (That’s okay: It’s the soap’s job to help get your flatware clean, not to be the star of your Instagram.) If you’re looking to upgrade the finishing touches, decant your dish soap into durable glass bottles. Sure, it’s an extra step, but it will leave your sink looking polished at every turn. I also filled a bottle with hand sanitizer and left it by my front door, as an easy precaution.
Celebratory Stemware
I don’t remember the last time I had friends over to my apartment, but it’s still worth finding ways to celebrate wins like job promotions, anniversaries, or other milestones. The ridged detail on these coupes make them look way more expensive than they are — and if you do want to stock up on a set for future entertaining, six or more won’t break your budget. Don’t drink? Even water tastes better in a fancy glass, at any time of day.
This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: 7 Affordable Luxuries to Instantly Upgrade Your Kitchen (Starting at Just $7.95)