Don’t make the mistake most people do and think they need a ton of money to improve their kitchen. While it may take some time and effort on your part, you can definitely give that shabby kitchen an upgrade without having to spend much cash. Here are 13 ways you can give your kitchen a facelift.
1. Start with the walls
If you’re like most people, the first thing you probably do after deciding to spruce up your kitchen is to paint the walls. This will definitely make your kitchen look better, but if you want to take it even further, consider giving it texture. The easiest way to do this is by adding beadboard panels to the walls. If you apply them yourself, it will definitely save you some cash, but even if you choose to hire out the job, it won’t cost you much more than $400.
2. Some (oak) wood in your ceiling
If you’ve ever entered an older home or cabin, you’ve probably noticed the dark wood feature on the ceilings. This is a lovely touch that can really enhance your kitchen’s decor. The best part is it’s easy to do yourself, simply purchase some 2×8 beams and nail them above your cabinets using galvanized nails. And if you ever tire of the look, they’re easy to remove.
3. Cabinets that shine (and resist fingerprints)
Why spend your weekends wiping down cabinets or scrubbing the ones with stubborn stains? Replace them completely. This is one of the best ways to improve your kitchen on a budget because reclaimed cabinets are extremely affordable and can be bought for as little as $1 per square foot. Plus, they come in a variety of styles and finishes that will fit any kitchen.
4. Countertops to die for
Perhaps your biggest frustration with your kitchen is the countertops. They’re scratched up and stained, so every time you prepare food, you feel like it’s going on those ugly surfaces. Well, fret no more! Replace them with high-quality replacement kitchen countertops. They’re durable and easy to install, but they can definitely be done by a novice. Plus, you won’t find many homeowners willing to part with reclaimed kitchen countertops because they are just that great-looking.
5. Updating appliances
One kitchen upgrade people shy away from is kitchen appliances. Most people just don’t want to deal with the expense and hassle that goes into replacing them, so they keep their kitchen looking as is, but appliances can really enhance your kitchen’s look and feel. The best part about updating your kitchen appliances is you don’t need to buy new ones.
6. Plumbing that glistens
If your kitchen faucet is starting to give you trouble, replacing it is a great kitchen upgrade on a budget, especially if you do the job yourself. You can find some pretty nice kitchen faucets for less than $100.
7. Appliances that amaze
If kitchen appliances are on your to-do list, why not consider the kitchen hood vent? They’re something of an oddity in kitchen design, but they can really change up your kitchen’s look and feel by adding some ventilation capacity or hiding unsightly kitchen cabinets underneath.
8. Cabinets that look new
If your kitchen cabinets are looking a bit ragged, you can’t go wrong with kitchen cabinet refinishing. Not only will it give them a fresh new sheen, but it actually makes them more durable than they were before. Plus, it’s easy to do yourself and won’t cost much money.
9. Shoestring lighting
Adding kitchen under cabinet lights is a great way to enhance your kitchen’s look and feel, but it also adds to kitchen safety by providing supplemental light when preparing food in the kitchen. The best part is they’re affordable and easy to install. You can buy kitchen under cabinet lights for less than $15 per light.
10. Kitchen faucets that work wonders
What kitchen upgrade costs the least and delivers the most? New kitchen hardware! It’s one of those kitchen updates that is completely underappreciated but will make your kitchen look like a million bucks because it has all the wow factors kitchen updates should have. You can find some really nice kitchen hardware sets for less than $100.
11. Gratifying kitchen backsplash
You can’t go wrong with kitchen backsplash tile, and you can find some beautiful kitchen tiles at your local home improvement store or online supplier for less than $10 per square foot. You can even create a kitchen backsplash to accentuate kitchen cabinets or kitchen walls.
12. Knobs that impress
Kitchen cabinet knobs and pulls are another kitchen update you can’t afford to not do, but they really enhance your kitchen’s look and feel. You can find kitchen cabinet knobs for as cheap as $3 per knob, and they’re easy to install. Plus, there are kitchen cabinet knobs and pulls for every kitchen style out there.
13. Upgraded kitchen lighting
As you know, kitchen light fixtures can enhance the look and feel of a kitchen, but they’re not cheap. Well, guess what? You don’t need to replace your kitchen light fixtures as much as update them with new kitchen pendants. New kitchen pendants are a cheap kitchen update option that doesn’t cost much and will have a drastic effect on the kitchen’s look and feel.
As you can see, kitchen updates don’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are a lot of kitchen updates that cost little but will make a huge impact on the look and feel of your kitchen. Plus, they’re easy to do yourself or hire a contractor to install. You just need some kitchen remodeling ideas and maybe a kitchen planner.
