Renovating your kitchen can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or costly. Perhaps you are moving into a previously-owned home, and want to give the kitchen a personal, fresh statement, or you simply want to rejuvenate the kitchen you already have. There are many ways to significantly update your kitchen without breaking the bank.
Choose One Thing: Instead of a complete kitchen overhaul, which can disrupt family life for a time, opt for one higher-ticket revamp, and revive the rest with elbow grease and ingenuity. Here are ten ideas in a range of price tags:
- Paint your cabinets. This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to update the look of your kitchen. You can choose neutral or bold color combinations, or go with classic white to add brightness and space. New hardware alone can make cabinets look restored. Select knobs or pulls to accent your freshened cabinetry.
- Turn up the color. Increase everyone’s joy factor with a fresh coat of paint. Warm colors in the red and yellow families, even the range of salmons and pinks, are known to activate appetite and feelings of happiness, and are used in restaurants for that very reason! Bring the restaurant feeling home with welcoming color.
- Install new countertops. Countertops can be one of the most expensive parts of a kitchen, but there are affordable options available. Consider laminate or butcher block, which are both durable and stylish. Countertop “stick on” makeovers are also incredibly affordable and surprisingly durable, allowing you to try out a new look before committing to a replacement.
- Incorporate a beverage station. Having an accessible place to make coffee, tea, get filtered water, or make smoothies offers an inviting, café feel to your kitchen family and guests can enjoy every day. A fun place to froth your milk or make an espresso at home can save money on coffee runs, and at the same time, provide a beautiful mark of hospitality.
- Update your appliances. If your appliances are old and outdated, they can make your kitchen look tired. Consider replacing them with new, energy-efficient models that also reap long-term budget benefits. If purchasing appliances is not an option, consider reconditioning your oven, fridge, microwave, or stove, with heat-resistant paint until you can save for new ones.
- Add an island. Islands are one of the most popular kitchen additions to increase counter space and provide relaxed seating options. Islands can be custom-made to match your cabinets and fit your space, and even be built on locking wheels to offer greater flexibility. Islands can also house charging stations and mail centers to keep things organized in a central location.
- Get new flooring. If your kitchen floor is old or damaged, it’s time for a change. Consider laminate, tile, or hardwood flooring, which are all durable and easy to maintain and provide a lasting and necessary update.
- Add new backsplash. A backsplash is a great way to add color and interest to your kitchen. Choose a tile, glass, or stone backsplash that matches your style and budget, and completely alter the look of your counterspace. A backsplash can be functional and simple, or a statement of beauty, reflecting your interests or locale.
- Add lighting. A new light fixture brightens your kitchen and makes it more inviting without a large investment. You might install a pendant light over the island, or a warm shaded lamp over the eating area. Again, think restaurant feel, but at home.
- Small touches have a big impact. Easy-to-care-for plants and herbs add life and fragrance. Colorful dishes in lighted, glass-front cabinets are functional and artful. Accessible, quality cookware and sharpened knives make meal prep easier while being visually pleasing. Colored lightbulbs are effective tools for creating ambience. There is much to be said for a clean counter space. Don’t underestimate what small changes can do–even a bowl of fruit brings color and speaks abundance.
These are just a few ideas for improving your kitchen on a budget. With a little creativity and TLC, you can thoughtfully update one of the most visible and lived-in rooms in your home, and make it feel completely new. Contact our design team for more ideas for your project.
