You’ve lived in your home for a few years now, and you wish you could afford your kitchen remodeling. You’ve done some research, and considering that you learned that the average remodel costs between eighteen thousand and fifty-five thousand dollars, you’re feeling mighty discouraged that there is nothing you can do.
But that’s not true.
A Kitchen Revamp Without Breaking The Bank
A little extra research will reveal kitchen “hacks” that will allow you to give your kitchen an entirely new look without coming close to breaking your budget. You may combine more than a few options to achieve that remodeled look. Let’s take a look at a few:
1. Repaint Your Cabinets
Though we don’t recommend it, this is the first option that most homeowners choose. Inspect your kitchen cabinets. Are they warped, cracked, or severely damaged? Is the design still appealing, or would it benefit from a completely different look? Simply remove them and repaint or refinish them.
There are many tutorial videos online that walk you through the process step by step. Although this task may sound easy, it is a hard one to do right.
2. Replace the Cabinet Doors
If, in fact, you discover that your cabinets are damaged beyond saving, you may be able to get away with simply removing them. After you’ve done that, see what you think of the aesthetic cabinets without doors offers.
You now have what is known as open shelving. Do you like it? If not, no problem, just replace the old doors with new ones. Choose a new contemporary style that will look great for years to come.
3. Replace all Handles and Pulls
Changing all of your kitchen furniture hardware is a great way to start making some fresh changes. It’s also quite easy.
Plus, you’ll be surprised by how many styles, designs, colors, and sizes are available. All-new hardware can upgrade the appearance of nearly any kitchen.
4. Create an Accent Wall
Painting isn’t for everybody. If you’re not too keen on the idea of refinishing or painting your cabinets – but still desire giving your kitchen an updated look – try painting what’s called an “accent” wall instead.
Pick a single wall, possibly one between two others, and paint it a couple of shades darker than the corresponding colors. This will provide an elegant contrast. If you want to go loud, use a bright primary color. Anything goes as long as you like it.
5. Refine the Lighting
Like most households in the area and perhaps even the others you’ve lived in, the kitchen is lit solely by a single bright multi-bulb fixture in the center of the ceiling. It’s probably twenty-five years old, at least. It is time to bring the kitchen into the modern age.
A wonderful option is to install a pendant light. It can transform the environment, and you can find easy-to-install pendant lighting at very reasonable prices.
6. Replace Your Countertop
You might expect replacing your countertop to be prohibitive. But if you are unable to replace your cabinets and drawers, it is actually a cheaper alternative that can bring new life into the room. A brand-new laminate surface will only cost a few hundred dollars.
If you were hoping for a stone or marble countertop, but just can’t afford it, you may be surprised by some on the realistic imitation marble laminate brands have to offer. It’s the same look at a fraction of the cost.
7. Appliances as Decoration
Choose your appliances carefully. Look for color schemes that match your kitchen and make a statement. Maybe incorporate a few antique pieces, like an old sugar bowl or a vintage toaster. A nice coffee and tea set can also make a pleasant impression. Obviously, your refrigerator can be a major factor in how well your kitchen is perceived. Choose wisely.
8. Put in a Backsplash
The backsplash offers a limited area to work with, no more than forty square feet, often half that. That’s a good thing; you won’t have to put in too much effort, and it won’t break the bank. With so many options for backsplashes, you’ll really need to take some time to decide on what you want.
Tile it at just about a buck per square, and you’ll end up with something truly unique. Or, if you prefer, you may even wallpaper or paint the backsplash area. Remember to use paint that is heavy on the gloss—it will feature much-needed water resistance and is easy to wipe clean.
9. The Little Things…
Don’t forget those final touches that can make all the difference. The tasteful arrangement of your kitchen can spell the difference between elegance and sloppiness. If you have weathered old drapes, replace them immediately with new ones.
But take a minimalist approach; pick something with sparse fabric to limit the potential for water damage. Perhaps a new pull-down Roman shade makes a superior impression.
Also, be certain to have a rug in front of the sink. They add a bit of flavor, are comfortable, and you can wipe your feet off on them. They’re easily washable, so be certain to choose a durable one. Throw in an antique appliance or two, and you have established a kitchen worthy of a second look!
