Home renovation projects don’t come cheap, but if your kitchen needs a makeover, there are a multitude of ways you can cut the cost while still getting gorgeous results.
From canny cabinetry to refreshing your flooring, we’ve got everything you need to know about updating your dining and cooking space for much less than you’d normally pay.
Budgeting
Before diving into the decor, it’s important to first work out the cost of kitchen remodel tasks. Whatever your budget, it can be easy to get carried away. Before you do anything, outline the scope of your kitchen project, define your budget, and aim to stay within that limit.
Get Rid of Bland Walls
White kitchens are timeless, and they’re a great option if you want something that appeals to potential buyers. However, if you want something a little more daring, a fresh coat of paint can give your kitchen a completely new look. Deep, rich colors like hunter green, soft navy or plum can look surprisingly chic, even in smaller spaces.
Colorful Cabinets
You could paint your cabinets a matching color, or alternatively, why not use a contrasting shade and make a feature out of them? Two-tone color schemes can add a modern, fresh touch to kitchens, helping to add visual interest while maintaining a cohesive, harmonious look.
Fabulous Floors
No longer limited to linoleum, kitchen-owners now have a world of flooring options at their fingertips (or rather, feet). In addition to materials like vinyl and cork, updating your wooden flooring by hiring a floor buffer or adding a fresh coat of paint is well worth the effort.
Update Your Appliances
Depending on the state of your existing appliances, there’s no need to replace them all at once, but if you do need a new stove or refrigerator, there’s ways to do it without breaking the bank. In addition to sales events and online deals, refurbished or “open-box” appliances can help you save some extra cash.
Budget Backsplashes
If you’re considering updating your backsplash, consider alternative materials to ceramic tiles, such as reinforced glass or metal sheeting. For a quick change, a grout pen can refresh your backsplash within mere minutes, whether in white or a cool contrasting hue. Alternatively, adhesive tiles are chic, simple, easy to remove, and a great option if you’re renting.
Let the Light In
In kitchens, lighting serves a number of purposes: while you’re cooking, it’s important to see what you’re doing, but if your kitchen doubles as a space for cozy dining or entertainment, bright lights might be too harsh. Adding options like additional softer, brighter or dimmable lighting lets you adjust the ambience accordingly.
Add Some Flair
It’s those small finishing touches that give a renovation project that extra something, so when rounding off your projects, don’t skip out on the details. Add some shiny new hardware, or remove it altogether to create a sleek, handleless look.
Finally, add some plants to bring the outdoors inside (if you have pets, make sure they’re non-toxic). Plants that thrive well in humidity (such as ferns) are a great choice for kitchens. For a truly multipurpose addition, herb gardens (or even edible flowers) fill your kitchen with fragrance, with the added bonus of fresh ingredients as you cook.
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