Our kitchens take a beating. They see the most foot traffic, get the most use of just about any other room in the house, and as a result, experience the most wear and tear.
Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It is where everyone gathers to chat or gossip, and families convene after a long day of work and/or school. If you’ve lived in your home for a while, you might dream of renovating it but hate the idea of spending the money. The good news is that you don’t have to go broke seeking a new look.
We’ve scoured home improvement sites, read numerous forums, and spoken with family and friends for ways to create a new, upgraded look without breaking the bank.
Add a Backsplash
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One of the most impactful ways to change the appearance of a kitchen is to add a backsplash. This is something that’s relatively easy to do, especially if you have a little bit of know-how.
It also won’t cost you thousands of dollars. The tiles are pretty affordable and come in a variety of colors and sizes. You can go classic with a subway tile look or get fancy with a mosaic.
Paint Cabinetry
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A simple coat of paint is all it really takes to elevate your kitchen to the next level, and it’s something you can achieve in a weekend if you buckle down. To do it correctly, you’ll need to remove everything from the cabinets and take off the cabinet doors, as well.
Unless you’re willing to repaint the entire room, make sure you absolutely love the color of the paint and that it matches your existing decor scheme.
Replace Hardware
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Whether or not you choose to paint the cabinets, you can also create an instant new look with updated hardware. The handles and knobs likely won’t set you back very much, depending on how many you have to replace.
However, if you are going to replace the hardware, it’s a good idea to buy all of them at once, because you never know when the handles or knobs will go out of stock or be discontinued. This simple task could cost as little as $50 or as much as $500, depending on the style and brand you choose.
Eliminate Clutter with Hidden Storage
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Nothing makes a room look outdated and lackluster more than piles of clutter. If storage is a problem, now is the time to consider hidden options that will free up counter space.
Your local hardware store is likely your best bet, though you can find some options online. Pull-out storage kits are a great solution, or you can opt for special organizers, such as a lazy Susan or acrylic containers that fit in the cabinets.
Add Open Shelves
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Open shelves are a great way to add built-in storage, yet keep everything out in the open, adding dimension. Have a bunch of cast iron or frying pans that you simply can’t fit in the cabinets? Build a shelf to put them on. If your sink space is small, install a shelf over it to store your essentials.
Reupholster Chairs
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If you have an island with bar stools, you can easily update the look of your kitchen by reupholstering the chairs. You’ll want to do this anyway as time goes on, especially if the structure remains sturdy, but the fabric takes a beating.
The best part is you don’t even need to know how to sew to do this. You can simply staple new fabric around the seating area or buy slipcovers that add a new look.
Change Out Light Fixtures
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If you bought your home in the 1970s (or if it at least looks like you did), those light fixtures might be dating your home. A few hundred dollars could easily have the kitchen looking contemporary (or any other look you desire).
Changing out light fixtures isn’t difficult, but be sure to turn off the electricity when you do. If you don’t know what you’re doing, either ask someone who does or hire a pro — you’ll be glad you did!
Change Those Light Bulbs
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Sometimes, you don’t even need to change out the fixtures (but do if you want to!); just a bulb change will brighten up the space. You can even experiment with the types of bulbs you like best.
Since the kitchen is considered the heart of the home, brighter lights work best here but try to avoid fluorescent lighting, which can wash out the decor.
Hang Some Kitchen Artwork
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If you have blank walls, it’s time to remedy that! You can easily find statement pieces that won’t break the bank at local home goods stores or online.
Consider artwork or even a series of kitchen pieces, like large wooden cutlery or decorative cutting boards, to add a unique touch to your space.
Add an Island
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If you have the room and don’t already have an island, it might be time to add one. This can quickly update the look of a room, making it more modern or classic, and it gives you the added bonus of built-in storage.
Islands can be inexpensive if you have a simple design, or run a few hundred dollars if you opt for the sturdier ones that have more cabinet and shelf space.
Choose a Rug
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Rugs in the kitchen, say what? Believe it or not, it’ll transform the space and make it feel cozier, adding warmth.
The rug doesn’t have to be huge, just a simple statement piece that ties together your existing decor and color scheme. Definitely invest in a rug pad to prevent slipping, which can be dangerous, and avoid thick ones that could pose a tripping hazard.
Change the Countertops
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If you want to spend a bit of money and give your kitchen a fresh look, consider updating your countertops. If yours are worn, dated, and scratched to kingdom come, it will help bring your most-visited room back to life.
Do some research into the type of surface that benefits you. Granite is tough, but wood, for example, gives a more classic look.
