If you are staring at dated cabinets or floors and thinking you can’t afford a kitchen revamp, think again!
Focusing on surface-level changes like repainting cabinets, replacing hardware, updating the backsplash, or upgrading your countertops can be affordable ways to revamp your kitchen.
Let’s look at your options for an affordable kitchen revamp.
Budget-Friendly Kitchen Revamp Ideas
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.
1. Repaint 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 different look?
Simply remove them and repaint or refinish them.
Many tutorial videos online walk you through the process step by step. Although this task may sound easy, it is hard to do right.
2. Replace cabinet doors
If 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.
You now have what is known as open shelving.
Do you like it? If not, that is no problem.
You can just replace the old doors with new ones. Choose a new contemporary style that will look great for years to come.
3. Replace the kitchen hardware
Changing your kitchen furniture hardware is a great way to start making fresh changes, and it’s also relatively easy.
Plus, you’ll be surprised by the many styles, designs, colors, and sizes available. All-new hardware can upgrade the appearance of nearly any kitchen.
4. Create an accent wall
Creating an accent wall can dramatically enhance the overall aesthetics of your kitchen.
Affordable kitchen accent wall options:
- Painted accent wall
- Peel and stick wallpaper
- Wood paneling or Faux Shiplap
If you’re not too keen on the idea of refinishing or painting your cabinets but still desire to give your kitchen an updated look, try painting an “accent” wall instead.
Pick a single wall, possibly one between two others, and paint it a few 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.
You can also opt for other DIY-friendly options like the use of peel and stick wallpaper and wood paneling.
5. Upgrade 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 the countertop
You might expect replacing your countertop to be prohibitive. But if you cannot replace your cabinets and drawers, simply replacing your countertops is 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 of the realistic imitation marble laminate brands available. They offer the same look at a fraction of the cost.
7. Appliances as decoration
Replacing your existing appliances with a fresh set of stainless steel appliances can be a great way to update to look of your kitchen.
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.
Yet with so many backsplash options, you’ll need time to decide what you want.
Tile it at just about a buck per square, and you’ll end up with something unique.
Or, if you prefer, you may even wallpaper or paint the backsplash area. Remember to use heavy paint on the gloss—it will feature much-needed water resistance and is easy to wipe clean.
9. Flooring fixes
Your flooring options range from porcelain tile to engineered wood and LVP.
If you think your old linoleum floor is an eyesore, try choosing a peel-and-stick luxury vinyl planks (LVP) over it. They are easy to install without the need for additinal glue and fasteners. Most importantly, they are waterproof, durable and can be used for modern, transitional and traditional kitchen styles.
But of course, you still have to consider your overall kitchen design when choosing a flooring material.
10. Don’t forget 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 flavor and are comfortable, and you can wipe your feet 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!
Conclusion
Giving your kitchen a refreshed look does not have to be a complete overhaul. You only have to make smart, creative choices to do an affordable kitchen revamp. No need to make changes to the core structure and layout.
You can transform your kitchen aesthetics by making surface-level changes such as repainting cabinets, replacing hardware and upgrading your lighting.
By making these changes, your dream kitchen might just be a weekend away.
