Upgrade Your Kitchen on a Budget

Renovating your kitchen can be a pricey project. A good rule of thumb is not to spend more than 15% of the total value of your home. Else, you may lose out when it’s time to sell. Here are some simple solutions to give your kitchen a new look without breaking the bank.

Upgrade your Kitchen Storage

Open shelves and floating box cabinets are easy kitchen upgrades. They provide good storage and a great display venue. This renovation idea also helps a small kitchen feel larger.

Pull out storage is another way to maximize space. Shelves that extend from a cabinet and pull-out pantries let you utilize every inch available. Remove cabinet doors and use stylish wicker baskets as another alternative.

Update your Kitchen Architecture

Accent your kitchen with beaded-board or tile. A very cost effective upgrade is adding a tile back splash. This is a great DIY project that will introduce color and protect your walls. Install beaded-board around your island (or just opposite sides). This easy upgrade will give your island a whole new feel.

Add a window to the adjoining room. Make sure nothing important (electrical, pluming, gas, etc.) is running through the wall and cut out a window. Frame it with molding for a polished look. This will help open up your kitchen and bring in light from the other room.

Update your Kitchen Style

A fresh coat of paint will go a long way. You can liven up a dark kitchen by painting the walls a bright color. Or renovate your cabinets with a new color and polyurethane finish. Lightly sand your cabinets, prime, paint and finish. If you like your cabinets, just paint the doors. Don’t have doors? Paint the interior for a striking backdrop. Incorporate stencils to add extra character. Distress wood with sandpaper or by adding small dents.

Upgrade your Kitchen Hardware

Purchasing new appliances can be costly. I highly recommend searching sites like Craig’s List for these items. We (Fred and I) have both picked up brand new refrigerators at unbelievable prices. But there’s other kitchen hardware that is much cheaper to upgrade. Change out your faucet. Make sure it looks good AND functions well. You’ll be using it everyday. Pick up new handles and knobs. Update that light fixture. Your local DIY center will have plenty of choices.

Re-purposed Dresser for a Kitchen Island

Most modern kitchens have an island. And you can too. Find a dresser or another appropriately sized piece of furniture. Select a countertop material. And anchor it to the floor. Add beaded-board around the outside to complete the disguise.

What do you think? What tips can you share?

Images courtesy of Macinate and OK-59 respectively.