How to Get a New Kitchen on a Tight Budget

The kitchen is often the beating heart of a home. Much more than a place where meals are prepared, the kitchen is often the gathering place for the family. It’s where the kids do their homework, where the adults create delicious dinners and riveting discussions take place around the wide countertops. If you’ve got a little bit of money to spare, it makes sense to sink it into kitchen improvements.

Image credit: Faceyourkitchen.com

Kitchen improvement on a shoestring budget

These simple, affordable fixes can fit into the tightest budgets and make your kitchen look like a brand-new place for the family to enjoy.

1. Give it some color. Choose an area of your kitchen that you want to stand out as a focal point, then paint that area in a color that contrasts nicely with the rest of the kitchen. This is a great option for built-in hutches and open-shelf cupboards.
2. Make your lights work harder. Many kitchens have high overhead lighting that doesn’t do much for food prep. Pendant lights that bring the illumination down to the work surface can do wonders for prep work and the overall look. You can also consider pulley lights that can be moved around to accommodate whatever you need them to do.
3. Change up the cabinets. A good cabinet refacing can make your kitchen look like a brand-new space. Replace the doors if you can afford to do so; if not, then simply give them a fresh coat of paint, new stain or eye-popping hardware.
4. Look underfoot. Vinyl tiles can allow you to replace the floor in a weekend. If you have a smooth floor, consider making it pop with a burst of bright paint. Neither of those is your style? Look into hardwood laminate for a cheaper version of the old classic.
5. Cover up the dishwasher. Does your dishwasher stick out like a sore thumb? Make it match your kitchen cabinet styles by installing a simple panel that mimics the look of your kitchen cabinets. Wood veneer is great for this.
6. Create an island. A butcher block portable island can provide plenty of prep room, storage underneath and a nice new look for your kitchen.
7. Up the countertop ante. Replace that worn, tired countertop with laminate in a bright color. A fresh color that happens to match your appliances can create a seamless look.
8. Hide it all. Install an appliance garage to hide the necessities of everyday life that you don’t like to see cluttering your counter, such as blenders and toasters.
9. Look up. The ceilings are rarely considered during a kitchen remodel, but they can make a big impact if they get noticed. Try installing wood paneling or white beadboard on the ceiling for a very different, cozy look.
10. Add a pantry. Need more space? Try a simple bookcase as a pantry, or look for creative ways to use the area above your cabinets or below your sink. With some unique rearranging, the options might be endless.

Take your time in deciding which of these improvements would look best for your kitchen, then make the small renovation a family affair. Your kitchen will look great in no time, and your pocketbook will thank you.

About Shannon Dauphin

Shannon Dauphin has written 13 posts in this blog.

Shannon Dauphin is a journalist and occasional novelist with a serious weakness for real estate. Her current home was built in 1901, so home repair and renovation have become her necessary hobbies.

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