Not every kitchen can get new cabinets and expensive countertops. If you are wanting a new look, here are some budget updates to make your kitchen more beautiful now!
So you don’t have the time or money (or frankly, the patience) for a big kitchen renovation? Don’t worry! There are many things that you can do on a budget to make the kitchen more beautiful and functional.
I can show you the easy way to increase the style in your current kitchen design. Let’s get started!
Get it painted
The easy answer whenever you want to make a change is to give it a fresh coat of paint. In the kitchen, this could be from the walls, to the ceiling, cabinets, floor, and beyond.
But no doubt, a new color will liven things up. And if you can do it yourself, nothing is more budget friendly than paint! Although painting an entire kitchen can feel daunting, it’s the same way you eat an elephant…one bite at a time.
For the cabinets, start with the cabinet doors, both sides, and then move onto the boxes and body sides. It does go quicker than you think, and can make such an incredible difference!
I have never painted kitchen countertops, but I have done ceramic tile in a bathroom and a slate floor in an entry. Using an epoxy paint is key, and there are many kits specifically made to making your current countertops look fresh and new. Grab a brush, and let that DIY “can-do” spirit take you towards the kitchen you’ve been wanting.
Switch up the hardware
It’s crazy that such a small thing can make such a big difference. But that is exactly what happens when you switch up the hardware in a kitchen.
Accessories and details like this really make a big change to the overall look, and it is such an easy upgrade. If you’re worried about all the other hardware not matching if you decide to switch metal colors, don’t fret! Many metals look great mixed and matched.
You can even resort to removing and spraying hinges, and other hardware to match your new look. I have done this with much success in the past. It’s a bit tedious of a job, removing all those screws, but with the help of a power drill, you’ll be done in no time!
I’m so glad you’re here
If you love to decorate your home, and create a unique space full of personal style OR if you are interested in learning how, then you are in the right place!
Let’s talk about home decor, vintage, how-to’s, and all the home inspiration to help you make your space a true reflection of YOU and your personal style!
We can solve design problems together. I’ll be sharing resources, tips, inspiration, and some ways I’ve learned to navigate thru the homemaking life.
Hey, Jill here. I’m excited to share my passion for design, vintage, and all things home. I look forward to hearing your questions and comments.
Update plumbing fixtures
A new faucet can make a big difference, in function and style. If you can afford the fixture and not the plumber, jump on YouTube and watch someone show you how to replace the fixture.
It’s easier than you think, but you just need to take care and follow instructions. That’s how I learned, and I have been changing things out with much success for a long time.
Hide or enclose your appliances
Of course everyone might want new appliances, but it’s not always in the budget. As long as they work, there is a way you can make your current appliances look a bit more upgraded. You can hide or enclose them.
First up, the refrigerator. If it sits on the end of a row of cabinets, think about enclosing it with a side piece of wood and an upper cabinet or cubby. You can always find baskets to fill that space above the fridge if a cabinet isn’t in your budget.
Or simply, make the space more shallow by applying a backing about 14″ back, and style out that area with large cutting boards, big bowls, and other oversized pieces you don’t use often.
The dishwasher can be disguised by putting a cabinet front on the face, or covering it with decorative metal. You can even paint the current finish, or cover it with a stylish pattern of temporary wallpaper.
If you don’t like the look of a clunky microwave over the stove, purchase a smaller, budget model that can be hidden in a pantry or a lower cupboard created somewhere else in the kitchen. That space can become available to do something special.
Make a statement range hood
If you want to have a focal point in your kitchen and can give up having a microwave above the stove, make a statement hood above the range. This change can make the rest of the kitchen seem like you’ve had a much bigger kitchen remodel.
Depending on it’s style, it can become a place to add seasonal decor on a shelf, or merely an attractive focal point for that mini kitchen makeover you’re finally getting.
Add some color
Personally, I have always loved bright kitchens. Our first home that we purchased back in 1984, was the only one that I ever had with wood cabinets. They fit the look of the house, but as we moved and upgraded over the years, I have always loved white cabinets.
But even with something as basic as white, adding color into your kitchen can enliven it and bring some excitement to that space that is the heart of the home. Whether you enjoy bright colors, more pastels, or tone on tone neutrals, adding color is a great way to amp up your personal style in your kitchen.
Remove and restyle upper cabinets
This can be a controversial choice, so proceed wisely knowing all the options. If you want the look of open shelves, but can’t bring yourself to actually remove any cabinets, simply opt out for removing the doors. This would be an important choice for resale, if you feel your market wouldn’t take kindly to actual open shelving.
However, as someone who has lived with open shelving that housed most of our everyday dishes, I can tell you that the easy access was most convenient. Dishes were frequently rotated and never got dirty.
I also loved the open feel it gave the space around the windows, and it added big style to the kitchen. I currently have one space with open shelving in my kitchen, and it is a nice spot to add more decorative features in the space. So if you like “stuff”, the decor space will serve you well.
Choose the right barstools
The kitchen is the most popular room in the house, and generally, the place where everyone likes to hang out. Investing in some comfortable and highly stylish barstools can really make your kitchen island shine!
Amazon has lots of great options of barstools and so does Home Depot. I always encourage my design clients to look for stylish barstools there. If you can order online, and if they don’t work out, they can always be returned to your local store.
Keep in mind, the right height of stool is most important. Choosing something that is different than what everyone else has can make your kitchen seem super special. I love my barstools and it’s a bonus that they are completely wipeable and durable.
Upgrade the backsplash
The backsplash can make or break the style of the kitchen. I have seen this time and again in clients homes. Sometimes, just making that one change can make the entire kitchen feel upgraded and new.
In my small kitchen up north at our cottage, adding a tile backsplash brought another charming layer to the space and protected the back walls from all the things that happen in that hardworking kitchen.
If you like things a bit more simple, adding a subway tile backsplash can give a bit of texture and a classic look without making a huge statement that you may want to change again 5 years down the road. Installing tile, with the right tools, is an easy DIY project that anyone can do.
Don’t forget the ceiling
Oh, so many times and in soooo many rooms, people forget about the ceiling. If you want to give your kitchen new life, look up!
Adding an interesting ceiling treatment or paneling, painting it a color, or adding pattern with wallpaper can change the whole look of your kitchen. After all, style is all in the details.
If your space is more of an open concept, consider adding a feature on the ceiling over the island for a lovely focal point in the kitchen.
Add special lighting
I can’t say enough about lighting, and how important a variety of high and low lighting is. And lighting choices should never be boring!
Think of statement pendant lighting, pretty lights over the table, under-cabinet lighting, and even a small lamp on the counter. Yes, you can put a lamp on your counter if you want.
At night time, when the kitchen is officially “closed”, it can serve as a pretty nightlight to get that last sip of milk before bedtime. In whatever room you are doing, special lighting is just as easy as adding something more pedestrian and boring. Always choose to make it unique.
Build some built-ins
If you have some blank walls in your kitchen, perhaps they can become more storage space? Adding built-ins will increase the storage and style in your kitchen.
In this space in our kitchen, the ‘before’ offered absolutely nothing for style or storage. In the ‘after’, built-ins created a temporary drop zone for my purse, storage for small appliances in a built-in window seat, and four more cabinets (uppers and lowers) to house all the things a kitchen needs.
We also had some open space in the nook, which became the ultimate storage space for my collection of ironstone and all my china. Don’t leave blank walls alone in your space. Consider a built-in and give yourself more storage.
Add some patina
Even though I love crisp white cabinets in the kitchen, I also love the important, but small detail of adding patina to the space.
You can do this with wood breadboards, baskets, and a variety of neutral tones found in pottery and china. Woods, metals, and other vintage accessories will add that pretty but lived in look of a storied space.
Clean it up and style it out
Yes, we can talk all day of how to add visual appeal to your space. However, sometimes the simple changes of a deep clean, purge and restyling a space can be all the kitchen update you need.
Begin by clearing off your counters and only placing back items that are used daily or weekly. Create areas that seem special; like a coffee station or drink bar. Next, think about how that space can become more stylish by adding layers.
Adding decorating layers like wallpaper, rugs, collections, vintage artwork, and meaningful accessories can add warmth and style to your kitchen. Remember how much your space is used and consider rugs that can be washed, or use outdoor rugs. They are quite durable and can be easily washed outside with a power washer or hose.
Layer with window treatments
Lastly, thoughtful updates and layers can bring your personal style to the kitchen. Don’t forget about window treatments, even drapes, or something as simple as a vintage towel turned kitchen curtain to freely blow in the breeze when the windows are open.
If your window is near where food is prepared, make sure your choice is something that can be easily washed or cleaned. Window treatments in the kitchen can not only provide light control and privacy, but offer a decorated feel to the space.
Making your kitchen more beautiful
You don’t need a full renovation to get the feel or look of a new kitchen. Implementing a few of these budget friendly ideas can get you closer to the kitchen you’ve always wanted, even if your space is smaller than desired.
It’s all about creating a personal style that suits you, with a function that makes your life easier. With a few thoughtful details, your kitchen can become more beautiful to you and a comforting space to spend time with your loved ones.
For more inspiration, follow along on these platforms. Tell me in the comments, what is your favorite thing about your kitchen?
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I love that! It is soooo great to have something that you love and that is meaningful. Thanks for sharing Jeannine!
The best thing about my kitchen is the vintage style wallpaper I put on the wall behind the fridge and stove. It’s bright and fun with red and yellow flowers. My cabinets are white so the combination is perfect. It always makes me happy when I’m in the kitchen or passing through!