The kitchen is typically the first area homeowners tackle when undertaking a home improvement project. Whether it entails replacing old appliances, refinishing the floors or simply adding a coat of paint the walls, renovating the kitchen not only provides a pleasing environment but may increase the value of your home as well. While completely stripping your kitchen and starting from scratch can be expensive, there are numerous ways to improve its functionality and appearance while remaining within your budget. In addition, many of these projects can be completed yourself and within a short period of time. Below are some kitchen design ideas that can help you stay within your budget.
1. Use Laminates
Laminates are not just for flooring; however, they can be an inexpensive alternative to wood flooring. It’s essential to use high quality laminate to avoid peaking and buckling as well as manufacturer defects. Laminate flooring can offer the beauty of traditional wood flooring and is available in virtually any natural wood style and color. Glueless laminate flooring is easy to install and repair should one of the planks become damaged. Other types of laminates offer cost savings as well. For example metallic laminates are available that mimic copper, brass, stainless steel and other metals. They can be used on tiles to create a backsplash or cover the surfaces of appliances.
2. Paint Kitchen Cabinets
If your kitchen cabinets have become worn, dull or outdated, a fresh coat of paint can give them new life. It offers a much less expensive option than replacing your cabinets. All you need is a couple of gallons of paint and some paint brushes. You can usually find these for a reasonable price at your local hardware store. You can create dramatic changes by choosing a new color scheme. Try using two colors to break up the monotony or to tie various elements of the room together. For example, if you have a door that is painted a dark color in a kitchen where the remainder of the room is white, painting a portion of the cabinets the same color as the door can help pull the space together. If your cabinets are structurally sound, you may also consider sanding and staining them.
3. Creative Shelving
Installing shelves is an easy and inexpensive kitchen makeover. Open shelves can be designed to match the current theme of your kitchen. They also provide a more spacious feel to small, narrow kitchens. You can even create open shelves from your existing cabinets by removing the doors and sanding and painting the interior. This will allow you to display your fine china and collectable glassware. Installing additional shelves is a low cost option for adding storage space. They also allow you to display personal items or other accessories for decoration. Shelves can be added to a pantry to organize supplies as well. If you have a recessed area in your kitchen, this space provides an outstanding location for built in shelves.
4. Upgrade Lighting Fixtures
Lighting can change the entire appearance of a room. It can be used to draw the eye to specific details or enhance the mood. The fixtures themselves are often decorative and can make a room more appealing. Pendant lights are an affordable and attractive option for updating your kitchen lighting. Wall sconces are decorative and can make the room appear much lighter since they push light up the wall and across the ceiling. To light up work areas or other normally dark sections of the kitchen, install small light fixtures overhead. Shopping around for a unique light fixture at a budget friendly price may pay off with a high end look for your kitchen.
5. Freshen Window Treatments
Window treatments are one of the least expensive options for upgrading the appearance of your kitchen. There are innumerable styles and colors from which to choose, but the colors and patterns should complement the décor of your kitchen. Window treatments also provide privacy. Shutters, blinds and shades are popular choices that can be opened to allow more light into the room or closed for privacy. These can be coupled with a colorful valence or scarf to make the room more visually appealing. Swags are also a favorite for dressing up kitchen windows. Although polyester materials are less expensive, linen and cotton offer greater longevity. You may also want to try getting a little creative with the curtain rods.
6. Hardware Offers a Finishing Touch
Drawer handles and cabinet knobs can enhance the appearance of cabinetry. Don’t opt for poor quality parts that will easily break and detract from the appearance of your kitchen. Sturdy hardware is not that expensive. Rather than shopping at home improvement stores, you’ll have greater success finding appealing, durable parts at a small hardware store or antique shop. Exchanging plain faceplates on light switches will add an elegant touch to the room. Sink hardware can build up calcium and other minerals over time, making it appear dull and dingy. A new faucet can be installed in a short time and will give a fresh appearance to your kitchen.
7. Opt for Used Materials
If those granite or marble countertops are a must but they’re completely out of your price range, try shopping at a salvage store. You can score huge savings on stone countertops, commercial ovens and refrigerators as well as other accessories for your kitchen. Flea markets and antique shops are other sources for light fixtures, window treatments, small appliances and dish ware. You may find items with a small scratch or that need paint that you can get for a discounted price. Purchasing items that only need a simple repair can add up to substantial savings on your kitchen redesign.
2 Point Highlight
While completely stripping your kitchen and starting from scratch can be expensive, there are numerous ways to improve its functionality and appearance while remaining within your budget.
You can score huge savings on stone countertops, commercial ovens and refrigerators as well as other accessories for your kitchen.
