Remodeling your kitchen can have a huge impact on its aesthetics and its functionality, and it can also add thousands of dollars of value to your home. However, the up-front investment can be daunting. Fortunately, there are dozens of easy ways to upgrade your kitchen that don’t require you to take out a second mortgage to pay for it. Below are just a few cheap kitchen remodel ideas.
Leave the basic layout alone
If you don’t have a ton of cash to pour into your kitchen makeover, don’t try to make major changes to your current layout. Relocating critical plumbing services such as the dishwasher, sink and refrigerator will require you to hire a plumber, while changing the location of major appliances like refrigerators and lighting will entail rewiring the kitchen and replacing drywall. If possible, leave the existing footprint in place and simply tinker with the margins.
Refresh—don’t replace—your cabinets
Replacing your kitchen cabinets can be a massive expense that eats up the majority of your renovation budget. If they’re still in good structural shape, consider refreshing them with one of several budget-friendly upgrades.
Adding a new coat of paint—especially bright white or trendy gray—can completely change the overall look of your kitchen. Replacing or removing the doors can also give them a fresh feel, as can replacing the existing handles with eye-catching glass, matte nickel or burnished bronze hardware.
Swap out your countertops
New countertops give your kitchen an instant facelift and don’t have to break the bank. If you love the look of granite, visit a granite supply yard and look at their remnants. Quartz and high-definition laminate can also be an attractive yet affordable alternative to marble or granite.
“Get thrifty” is one of the most crucial cheap kitchen remodel ideas
Thrift shops, antique stores and flea markets can be an excellent source for reasonably-priced reclaimed materials. You might refinish a door or window pane to enhance your décor or find vintage fixtures and hardware to give your space a unique look. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination and creativity.
Let in some light
Enhancing and upgrading lighting can quickly make your kitchen look like a completely different room. Stylish pendant lights can brighten the space and set the tone for a broader design theme, while under-cabinet lighting is not only functional, but aesthetically pleasing as well.
Add pops of color with accent pieces
Brightly-colored accent pieces can add visual interest to an otherwise neutrally-toned room. Select a vibrant hue like mint green, sunny yellow or tomato red and paint items like chairs and shelves to match. You can often find small appliances like toasters and stand mixers in these colors as well. Curtains, towels or a stack of plates in the same bright color help to complete the look.
Look for “new to you” appliances
“Scratch and dent” and refurbished appliances from big-box appliance stores can save you a bundle over brand-new items. If your city has a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, stop by to see if anything in stock will work for your new kitchen. Craigslist can also be a source for great deals, but be sure to test appliances carefully to ensure they’re in good working condition.
If you feel like splurging, try a touchless kitchen faucet
Touchless kitchen faucets are an incredible benefit to any list of cheap kitchen remodel ideas. While these might break the bank a bit, the convenience factor will more than make up for the expense associated. Check out our guide to the best touchless kitchen faucets for more information, complete guides, product reviews and more.