Renovating a kitchen is often a significant expense. That is, if you entirely overhaul the space and start fresh with new appliances and furnishings. But if your budget will only allow more modest renovations, don’t fret! There are plenty of ways to enhance your space without breaking the bank.
Budget-Friendly Kitchen Improvements
Replacing all of your items and furnishings with brand-new materials drives up the price. Try these DIY tips instead.
Refurbish or Repurpose
Tearing out cabinets and ripping up floors can greatly impact your budget. Not only do you have to invest in new replacement items, but you also have to pay the cost of removal and disposal of the old ones. Instead, give your existing furnishing some TLC. Depending on your skill level, this can include painting the walls or repairing and resurfacing cabinets. Items from other rooms in your home, or things you have in storage, can be repurposed too; such as rugs or shelving.
Saving money on large-ticket items can allow you to spend on smaller, yet still impactful, changes. For example, after freshening up your cabinets, you can purchase updated hardware to complete your new look. You’ll be surprised how big of a difference a coat of paint and fresh knobs and drawer pulls can make.
Adjust the Layout Wisely
Going from one layout to an entirely different one often comes with a high price tag. When plumbing and electrical components need to be moved, skilled labor is required, driving up costs.
Retaining the existing layout will have the smallest impact on your budget. You can keep things where they are and simply update aspects within the footprint. If you do want to make changes to your floor plan, consider how to do so without having to move things like the dishwasher or stove. If you have to add a new electrical outlet for a fridge or microwave move, it’s usually not a big deal, but skip the changes that need plumbing or gas line work.
Repair, Don’t Replace
It can be tempting to buy a new appliance as soon as your old one shows signs of wear. However, new refrigerators, dishwashers, and ranges are expensive. Additionally, the old one must be disposed of, which usually means it’s sold for scrap or, most commonly, landfilled.
Depending on the issue, many appliances can be repaired. In some cases, you, as the homeowner, can even make the repairs yourself. Microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, and water softeners are all appliances that don’t have to be scraped at the first sign of a problem. Taking the time to repair instead of replace can save you dollars and help you do your part to save the planet.
Make Decor Do Most of the Work
Lighting, decor, and lower-cost aesthetic changes like backsplashes are a great way to enhance your space for less. Start with a focal point, such as an eye-catching task light or even a piece of artwork, and then build out from there.
A few copper, bronze, or brass accessories can help warm up the space, while white ceramics offer that high-contrast pop you are looking for. For less than $100, a few window treatments, such as a natural texture shade or a splashy valance, can give your space an entirely new look. If you have room to splurge, consider a larger, statement-making addition, like a coffee bar or gallery wall. Alternatively, DIY’ing a bar with a base cabinet that includes an under-cabinet beverage fridge and floating shelves for glassware is a stylish kitchen accessory that’s easier to create than you may think!
There are ways to make your old kitchen look fresh and new, regardless of your price point. Skilled craftsmen and contractors can make even tiresome materials look amazing, often making it worth it to pay for skilled labor instead of expensive materials if you’re remodeling your kitchen on a budget.








