Naomi Buchanan is our Junior Editor at Purdy Design. She is also an aspiring fashion designer and fashion marketing student, author, and speaker. She attended UCLA for undergrad and went on to purse a fashion design raduate degree fro Savannah College of Art and Design. Naomi has been studying fashion for several years and she has completed an internship program with UCLA's fashion department. She wants to help our readers uncover their own personal style through simple day-to-day closet transformations.
The kitchen is often the heart of the home—it’s where family meals are shared, homework gets done, and memories are made. So if you don’t completely love your kitchen, you may be thinking about doing some renovations. Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank to get a new kitchen. Here are some budget-friendly kitchen renovation ideas to consider.
Replace Hardware
You’d be surprised at how much changing the hardware on your kitchen cabinets can make a difference. If your hardware is outdated or simply not the color you want, you can get new hardware for a low amount of money and give your kitchen a whole new look.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
Painting is an easy and inexpensive way to give your kitchen a facelift. This can be especially beneficial if your current kitchen is dark and gloomy—a fresh coat of a light or bright paint can make your kitchen look brand new. You can even paint your cabinets instead of completely replacing them to stay under budget. If you’re a renter, always check with your landlord before painting.
Get Rid of Cabinet Doors
The “open shelf” look is trending right now and you can change the overall feeling and look of your kitchen by removing cabinet doors. You can proudly display your personal property in your kitchen, like decorative plates or teacups. Or you can get rid of your cabinets altogether and get open shelving to store your kitchen possessions. Either way, open cabinets, and shelving will make your home feel more modern.
Put Up a Backsplash
If you don’t want to paint but still want to add a fun element to your kitchen, consider putting up a backsplash. Backsplashes come in all sorts of colors and patterns so you can choose one that fits your style. A backsplash will not only make it feel like you have a newer home, but it will protect your walls from food splatters, too. They even make peel-and-stick backsplash options that are renter-friendly.
Replace Light Coverings
Rather than replacing entire light fixtures, which can have a high replacement cost, consider just replacing the light coverings. You can find light shades and covers at the lowest price possible and will give your outdated kitchen a more modern look.
Hang Some Curtains
If your windows are bare, consider handing some colorful curtains. This can be an easy way to add some style to the kitchen and can help with your home security system by preventing people from looking into your home.
Clean Your Appliances
Appliances can be expensive to replace so it’s always best to keep them if possible. If your appliances still work and aren’t old enough to cause a flood, just give them a really good scrubbing to make them shine. You may even be able to use contact paper to give appliances a new look.
And if your appliances are a little old and worn, make sure your homeowner insurance is updated. Appliances can break down, resulting in a flood or even a fire. Working with the right home insurance companies will give you cheap home insurance that will give you the coverage you need to protect your home.
Give Old Furniture a New Look
If you have old chairs and tables, you might be able to simply fix them up a bit rather than replacing them. You can add new fabric to chairs and a fresh coat of stain to tables—this can make it feel like you have brand new furniture.
Decorate the Room
One of the easiest ways to make it look and feel like you have a new home is by decorating. You can hang your favorite fine art prints, add some fresh flowers to countertops, and even make some other decor pieces if you’re crafty. By simply adding some decor that you love, this can help you love your kitchen.
You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to have a kitchen you love—consider these simple ways to make your kitchen look brand new. And if you want to protect your newly renovated kitchen, make sure to find cheap home and contents insurance with iSelect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I remodel my kitchen for cheap?
Remodeling your kitchen on a budget is possible by considering cost-effective options such as replacing hardware, adding a fresh coat of paint, or opting for open shelving instead of cabinets. Additionally, you can explore DIY projects, shop for deals on materials, and prioritize essential updates over luxury upgrades.
What is a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel?
The cost of a kitchen remodel can vary depending on factors such as the size of the kitchen, materials used, and extent of renovations. A realistic budget for a kitchen remodel can range from a few thousand dollars for minor updates to tens of thousands for more extensive renovations. It’s essential to assess your needs, set priorities, and research costs to create a budget that works for you.
Is kitchen renovation worth it?
Yes, kitchen renovation can be worth it both in terms of personal enjoyment and increased home value. A well-designed and updated kitchen can enhance your daily living experience, improve functionality, and potentially boost the resale value of your home.
How can I update my kitchen cheaply?
Updating your kitchen on a budget can be achieved through various strategies such as painting cabinets, replacing hardware, adding a backsplash, and focusing on small but impactful changes. Additionally, consider DIY projects, shopping for affordable materials, and repurposing existing items to save money.
How much does it cost to redo a kitchen on a budget?
The cost of redoing a kitchen on a budget can vary depending on the scope of renovations and the chosen materials. However, budget-friendly kitchen renovations typically range from a few thousand dollars to around $20,000, depending on factors such as the size of the kitchen and the extent of updates needed.
What is a good budget for a kitchen remodel?
A good budget for a kitchen remodel depends on your specific needs, preferences, and financial situation. Generally, allocating 5% to 15% of your home’s value to a kitchen remodel is a common guideline. However, it’s essential to consider factors such as your desired level of renovation, local market conditions, and available financing options when setting a budget.
Why are kitchen renovations so expensive?
Kitchen renovations can be expensive due to various factors, including the cost of materials, labor, and structural changes. Additionally, factors such as customizations, high-quality finishes, and unforeseen issues during construction can contribute to increased costs. To manage expenses, prioritize essential updates, compare quotes from multiple contractors, and consider cost-saving alternatives.
How much should I budget for a new kitchen and bathroom renovation?
Budgeting for a new kitchen and bathroom renovation depends on several factors, including the size of the spaces, desired upgrades, and local market prices. As a general guideline, allocating 20% to 25% of your home’s value to both kitchen and bathroom renovations combined is a common recommendation. However, it’s essential to assess your specific needs and consult with professionals to determine an appropriate budget.
How to budget for a kitchen renovation by percentages?
Budgeting for a kitchen renovation by percentages involves allocating a certain percentage of your total budget to different aspects of the project, such as materials, labor, and contingency. For example, you might allocate 40% to 50% of your budget to materials, 30% to 35% to labor, and 10% to 15% to contingency. Adjust these percentages based on your priorities, project scope, and any additional expenses.
How to renovate a small kitchen on a budget?
Renovating a small kitchen on a budget requires careful planning and prioritization. Start by identifying essential updates such as improving storage, maximizing space efficiency, and enhancing functionality. Consider cost-effective options such as painting cabinets, adding storage solutions, and upgrading fixtures. Additionally, explore DIY projects and shop for deals on materials to minimize costs while achieving a refreshed and functional small kitchen.
More in Home & Style, Inspiration, Interior Design
