Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home. Upgrading it can lead to an improved home environment. It can make entertaining easier and more fun and enhance the culinary process. An upgrade will also improve home aesthetics.
Additionally, a kitchen upgrade adds value to your home. A minor remodel allows you to recoup 96.1% in costs, a midrange model can produce a 49.5% ROI, and an upscale remodel can lead to 38% reclaimed costs.
Best of all, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg updating your kitchen. There are plenty of easy kitchen upgrades that don’t cost a lot and may not even require you to hire a professional. This article will review what you can do to upgrade your kitchen without breaking the bank.
Why Upgrade Your Kitchen?
There are several reasons why you might want to upgrade your kitchen. Here are a few to consider.
- Increased Home Value: A kitchen remodel can considerably increase home value. Buyers look for energy-efficient appliances, plenty of cabinet space, and an easy culinary process when they are home shopping. You can easily make back the money you spend when it’s time to sell.
- Improved Functionality: You can rearrange your kitchen to make it easier to cook. Update cabinet space to make items easy to find. Add a rack so pots and pans will be accessible when you need them. Or change the layout so you can easily navigate through the household.
- Better Aesthetics: Improve aesthetics by adding a backsplash, hardware, or repainting. A beautiful kitchen is sure to put a smile on your face every time you see it.
Budget-Friendly Upgrades for a Stylish Kitchen
As previously mentioned, kitchen upgrades don’t have to be expensive. Here are a few budget-friendly upgrades that will transform your kitchen.
1) Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
A fresh coat of paint can change the look of your kitchen dramatically. According to Fixr.com, the cost to paint a kitchen ranges from $400 to $1200 depending on the size of the kitchen, the type of paint, and whether paint removal is necessary. However, you can make painting even more affordable by doing it yourself.
Today’s designers are getting adventurous with kitchen paint colors. Purple basil, mauve, and dusty red are just some of the latest trends. Which color will you choose?
2) Update Cabinet Hardware
You may be surprised to find how much changing-out cabinet hardware can transform your kitchen. A few simple screws can make a dramatic difference. New hardware can also improve functionality if the ones you have are breaking or difficult to use.
According to House Beautiful, the latest kitchen hardware trends include:
- Wooden knobs: for a great rustic look.
- Black stainless: luxurious and modern.
- Mixed metals: for an industrial meets boho chic appeal.
Explore the possibilities to determine which is best suited to your taste.
3) Install a New Backsplash
A backsplash can be a great central point of your kitchen design. It also protects the wall from food splashes. Current trends include subway tiles, black with white grout, and any tiles that produce an eye-catching design.
Backsplash installations typically start at $700, but if you are handy, you can DIY the project. Get some grout, tiles, and a few inexpensive tools to create a unique design that will be impossible to duplicate.
Functionality Upgrades to Make Your Kitchen More Efficient
So far, we have discussed upgrades that will make your kitchen more attractive. However, you can also upgrade for efficiency making the culinary process much easier to deal with. Here are some suggestions.
4) Instant Pull Out Shelves and Drawers
Slide-out shelves and drawers make items easy to find and provide more storage space. In case you are unfamiliar, here’s how they work.
The shelves live behind your cabinet doors. Open a door, and you will encounter a series of slide-out shelves.
You will no longer worry about items that are impossible to find because they are buried deeply in a drawer or cabinet. With slide-out shelves, you can access everything.
According to Bob Vila, it costs between $140 and $350 to install pull-out shelves in your kitchen cabinets. It’s a small investment considering how much it will contribute to your kitchen’s value and functionality.
5) Add a Lazy Susan
A Lazy Susan is a rotating storage plate that can be placed inside cabinets to hold various items including canned food, spices, and some cookware. Like pull-out shelves, they make items more accessible. The spinning functionality means you can find items that would otherwise be buried more easily.
A Lazy Susan can also double as a serving dish. Place one in the center of your dining table. Guests can spin them around to access items without having to say, “Pass the salt.”
6) Upgrade to Soft Close Drawers
Soft close drawers enhance any kitchen with a sense of luxury. Here are some benefits they provide.
- They produce less noise and a smoother opening and closing experience.
- The soft-close prevents scratches on the backing cabinet.
- The drawers don’t wear out as quickly.
- Contents stay in place due to the smooth glide functionality.
7) Add Under-Cabinet Lighting
Under cabinet lighting is installed under cabinets to shed light on the counter space below. They ensure you can see what you’re doing when preparing food. The lighting also enhances kitchen aesthetics.
Undercabinet lighting installation typically ranges from $230 to $300, but you can save money by installing it yourself.
Style Upgrades for a Chic Kitchen
These style upgrades will elevate your kitchen to luxury status.
8) Swap Out Old Appliances
Swapping out old appliances will do more than save you money on your power bills. It can make your kitchen more stylish. Contemporary appliances are now available in a wide range of colors and feature aesthetics that run from vintage to sleek and modern.
Add them to your kitchen to produce a wow factor.
9) Upgrade Countertops
Admittedly updating countertops can be an expensive endeavor typically ranging from $1800 to $4500. However, you can stay on the affordable side by using economic materials.
For example, quartz and granite are on the upper range of kitchen cabinet replacement. They are highly durable and look terrific. However, you can also opt for butcher block, a reliable wood that will hold up well for various culinary needs.
10) Incorporate Open Shelving
Open shelving is the latest trend in country kitchen designs. It produces a spacious look in the kitchen and makes dishes, pots, and pans easier to find. The best thing about installing open shelving is that it is as simple as hanging shelves.
Another option is to create a similar aesthetic by removing cabinet doors. You can replace them with glass or leave them open for easy access.
11) Install Statement Lighting
In the past, kitchens were traditionally illuminated by harsh overhead lights. Today, that is changing. People are favoring statement lights over the ordinary.
Pendant lights are a common option because they light up designated spaces without taking up precious real estate. You can make even more of a statement with a full-on chandelier. Recessed lighting is another option that’s ideal for modern kitchens.
Eco-Friendly Kitchen Upgrades
You may also update your kitchen to make it eco-friendly. Environmental upgrades typically save money and can make your home more desirable to buyers. Here are a few you can try.
12) Switch to Energy Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances are an investment, but they save money in the long run considering the power bill savings and the increase in home value. For instance, you may install:
- Energy-Efficient Refrigerators: These refrigerators may adjust compressor speed according to cooling demands to save money.
- Energy-Efficient Dishwashers: These models have soil sensors that sense how dirty your dishes are to dispense water accordingly. They also use less energy than traditional dishwashers.
- Energy-Efficient Stoves and Ovens: These appliances use advanced insulation and heating technology to heat food quickly and more evenly. They may also have self-cleaning functions which burn off residue saving money in the long run.
13) Install a Water Filtration System
A water filtration system is installed where your main water line enters your home. It reduces contaminants in the water reducing the risk of illness.
It is also an eco-friendly solution as it reduces the need to use water bottles. Water bottles are made of non-biodegradable plastic which can get into soil and waterways and endanger animals. A water filtration system may be expensive to install, averaging around $2900, but it will save you money on water bottle purchases and possibly medical bills.
14)Choose Sustainable Materials
You may also choose to integrate sustainable materials in your kitchen. For example, reclaimed wood and bamboo are ideal eco-friendly cabinet materials. While other materials, like natural stone and stainless steel, may require some manufacturing, they make up for in durability.
Sustainable materials tend to last longer reducing maintenance and replacement costs. They will also increase value for eco-friendly home buyers.
Space-Saving Upgrades for Small Kitchens
If your kitchen is small, you may consider making updates to save space. Doing so will make the kitchen look more spacious and provide more counter space to work in. Here are a few helpful suggestions.
15) Install Vertical Storage Solutions
If you can’t build out due to limited real estate, build up. Here are some examples:
- Hanging Racks: Hanging racks can be affixed to the wall. They are ideal for holding pots and pans.
- Tall Cabinets: Cabinets can be extended to the ceiling to take advantage of extra storage space. Avoid placing items you use often up too high.
- Shelves: Hang shelves close to the ceiling to store various kitchen goods.
16) Use Multifunction Furniture
Multi-function furniture can save you space and money. Here are some options to consider.
- Storage Islands: If you have room for an island, invest in one that offers plenty of drawer and cabinet space.
- Sink and Cutting Board Combos: Many sinks feature cutting boards that you can pull over the basin to chop food.
- Cabinet and cutting board options: Cabinets often feature pull-out cutting boards. Some extend so far that they can double as a breakfast table.
17) Invest in a Folding Table or Island
A folding table or island can easily be folded or stored away when it’s not in use. You can also get a rolling table or island that you can move into another room to access more space when necessary.
The Importance of Proper Lighting
Lighting is so important in the kitchen. It ensures you can see what you are doing when you prepare food. While kitchen lighting used to be harsh and bright, there are now several options available producing a more ambient effect.
18) Use Task Lighting for Work Areas
Task lighting is essential in any kitchen. It illuminates work areas so you can see the food you are preparing. There are various types of task lighting you can use including:
- Undercabinet Lighting: Undercabinet lighting ensures light is directed on much-used counter space.
- Pendant Lighting: Pendant lighting can be positioned directly over countertops or islands to ensure your workspace is illuminated.
- Accent Lighting: Small spotlights and track lighting can light up key areas while maintaining a sense of ambiance in the kitchen.
19) Layer Lighting with Ambient and Accent Lighting
Many designers produce a refined aesthetic with layered lighting. It ensures there’s illumination at every layer of the kitchen. You can turn lights on and off to provide task lighting at various levels without making the kitchen overly bright.
A great example of layered lighting involved a combination of pendant, undercabinet, and overhead lighting. Undercabinet lighting illuminates counter space. Pendant lighting lights up kitchen islands. Overhead lighting provides a holistic effect.
Smart Kitchen Upgrades for the Tech-Savvy
For tech-savvy designers, the kitchen won’t be complete without culinary technology. Here are some of the latest trends in kitchen tech.
20) Install a Smart Thermostat for Your Kitchen
A smart thermostat will automate your heating and air conditioning based on the weather, your schedule, and your preferences. It can detect when you're home and ensure the home is comfortable. The thermostat will save energy and analyze energy usage.
Smart thermostats are ideal because they can adjust your home temperature to account for cooking. However, they should not be placed too close to the kitchen. The heat of the kitchen can interfere with accuracy.
21) Upgrade to a Smart Refrigerator
A smart refrigerator can do many things like:
- Monitor Contents: Smart fridges have sensors that monitor the food in your fridge and detect when items are expiring. You can access this information remotely to ensure you are always prepared on grocery trips.
- Send Alerts: Your smart fridge can tell you when the door is open, when the power goes out, and when food is expiring.
- Adjust Settings: The fridge can adjust its settings ensuring optimal temperature and humidity.
- Suggest Recipes: It can suggest recipes based on the items you have in your fridge.
- Share Information: You can use smart fridge functionalities to share photos, shopping lists, and calendars with family members.
Create More Storage Space with These Simple Upgrades
Several upgrades will help you make the most of your storage space. You can DIY many of them. Ideas include:
22) Add Drawer Organizers and Dividers
Place drawer organizers and dividers inside your drawers and cabinets to make things easy to find. They also help you utilize the extra space in your drawers to increase storage. They don’t require any special installation and can be purchased at retailers for less than $20.
23) Install a Pot Rack
Make the most of your vertical space by installing a pot rack. These typically feature pegs that hold your pots and pans making them easily accessible and easy to find.
For optimal space savings, purchase a shelf with a built-in pot rack. You can place items, like dishes and canned goods on top of the shelf and hang your pots and pans below it.
24) Use Stackable Storage Containers
Stackable storage containers are a space-saving solution for pantries, cabinets, and refrigerators. They neatly fit on top of each other to maximize vertical space. Most are clear so you can see what’s in the container at a glance.
These containers also typically stack together when they are not used further enhancing their storage convenience.
Final Touches to Complete Your Kitchen Transformation
After determining which elements to add to your kitchen design, decide on decorative accessories that make your kitchen your own. Here are some creative suggestions.
25) Personalize with Decorative Accessories
Decorative accessories may include:
- Pictures and Wall Hangings: Space is at a premium in kitchen areas, but you can add decorative elements to the wall including pictures and wall hangings. You may include family pictures and works of art or take a more casual approach with vintage and neon signs that create an old-timey diner appeal.
- Special Dishware: Many of us have special dishware that we only use on special occasions. Consider displaying them in a glass cabinet so you can enjoy them year-round.
- Choose Unique Kitchen Items: The items you use in your kitchen can enhance the decorative appeal. For example, you may include a vintage spice rack, attractive cookie jars, and cute sponge holders to make your kitchen stand out.
Conclusion
A kitchen upgrade supports a pleasant culinary experience, increases home value, and doesn’t have to be expensive. The suggestions in this article should direct you in your approach. Which are best suited to your home needs?