How to Upgrade Your Kitchen on a Budget

A kitchen upgrade may be the best way to increase your home value. According to a 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, a midrange minor remodel with an investment of about $27,000 produces an 86% ROI, a major midrange remodel with an investment of $78,000 produces a 42% ROI, and an upscale major kitchen remodel with an investment of $154,000 produces a 32% ROI. Kitchen remodels also create a pleasant environment while you live in your home. 

Kitchen updates are a win-win. However, not everyone has the money to invest. Fortunately, you can learn how to upgrade your kitchen on a budget. Small changes can minimize spending and maximize returns. 

Assessing Kitchen Needs

The first step of a kitchen remodel involves identifying remodeling needs. Here are some things to consider. 

Identify What You Love and What to Change

Take a good look at your kitchen. There are probably things you can live with and others that you want to change. For example, you may love your flooring, but the paint job is not so hot. Or perhaps you adore your stove, but the dishwasher is too small, or not functioning properly. 

Go through your entire kitchen determining the pros and cons of each appliance, fixture, and design element. Write them down in a list. Prioritize changes you have to make, such as non-functioning appliances, changes you would like to make, such as improved design features, and the items you want to leave as is. 

Keep or Update: Make Strategic Choices

Your list should give you a good idea of what you want to keep or update. Items that are not functioning properly must go. But likely there are other elements you may be on the fence about. 

Consider the cost of each element on your list and compare it to your budget. Subtract the cost of the items that you need to replace. See if you have money left over to cover the items you would like to replace. 

Prioritize items that bother you most to maximize your budget. 

Kitchen Renovation Ideas

Homeowners having trouble affording certain items may come up with budget-friendly alternatives. For example, instead of replacing fixtures, determine cost-efficient ways to update them. You may cut corners by choosing inexpensive finishes and materials that provide similar results. 

Here are some examples. 

Budget-Friendly Cabinet Solutions

Cabinets are often one of the most expensive components of a kitchen remodel. Depending on the material, cabinets typically cost $5500 to $13,000 accounting for about 29% of the overall project cost. However, there are ways to update the look of your existing cabinets and save a ton of money. 

Here are some ideas. 

• Paint: Add fresh paint to your kitchen cabinets to liven up the look of your kitchen. Consider the latest trends and the colors in your kitchen to find the paints that work for you. If you prefer a natural wood look, consider adding a new stain. 
• New Cabinet hardware: Hardware is a great way to give your cabinets a kitchen makeover. There are various styles available from traditional to modern to glam. They will also make your cabinets more functional. 
• Add Molding: Molding is a decorative piece of wood that adds detail to cabinets. It also covers the gap between cabinets and walls and protects cabinets from damage. Add molding to improve your kitchen aesthetics without breaking the bank. 

Lighting Makeover

You may be surprised to learn how much a lighting makeover can transform the look of your kitchen. You can create a warm and friendly atmosphere with the right lighting scheme. You will also illuminate cooking areas which is extremely helpful for those who love to cook. 

With lighting fixtures starting at around $50, this could be your most affordable remodel component. You may also consider used fixtures which can cost just a few dollars. Ensure secondhand fixtures are safe before you install them. 

The latest trends in kitchen lighting show that recessed lighting is on its way out. Consider installing pendant lights instead. These produce a warm vintage look that makes any kitchen cozy. 

Unusual choices are also trending. Forgo lighting that looks ‘kitcheny’ for bold choices like chandeliers. Mix and match lighting to produce a curated look. 

Budget kitchen remodelers should also keep energy efficiency in mind. Choose LED lighting which lasts longer and uses less energy. This type of upgrade will save you money on your energy bills helping you recoup some of your remodeling costs. 

Countertops and Backsplashes

Countertops and backsplashes are often addressed in kitchen remodels. Replacements can cost a pretty penny, but with the right materials and approach, you can greatly reduce these expenses. 

An extensive kitchen remodel may call for a complete cabinet replacement, but you can update your existing countertops to make them look brand new. Here are some helpful tips. 

• Paint: Consider painting your cabinets to update the look. 
• Use Contact Paper: Contact paper comes in various colors and patterns and won’t damage your original countertop surface. 
• Peel and Stick: Consider investing in peel-and-stick countertops which are easy to install and remove. 
• Concrete Overlay: A concrete overlay is an ultra-strong, easy-to-remove concrete layer you can install over existing countertops. They provide a unique, industrial appearance. 
• Undercabinet Lighting: This lighting scheme illuminates undercabinet spaces and countertops. 
• Polish: Polish your countertops to revive their look. 

Updated backsplashes will also update your kitchen appearance. These are easy to DIY. Simply use adhesive tiles to curate the look you're after. This approach does not require grout or specialized tools. 

Consider the latest trends and personal tastes to create the ideal backsplash. Explore bold colors and neutral options. Let your imagination run wild to create a look that’s perfect for your kitchen. 

DIY Projects to Save Money

You will save money by going the DIY route. However, you must be careful when determining which projects you want to DIY.

Some tasks are difficult and potentially dangerous. If you attempt them yourself, you may get injured, or you may damage your property. You may end up spending more money than you would if you hired a professional. 

Consider projects carefully to determine which you want to take on yourself, and which are better left to a professional. Here are a few DIY projects that are relatively simple and will help you save money on your kitchen remodel. 

Spray Paint Magic

We all know the value of a great paint job. It brings a dramatic change to the look of your kitchen. With the right colors, your kitchen will be on top of the latest trends. 

However, while relatively inexpensive, painting can run up costs. You must invest in the paints and materials like rollers and brushes. If you don’t trust your painting skills, you may even choose to hire a professional. 

Spray paint solves all your problems. All you need is a can of paint. Additionally, spray paint goes on flat, so you don’t have to worry about streaks and paint that goes in all directions. 

It’s also a multi-purpose solution. You can spray paint just about anything- appliances, hardware, woodwork, you name it. 

Here are some general rules to keep in mind when spray painting:

• Prepare the Surface: Wood surfaces should be sanded with 180-220 grit sandpaper. You can sand plastic by hand and wipe it with isopropyl alcohol to remove dust. Use a primer on metal to prevent rust before spray painting. 
• Protect the Area: Spray paint can get everywhere. Protect the area with masking tape and protective paper. Better yet, take items outside to spray paint them. 
• Position the Sprayer: Your sprayer should be about 6 inches from the surface at a perpendicular angle. 
• Spray: Lightly press the trigger to release air, then press down harder to release the paint. Move back and forth to overlap each pass by about 50%. 
• Apply Multiple Coast: Use multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat for a more attractive finished product and optimal drying. Wait about 20 minutes between each coat. 
• Clean the Sprayer: Wipe the sprayer between coats to prevent paint from drying and clogging the nozzle. Thoroughly clean the sprayer after you’re done following manufacturer instructions. 

Flooring and Window Solutions

New flooring and windows may seem like big jobs, but believe it or not, you can update these components with a few simple steps. 

Here are some DIY flooring solutions:

• Peel and Stick Flooring: Peel and stick flooring is just as easy as it sounds. Remove the backing and stick the tiles onto your subfloor. You can also cut tiles to make them fit your flooring design. 
• Vinyl Plank Flooring: Vinyl plank flooring is also relatively easy to install. Cut the planks with a utility knife. Use a floor patch to level your floor. Install the planks and snap in the seams. 
• Vinyl Sheet Flooring: Vinyl sheet flooring comes in large rolls. Prep your subfloor. Then use a utility knife to cut it to size and double-sided carpet tape to stick it down. The hardest part is trimming around obstacles. 
• Revotile: Revotile is the latest technology in DIY flooring. The most challenging part is cutting the tile which requires advanced tools which can be rented at a local hardware store. Use spacers to allow for expansion gaps, then click the tiles together. 

If you would rather not DIY flooring, you may consider other affordable solutions. For example, hardwood flooring tends to be expensive and can easily become damaged in kitchen areas. Laminate is a more cost-effective alternative. 

Changing out windows is another expensive task. If your windows are functional, but you just don’t like the look of them, you can update them with a window treatment. Various DIY options can transform the look of your kitchen windows. 

Here are some examples:

• Curtains: Curtains are great for country kitchens. They are available in various colors and patterns. Choose the one best suited to your interior design. 
• Shutters: Shutters are also ideal for country kitchens and rustic looks. Close them to promote optimal privacy. Open them to let natural sunlight in. 
• Blinds: Blinds provide optimal light control. Open them fully to let light in or close them to keep light out. Go somewhere in the middle to find the ideal balance. 
• Decorative Elements: Valences are hung above curtains to enhance their aesthetics. They suit various design schemes, from luxury to rustic. You can choose valences that match your curtains or change things up with a mix-and-match look. 
• Smart Features: Windows can also be enhanced with smart features like timers, motors, and sensors. You can purchase the technology and install it yourself. It adds an element of safety to kitchen designs. 

Accessorize Your Kitchen

Homeowners may also add accessories to boost their kitchen design. These little elements and knick-knacks are often inexpensive and can easily be added to interiors. Decorative finishes, house plants, and open shelving are just a few examples. 

Add Decorative Finishes

You may add decorative finishes to your cabinets and other wood elements to make your kitchen shine. Here are some examples. 

• Lacquer: Lacquer protects your fixtures and adds a glossy finish. 
• Glaze: Glaze can be applied over painted or stained cabinets to highlight the wood’s details. 
• Veneer: This thin wood layer adds a decorative element to cabinets, furniture, doors, and other kitchen elements. 
• Wood Stain: This water or solvent-based finish uses natural pigment and dyes to enhance the look of wood. 
• Paint: Paint over surfaces. A fresh coat will revitalize your interior look. 
• Wood grain: Wood grain adds an earthy aesthetic to kitchens. 
• Gilding: This technique involves adding gold leaf to make your kitchen luxurious. 
• Varnish: This clear finish enhances the wood’s grain and offers a protective layer. 

You may also consider adding crown molding, a decorative element that runs along the top of the kitchen where the walls meet the ceiling. You may consider installing it above your kitchen cabinets to enhance the style. 

Crown molding can be a DIY project. 

1. Choose the right materials- straight-grained materials require less sanding. 
2. Use a power miter saw to cut the molding at an angle that fits your design. 
3. Start in the most visible corning to hide imperfections. 
4. Use paintable caulk to fill gaps, holes, or seams. 
5. Use construction adhesive and a brad nail gun to attach the molding to the wall and ceiling joists. 

Plants and Open Shelving

Plants are a decorative element that will bring the outside in. They freshen the air, reduce stress and anxiety, and offer visual appeal. They can also lower the air temperature and increase humidity, so you don’t need to rely on fans and air conditioners. 

Kitchens are often crowded spaces, and real estate is precious. Consider hanging plants from high spaces so they don’t take up much room. You may also place them on shelves, so they don’t take up counter space. 

Speaking of shelving, open shelving is the latest trend in kitchen design. It produces a country kitchen look. It also makes items easier to find. 

This design solution is relatively simple to DIY. You can hang the shelves yourself by following these steps:

1. Measure and mark to determine where you want your shelves. 
2. Cut shelves to the desired length. 
3. Sand the wood to make it smooth. 
4. Stain and paint the shelves to protect them and make them look attractive. 
5. Use a stud finder to locate studs in the wall. Attach the brackets to the studs. If the studs are not in the desired location, use a sturdy anchor. 
6. Raise the shelves and hook them into the shelf bracket until it clicks in place. Then tighten the set and screw it into the wall to secure it. 

After the shelves are in place, you must determine which items to showcase on your shelves. Shelves can be used to hold pots pans pan, spices, small appliances, cookbooks, and more. Consider that your items will be visible. Ensure your display is clean and attractive. 

Finalizing Your Kitchen Upgrade

This article provides various ideas that should help you find affordable solutions for your kitchen design. Now that you are aware of the possibilities, you can finalize your upgrade. 

Budget accurately and determine what you can afford. Next, plan a timeline. You may need to hire contractors for certain tasks, so consider the scheduling that works best for you and find out their availability. 

Next, decide how much time you must spend on DIY tasks. Determine what materials you will need and begin collecting them while the contractors work on the kitchen. This way, you will be ready to start the moment they finish. 

You may even consult with contractors to find out if they have any DIY advice for you. 

Consider your finishing touches and ensure you are prepared to add them when the process is complete. 

Conclusion

A kitchen remodel can be expensive, but with the right strategies, you will improve your design and maximize your budget and ROI. Consider tasks that you can DIY and what requires contractor assistance. Choose fixtures and elements that allow you to enhance your aesthetics without breaking the bank. 

We wish you luck curating a design you love.