You think you need to break the bank to achieve a successful kitchen makeover result?
Budgetdecorating.about.com thinks that all you need is less than $500 for that kitchen improvement you've been dying to do - here's how:
Cabinetry hardware
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to upgrade the look of your kitchen is to give the door hardware and drawer pulls an update.
If the look of the hardware still fits your taste, you can give it a little upgrade by changing their color using spray paint. Spray paint is inexpensive and very easy to use.
But if you want to completely achieve a new look for your cabinets, there are plenty of places to find stylish hardware that are friendly to the budget. You can either look for those that could fit in the existing holes of your cabinets, but if not, expect to spend time creating new ones and filling up the old ones.
Estimated cost: $0.97 per hardware
New backsplash
The backsplash is one of the major decorative features of the kitchen plus it also serves as water barrier between the countertop and the dry wall. If you are on a budget and wants to give it an update, it is important to work on what you already have.
You can add decorative tiling above your backsplash - if it's short, about 4" high - that coordinates with the design of the countertop and the cabinetry.
Meanwhile, if you want to completely rip out your old one but on a tight budget, there are now products in the market that can mimic the look of a backsplash but can be applied easily just like a sticker.
Estimated cost: $9.98 per square foot
Lighting
In almost anything, lighting is everything! Make your kitchen appear bigger by strategically placing new light fixtures. Add lighting under the cabinets and use those that you can easily screw and plug in. If you have a center island, why not put up a new pendant light? Not only will it improve your kitchen's look, it will also provide safety when you are chopping and cooking.
If there is space, place a small table lamp at the counter top; it will be useful for dark late nights as well as early mornings plus it gives off that homey feel.
Consider allotting budget for a professional electrician if you are not confident with minor rewiring.
Estimated cost: $15.98 for an 18" LED under cabinet light
Kitchen Island
Additional counter space is always good. Adding a kitchen island will make your kitchen look more legit, and an extra working space will be helpful especially during busy days at the kitchen. However, you need to make sure you have space for this.
You need to have at least 36" between the island and another work surface or appliance. If you have the space, the most budget-friendly choice is a freestanding model. You can either choose regular legs or an island on wheels but you should know that they aren't as stable compared to the other one.
Estimated cost:$279.99 for a stainless steel commercial work table, 30" X 72" with undershelf
Paint walls
Painting your walls new is an easy and cheap way to give your kitchen a new look and vibe. Paint and supplies should be budget-friendly plus this project usually only takes a weekend. Don't forget to tape off the walls and use drop cloth to protect your appliances from stray paint if you do not want to spend time scrubbing them off of everywhere.
Estimated cost: $34.98 for one gallon of paint and primer plus supplies
