A Pretty Face
Replacing the kitchen cabinets undoubtedly transforms a kitchen—but it's one of the most costly elements of a renovation. Instead of replacing your cabinets, give them a facelift. Remove the doors, then strip and refinish, or repaint them. If you favor an even more dramatic change, get rid of the cabinet doors entirely to create open shelving. Then line the back with decorative wallpaper to put your dinnerware on display.
Related: 10 Easy Ways to Update Your Kitchen Cabinets
Zillow Digs home in Sarasota, FL
Light Bright
Old light fixtures can make even the best kitchen look dated. Simply switching out the fixtures can change the look of the room, though. Pick up some stylish pendant lamps to install over a kitchen island or grab some task lighting to fit under your cabinets. No need to shell out hundreds of dollars; a simple self-stick light can go a long way to improving the functionality and feel of a kitchen.
Related: Hanging By a Thread - 9 Inventive Ways to Hang Pendant Lights
Zillow Digs home in Vero Beach, FL
Fashion Under Foot
If your hardwood kitchen floors have seen better days, you can give them a second life by refinishing them. Renting a sander and purchasing a stain is a great alternative to putting in a new floor. But if refinishing isn't an option, consider an affordable flooring material like laminate, vinyl, or engineered hardwood. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try peel and stick tiles or even paint to change the look of your floors without a new install.
Related: Just Floored! 15 Totally Unexpected DIY Flooring Alternatives
Accent The Positive
It's all the in the details. Drawer pulls, handles, faucets, and towel racks might seem like small potatoes, but they help contribute to a kitchen's ambiance and function. You can walk into any home improvement store for a variety of options, or try your luck at a local thrift store or Habitat for Humanity ReStore to find reasonably priced fixtures and hardware.
Related: Knobs of Note - 16 Ideas for a Cool Cabinet
Sink Hole
An old, chipped, or stained sink can make the entire kitchen seem dated and dirty. Luckily, with the right tools changing out the sink is a quick fix. You can find stainless steel or acrylic models for less than $100; or splurge for a porcelain sink for under $500. For an easy install, check the directions before you buy—many sinks simply “drop in” to an existing countertop, making it a great project for even the beginner DIYer.
Related: Sink Style - 10 New Forms and Functions for 21st-Century Kitchens
Counter Culture
Changing out the counters can make a kitchen nearly unrecognizable—but that dramatic reveal comes at a price. You can cheat your way to better countertops by painting tile with a special kit and enamel paint, or invest a little more time and energy by creating your own concrete counters. If you'd rather buy than DIY, consider laminates; they're one of the least expensive options and come in an eye-popping array of colors.
Related: 8 Countertops You'd Never Believe Were Handmade
Art For Art’s Sake
Freshen your kitchen with some cheap and easy art pieces. Try framing seed packets, vintage kitchen towels, or your child’s artwork to add personality. Or hang everyday items as art—like decorative cutting boards and vintage utensils.
Related: Kitchen Paint Colors - 10 Handsome Hues for Hardworking Spaces
For more...
For more renovating ideas, try:
7 Money Pit Renovations You Might Regret
7 Ways to Skimp on a Bathroom Renovation
Worth It: 8 Renovations That Pay You Back
Zillow Digs home in Oakland, CA
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