Our Favorite Inexpensive Kitchen Makeover Ideas
Want to give your tired, dated kitchen a fresh new look but don't want to spend a fortune? We hear you. With some clever planning and budget-friendly DIY projects, you can transform your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of a major renovation.
Read on for our favorite inexpensive ways to upgrade your kitchen's style and function without breaking the bank.
Layout Changes For Improved Function
Often one of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve a kitchen is by tweaking the existing layout. Even minor changes like moving cabinets or appliances can have a big impact on workflow and storage efficiency.
Rearranging Cabinets and Appliances
Take a look at how you currently use your kitchen. Are there any pain points in the layout? Maybe your refrigerator is too far from the stove or your most-used items are in hard-to-access corners. Rearranging cabinets and appliances is an inexpensive way to create a more logical and efficient workspace.
Before moving anything, measure carefully and use masking tape to map out proposed changes. Having an electrical outlet nearby is key for fridge and stove placement. Focus first on improving your kitchen triangle defined by the sink, stove, and fridge.
Creating an Island or Peninsula
Islands and peninsulas instantly improve kitchen ergonomics by offering more surface area and storage. Adding an island or peninsula doesn't have to be expensive.
Using stock cabinets and budget-friendly countertop materials like butcher block or laminate, you can DIY an island for under $500. Place on locking casters for mobility. An affordable DIY peninsula can utilize just a base cabinet and countertop against an existing wall.
Maximizing Cabinet Storage
Without replacing cabinets, there are easy ways to upgrade storage. Install shelves, racks, or pegs inside cabinet doors to take advantage of vertical space. Lazy susans, pull-out shelves, and tiered racks efficiently organize interior cabinets. These inexpensive upgrades maximize your existing storage.
Affordable Cabinet Upgrades
New cabinetry can be prohibitively expensive. Luckily, there are budget-friendly ways to give outdated cabinets an affordably facelift.
Painting Cabinets
A fresh coat of paint completely transforms the look of worn cabinets for very little money. Sand doors and frames thoroughly before priming and painting with a high-quality enamel paint. Opt for a neutral tone like light gray for the biggest impact. If your budget is tight, you can even just paint visible exterior surfaces.
New Hardware
Replacing dated hardware with modern brushed nickel or matte black knobs and pulls updates your cabinets in an instant. Look for simple handle shapes and sizes that complement your cabinet style. Often you can keep existing hinges unless they are loose or damaged to save money.
Glass Panel Cabinet Doors
Adding glass panel inserts to solid cabinet doors creates a lighter, more open look. The glass panels allow you to showcase attractive dishes and glassware. Call a local glass shop to have custom glass cut and inserted into your existing doors affordably.
Economical Backsplash Options
An updated backsplash instantly freshens up an aging kitchen. Luckily, there are easy budget-friendly options.
Peel-and-Stick Tile
Self-adhesive peel-and-stick tile replicates the look of genuine ceramic or stone tile at a fraction of the price. The adhesive backing adheres directly to surfaces for easy DIY installation. Use in small spaces like behind a stove or sink to save money.
The major downside is that peel-and-stick tile lacks durability compared to real tile and may not last more than a few years.
Removable Wallpaper
Self-adhesive, removable wallpaper creates an instant backsplash when applied to the wall area behind counters and appliances. Choose water-resistant vinyl wallpaper with a wipeable finish to handle kitchen messes.
Since it's removable, wallpaper is a great temporary solution for renters. The major drawback is that wallpaper requires a very smooth surface to adhere correctly.
Countertop Resurfacing On a Budget
Countertops can be one of the most expensive elements to replace. Luckily, you can update existing countertops affordably with paint kits or refinishing kits.
Paint Kits
Specialized countertop paint kits allow you to easily paint over laminate, tile, and even Formica surfaces with durable finishes like epoxy. Carefully prep, prime, and paint following kit directions. Kits with colored chips or streaks disguise flaws in existing countertops.
Refinishing Kits
Countertop refinishing kits quickly resurface worn Formica, laminate, or other countertops with durable new finishes like acrylic or urethane. Clean thoroughly and scuff before applying colored coatings for a custom look. Refinishing kits revive countertops affordably.
Inexpensive Lighting Enhancements
Better lighting can make a dark, gloomy kitchen feel bright and cheerful. Here are budget-friendly ways to upgrade your kitchen's lighting.
Under Cabinet Lighting
Installing battery-operated or plug-in LED lighting under upper cabinets illuminates countertop workspaces without expensive electrical work. Light strips come in a variety of lengths and are easy to install with adhesive or screws.
Pendant Lights
Hanging basic pendant lights over a kitchen island or peninsula provides both task lighting and style. Look for budget-friendly pendant lights in sleek metallics or globe shapes to replace outdated flush mount lights.
Recessed Lighting
Recessed or can lighting adds great task lighting. While installing new recessed lighting can get pricey, you can add affordable battery-powered stick-on can lights. Place strategically around the kitchen to brighten dark corners and surfaces.
Affordable Flooring Upgrades
Updating worn, outdated flooring doesn't have to drain your kitchen makeover budget. Stick-on vinyl tiles and peel-and-stick planks offer easy, budget-friendly options.
Vinyl Tile
Self-adhesive vinyl tile sticks directly to existing floors, whether it's concrete, wood, or laminate flooring. The peel-and-stick application is easy for DIY. Cut tiles allow you to create customized patterns affordably. Vinyl tile comes in wood, stone, and geometric looks.
The downside is that vinyl tile shows wear over time. It works best in low-traffic kitchen areas away from sinks and stoves where spills happen.
Peel-and-Stick Planks
Peel-and-stick vinyl plank flooring clicks together to create the look of real wood for a fraction of the cost. The planks feature tongue-and-groove edges for easy DIY installation. Cut planks allow you to work around obstacles.
Like vinyl tiles, the vinyl planks are prone to scratching and wear over time. Use in low-moisture kitchen zones to get the most life from them.
Replacing Appliances Economically
Replacing large appliances can blow a kitchen remodel budget quickly. Look for deals on budget-friendly brands like GE, Whirlpool, and LG. Check for scratch and dent models which offer big discounts on new appliances with minor cosmetic flaws.
Time purchases right to catch major holiday sales. For more savings, look at mid-grade models with basic features and finishes rather than premium appliances with extra bells and whistles.
With some savvy planning, you really can give your kitchen an affordably stunning makeover. Focus on quick DIY projects like painting cabinets, installing peel-and-stick backsplash tiles and flooring, and adding new lighting. Shop sales and bargain outlets when replacing larger items like cabinet hardware and appliances.
Use our favorite budget-friendly kitchen makeover tips to refresh your space for a fraction of the cost of a major remodel. What inexpensive upgrade are you most excited to try in your own kitchen?