If you are looking for rewarding and cost-effective ways to update kitchen on a budget and refresh one of the most important spaces in your home, this article is for you.
In this article, we will explore various budget-friendly ideas to help you achieve a chic and modern kitchen makeover without breaking the bank.
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- Peel and Stick Backsplash for Kitchen: A Helpful Buying Guide
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1. Update kitchen cabinets
Kitchen cabinets, arguably, take the most out of the overall kitchen budget. Updating them within budget means that the significant portion of your overall budget is saved. Here are several options to consider:
Self-Adhesive Peel and Stick Wallpaper
If you want to update kitchen cabinets without painting them, this is an easy and budget-friendly option to give your cabinets a fresh look. Peel and stick wallpaper comes in a variety of designs, including gloss, matte, solid colors, playful patterns, wood textures, and metallic finishes. It’s removable, waterproof, and requires no long-term commitment, making it perfect for renters or those who like to frequently update their space.
If you are going to sell the house and that’s what the update is intended for, please, keep in mind that today’s buyers are well aware of shortcuts and if you are using peel-and-stick products in your kitchen, they might suspect other cheap quick fixes being used in other parts of the house as well.
However, this peel-and-stick witchcraft is amazing for rental property updates.
Replace Cabinet Doors
Swapping out your old cabinet doors for new ones can instantly modernize your kitchen. Consider buying cabinet doors or drawer fronts from budget-friendly retailers like IKEA.
Yes, you got it right. You can buy JUST cabinet doors or drawer fronts from IKEA. The value in terms of quality and style for the price is unbeatable and it’s easy to install. The front panels usually come ins standard sizes, so if your kitchen is custom-made with non-standard unit sizes, then you might need to check the availability first.
There are great alternatives to Ikea on market, such as Reform and Semihandmade, which are my top favorite. They offer custom cabinet fronts for IKEA Cabinets and the results are stunning.
As for pricing: it starts at $90 for the cheapest cabinets and then up – depending on the material (wood is more expensive), sizes, etc. However, you are saving money by assembling them yourself. Super easy!
DIY v-groove paneling on cabinet doors
If you want to update your kitchen look and love the classic timeless design of grooved panels, this simple and cost-effective DIY trick will change your life: you can create a lovely classic look of v-groove cabinet doors in minutes, using just a table saw.
All you need is 3/4″ MDF and a table saw.
MDF is ideal for this technique, as it’s cost effective, easy to cut, and designed for painting. You will need two 4×8′ MDF sheets to build 16 doors.
Upgrade Hardware
I can’t emphasize enough how important the hardware of your kitchen is. You can swap out knobs and handles on your outdated oak kitchen cabinets and voila! the look is updated. It literally does magic!
The key is to choose the right type and style of the hardware.
Choosing between knobs, pulls, or a combination of both depends on your cabinet fronts. Shaker-style cabinets can accommodate either option, and it’s common for designers to use a mix of knobs and pulls with this style.
The key rule is to keep all your pulls uniform and all your knobs consistent. This uniformity gives the kitchen a modern, sleek look, even if the overall style is traditional. Mixing knobs and pulls adds interesting details to the design.
If you decide to install a mix of knobs and pulls on your kitchen cabinets, make sure you match the style and finish. The easiest way to do it, unless you have a good eye for design, is to choose knobs and pulls from the same collection of a supplier.
If you want to learn more about how you can choose the perfect hardware for your kitchen, then I’ve got an article for you!
If you’re installing drawer pulls, Cabinet Hardware Jig can change EVERYTHING for you. This little gadget will make your life a whole lot easier!
Simply adjust the slides until they’re centered on your drawer, then set the pull spacing. Mark your holes and drill through for perfect spacing every time. Makes the installation process so much faster and more precise when you have multiple drawers!
The price can vary wildly from supplier to supplier based on many different parameters. So here are my suggestions for good quality options on a budget:
DIY HOME REMODEL PLANNER
Renovating your home is one of the biggest tasks. It can be intimidating to track all the tasks, budget, contractor info and offers, inspirations, finishes, and details.
This simple-to-use home renovation planner will help you to accomplish everything smoothly and easily by keeping a record of every important detail in one place.
This house remodel planner is divided into five parts – five rooms.
For each room you will have enough space to record:
– goals to be accomplished
– inspirations (place for images to be printed out and glued into the planner)
– dot grid pages to sketch your new plan of arranging furniture or making structural changes
– tasks that need to be done
– budget
– materials, finishes, and details
– suppliers for sourcing materials, finishes, and items
– contractors
– two pages to print and store fun pictures of the process
– notes and lessons learned
Add Open Shelving
Sometimes the easiest thing you can do to refresh the look of your kitchen is to swap out some of the upper cabinets with open shelving.
This will create a more open and airy feel in the kitchen, making the space appear larger and more inviting. It is often less expensive than installing new cabinets and on top of that, you will have a new opportunity to display attractive dishware and decor.
To choose the right shelves for your kitchen you need to consider the overall style of the kitchen, and the purpose of the shelves (storage, display, or combo).
The next step is to choose the installation method. Go for floating shelves for a sleek, modern look or brackets for added support and a more traditional feel.
Open shelves are exposed to everything in the air, including dust. when making a decision, consider that they need regular cleaning.
Having items that you use frequently is going to work better than just displaying cute decor pieces. This way, you will clean those items on a daily basis and while they are in a dishwasher, you can quickly wipe the dust from the shelves as well.
You might should avoid open shelving in two cases. If you tend to cook meals in a way that creates a lot of grease, or if you have pets. The fur tends to float upwards in the air. The last thing you want to see on your bowl is a bunch of cat fur.
If you would like to learn more about open shelving in the kitchen, then I’ve got an article for you.
Displaying matching plates, bowls, and mugs on open shelves or in glass-front cabinets is one of the easiest ways to get a coordinated chic look in your kitchen.
Enhance Lighting
Just like switching cabinet hardware works wonders, enhancing lighting in your kitchen can significantly change the whole experience. Inadequate lighting can obscure these details, causing the kitchen to look flat, dull, and outdated, as the design elements lose their impact and visual appeal.
If your kitchen looks dull and lifeless, adding extra light to balance the space is a great idea.
This could mean strategically maximizing the daylight or adding lighting fixtures.
Daylight can be enhanced in three main way: strategic window treatments, adding reflective surfaces, or using lighter color scheme for your kitchen.
Before adding lighting fixtures, you might need to take time to plan it. In a nutshell, you have three types of light in the kitchen: ambient, task, and accent lighting.
Think of it as a powerful combo: without ambient light, part of the overall space will look dark and dull. Without proper task lighting, you are compromising functionality, and without accent lighting, you miss the opportunity of having a powerful focal point.
Affordable lighting options include LED strips as task lights or add pendant lights. If you have glass cabinets, you can add inside cabinets accent lights. They will add life to your kitchen without you breaking the bank.
Refresh the Backsplash
Refreshing backsplash on a budget might be easier than you can imagine. With two most budget-friendly options at hand, such as peel and stick tiles, and beadboard backsplash you can transform the look of your kitchen within 1-3 days.
Peel and stick backsplash is the easiest option, and best part: no commitment. If you get tired of it, you can swap it out just as easily as you installed it. Here is an article I wrote some time ago. It’s all about helping you choose the right peel and stick backsplash for you, it’s super helpful!
Don’t be afraid to go for bold patterns or illustrations – you can always cover it up with something else if you get sick of it.
Graham & Brown Paintable Beadboard Wallpaper White
I’ve found this beadboard wallpaper, which is also paintable. However, it’s probably not meant for a backsplash.
When to comes to beadboard paneling, the installation is not quite as easy as ordering peel-and-stick tiles on Amazon and slapping them to the wall before lunchtime.
You will need to take exact measurements of your backsplash, cut the beadboard panels into the right sizes. Make sure to watch this video to understand the process fully.
When it comes to styling, the color is crucial.
Paint or choose beadboard in a color that complements your kitchen’s palette. White is a popular choice for a clean, classic look, but you can also opt for pastels or bold colors to make a statement.
For a cohesive look, match the beadboard color to your cabinets. For a more dynamic look, choose a contrasting color that highlights the beadboard as a design feature.
Update Countertops
Countertops are expensive, in general. However, there are budget-friendly alternatives that will help you refresh your kitchen for a fraction of a price: contact paper, butcher block, and laminate.
Contact paper (peel-and-stick paper for countertops) is the easiest and the most affordable option. It is easy and affordable to buy and you can choose from many different options. It is relatively easy to install, except in tricky corners.
Butcher block and laminate are considered one of the most budget-friendly countertop upgrades. You can buy butcher block countertops in stores like Ikea and completely DIY. It adds eco-friendly organic vibes to the kitchen and an be easily customized. However, you must be careful not to keep it damp or burn it.
If you would like to learn more about budget-friendly countertops, here is an article!
Refresh with Accessories
Refreshing accessories goes a long way. The best thing – you don’t have to break the bank. On today’s market, next to the luxury brands, there are always providers who would help you source lovely pieces for a fraction of a price.
Add a rug
When updating the floor is not in the budget, a cute rug can completely change the look of your kitchen. Not only it adds texture and a pattern, but it also effectively covers scratches and stains on your floor. Make sure to buy a rug which you can wash often – kitchens are busy places and there is always something spilled, splished-splashed around.
Refresh or add window treatment
just like a rug, window treatments add functionality and character to the space.
New or updated curtains can instantly refresh the look of your kitchen by introducing new colors, patterns, or textures. This can modernize the space, making it feel more stylish and up-to-date.
I wrote an article about spring kitchen decor, and a big part of it is me harping on the idea of getting cute curtains. Check it out!
For god’s love, replace those heavy, dark curtains with light, airy ones can make the kitchen feel brighter and inviting. Thank me later!
Decor
Adding personality to the walls can make even outdated oak cabinets look more intentional. The list is long: framed prints, paintings, a decorative clock.. You can craft or buy accessories that add personality to the walls.
Stylish Containers
Swap out old plastic containers with fancier ones. It seems simple, but having beautiful tupperware or storage items can actually add to the vibes of the kitchen.
Potted Plants
Introduce fresh herbs or small indoor plants to add a touch of nature and freshness.
I am Georgian. So, our culture is all about Parsley and Corriander. I also love Basil and can’t imagine life without it.
If you are somewhat like me, then having indoor planers for herbs makes so much sense! Especially, considering how expensive buying herbs in the supermarket can be. For a reference, 20g of fresh coriander costs around $1.4 in Germany.
Sometimes I buy the whole package which I can’t consume before it goes bad.
So, having planters with fresh herbs and picking as much as I need is wonderful.
Hanging Planters
Use hanging planters to save counter space and bring greenery to eye level.
Thematic Decor
Choose a theme and select accessories that complement this style. The style and theme of the decor is your personal choice, but you can go for farmhouse, coastal, mediterranean and so on.
If you want some inspirations, then check out these articles:
- Mediterranean Kitchen Design Ideas You Need To See Today
- Rustic Modern Kitchen: Seasonal kitchen Styling Inspos For Countertops
- 10 Easy Ways To Nail A Coastal Kitchen Design
Mediterranean Cotton Floursack, Kitchen Dish Towels 20 x 30in, Set of 3
Serving Tray 12.5 Inch
AD Set of 6 Coasters for Drinks. Absorbing Round Ceramic Stone Coaster with Cork Base
Sea Life Coastal Coasters, Stone Coaster Set of 8
Conclusion
Updating your kitchen on a budget can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to refresh one of the most important spaces in your home.
By implementing these budget-friendly ideas, you can achieve a chic and modern kitchen makeover without breaking the bank. From using self-adhesive peel and stick wallpaper or beadboard paneling to update your cabinets, to swapping out old cabinet doors with affordable options from IKEA, and adding stylish new hardware, there are plenty of creative solutions available.
Enhancing lighting, adding open shelving, refreshing the backsplash, and updating countertops with economical materials like contact paper or butcher block can make a significant difference.
Finally, refreshing your kitchen with new accessories like rugs, window treatments, stylish containers, and potted plants can tie the look together, making your kitchen feel fresh, inviting, and up-to-date.
Posh Chic Cool is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. For more information please check out Disclaimer, Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
