Kitchen Remodeling Ideas On A Budget

Contractor remodeling kitchen, installing cabinets and counter top.

It is true that few home upgrades make as much of an impression on owners, guests and potential buyers as a remodeled kitchen. It is also true that kitchen remodeling is often extraordinarily expensive and time-consuming. Do not let this deter you as you make plans for your home. It is entirely possible to give your kitchen a makeover on a budget. Read on for some inexpensive ideas used effectively by many people.

A little paint and polish

Do not overlook the rejuvenating power of a fresh coat of paint. High-quality paint is one of the best remodeling bargains around. A well-done paint job can freshen an existing decorating scheme or create an entirely new look. If you like your kitchen's current look but feel that it is tired and worn looking, repainting in the same colors or slightly lighter or brighter shades can make it look new again. On the other hand, if you are tired of the kitchen's appearance, take this opportunity to establish a new theme by using color to set the tone. Paint and wood stains can do amazing things for a dark kitchen too. A kitchen that looks dark because of over-stained or time-darkened woodwork looks much brighter when the wood is painted in a light-reflecting shade or stripped and re-stained in a lighter shade.

Start by giving your kitchen a deep cleaning; even a clean kitchen still has some grimy spots. These dirty areas can distract you and keep you from visualizing your kitchen accurately, and this can interfere with your remodeling plans without even realizing it.

Details Matter

Perhaps you have looked at your kitchen and decided that the condition of the trim, cabinets and walls are quite good, but you still do not like the way the room looks. As they say, the devil is in the details. Consider the door, drawer and cabinet hardware as candidates for change. Dated, worn-out or just plain unattractive hardware can bring down the look of a whole room. Swap dark, fussy or damaged cabinet and drawer handles with updated hardware in smooth ceramic or bright metal finishes. In addition to giving your kitchen an updated appearance, these make cleanup easier.

Look Down

The kitchen floor takes a beating from foot traffic, dropped pots and pans, spilled food and pets. After a while, no amount of mopping and waxing can restore a bright, fresh appearance. When this happens, consider replacing the floor with one of the many inexpensive, easy-to-install options available today. Sheet vinyl is economical to install and easy to maintain, and it comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. Durable laminate flooring can mimic wood, stone or ceramic tile at a fraction of the cost and effort. Even inexpensive peel-and-stick vinyl squares can wake up a tired kitchen.

One Less Thing

Finally, remove unneeded items from the kitchen. Clutter makes a kitchen look smaller and darker. Consider moving shoes and coats to an entry hallway or try moving extra chairs to the basement. Extra space improves any kitchen, no matter how big, modern or shiny.

If your eyes tell you that your kitchen needs a face lift but your budget does not agree, try one or more of these inexpensive ideas. The results should surprise you and make just a small dent on your bank account.

It is entirely possible to give your kitchen a makeover on a budget