The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of a home, where families gather to eat, converse and entertain guests. A place in the home where not only good food is made, but also memories. As families grow and time moves forward, styles and necessities change. But remodeling or upgrading a kitchen can get costly, quickly. Here are some budget-friendly upgrades you can do on your own, all for under $100:
Install a New Faucet
The sink is usually the centerpiece of a countertop and the right faucet can make a statement and set the tone for the overall style of the kitchen. Modern, country farmhouse, old world or any other theme you shoot for will have a variety of faucets to match. Though you have the option of having them professionally installed, with some research and the right tools, this can easily be a DIY project. Starting as low as $25, upgrading your faucet can be an easy and cost effective change to enhance your kitchen.
Swap Out Hardware
Details are what give a space its true character. Cabinet knobs and pulls may seem like an insignificant aspect to your kitchen, but by changing them out, whether to fit with a central theme or simply add a touch of flair, you can create harmony. Add darker handles to natural wooden cabinets for a rustic look, or install silver knobs that match your stainless steel appliances to tie the entire kitchen together. At less than $1 a knob or $30 for a set, changing out you cabinet hardware is a cheap and easy upgrade.
Add Color to Cabinets
Before replacing your cabinet hardware, consider adding a pop of color to this room in a big way. A fresh coat of paint, especially in a unique, bright or interesting color, can add an element of quality and taste to this central meeting place. Even a coat of the existing color can freshen up the room. Most kitchen cabinets will require two to three coats of paint, and starting at around $25 per gallon, this is an inexpensive project.
Create a Backsplash
A more subtle, yet still impactful way to add flair to your kitchen is to design a backsplash. Though this can get expensive, there are many options regarding materials and placement that can keep this a low-cost upgrade with high-class style. From stick-on metal and ceramic tile to chalkboard paint and wallpaper, the possibilities for adding color, patterns and texture are endless. To keep costs low, pick one area, such as behind the stove or behind the sink, to feature the backsplash in an artistic way, creating a focal point for your kitchen.
Remove Cabinet Doors for Shelving
One of the most important aspects in a kitchen is storage space – the more cabinets the better. However, inside some of those cabinets are beautiful dishes and bowls hidden behind a door. A simple way to display your dishware, aside from a glass front cabinet door, is to remove the door to create open shelving – at almost no cost! Remove the hardware, including hinges. Give the inside a fresh coat of paint or put in wallpaper to add dimension and add a stylish element.
Add Under-Cabinet Lights
Lighting is an incredibly important part of a kitchen. Bright lights are best when you’re cooking, but having ambiance for entertaining or an evening conversation with the family is a nice touch. To achieve this look, you can add LED lights under your top cabinets, casting a glow around your countertop like no overhead light could do. There are many styles to choose from, including remote controlled lights that can change color! This low-cost upgrade will brighten up the look of your kitchen for as low as $35.
