We would like to give you a few suggestions to help with your kitchen renovation without spending tens of thousands of dollars. If your budget will not allow a full fledged renovation, there are a variety of ways you can give your kitchen a new look for less. From updating your cabinets to installing new lighting or making just a few cosmetic tweaks, you can turn your kitchen into the one you have always wanted!
Refacing the Cabinets
Cabinet refacing allows you to replace your old cabinet doors, drawers, drawer fronts, hardware, and accessories with custom manufactured products. While the structure of your cabinets remain, they will be veneered with high-quality material to provide the style you desire. Your new cabinet doors and drawer fronts will match the refaced frames, giving your kitchen a brand-new look. More and more homeowners are turning to kitchen refacing as an easy way to update their cabinets. As opposed to a full-on kitchen gut and renovation which can take several months to complete, cabinet resurfacing typically takes three to five days. Or how about painting the cabinets? It is all about the prep work. You have to prep and paint them perfectly or they’re going to chip or peel. You can’t cut any corners.
Create a New Backsplash
The primary purpose of a kitchen backsplash is to protect the wall from liquids. But, it also serves as a decor focal point. It defines the style of your work area, radiating your personality and reflecting the mood and feel of your cooking space. Creating a new backsplash is an easy way to freshen up your kitchen. Be sure to choose a timeless material that will complement your cabinetry. There are so many choices for an inexpensive yet beautiful backsplash. Of course tile is always an option but probably the most expensive. There are several tile materials to choose from; glass, ceramic, porcelain, marble, granite, and even metal. One big factor in deciding which tile material to go for is cost. If you are on a budget, the best tile options include porcelain and ceramic. If you are able and willing to spend a bit more, you might want to consider more expensive options such as marble, granite, and glass. However if you’re a confident DIYer, you could just paint your backsplash for $20 in a bold high-gloss paint that you can easily wipe down after cooking. Another option is beadboard painted in a high gloss paint. Shiplap is an affordable and durable option as well. Another material would be vinyl wallpapers as they come in an array of fun textures, colors and patterns.
Countertops
They may not be the real thing, but these inexpensive substitutes for pricy countertop materials might just be what you’re looking for to perk up your kitchen without busting your budget. Don’t underestimate the power of a good laminate countertop. The style factor of laminates has skyrocketed in recent years, and the availability of different patterns and finishes makes them a good option for many looking to redo their countertops. If you want to budget down from engineered quartz, check out Formica’s Silver Quartzite. This stone-look laminate will serve any kitchen well as a strong neutral design force and a major player in making the kitchen a worry-free, fun, and functional place to be. If you’re short on counter space and aren’t looking to add more cabinetry, consider buying a premade island or bar-height table that you can float in the center of your kitchen. Just make sure you have at least 36 inches between the cabinets and island on all sides for easy traffic flow.
Would You Consider Open Shelving?
Even as open shelving gets more and more popular, it also accrues more and more criticism from people who just don’t like to see all their kitchen stuff at one time. But there’s no denying its advantages: substituting open shelving for a few upper cabinets results in a more open, lighter kitchen, with plenty of wall space for things like art and even windows. If your cabinets don’t have lip molding on the interior, remove cabinet doors to create some open shelving and show off your beautiful serving dishes. Or, if you have an empty wall, create your own shelving system with floating shelves from a retailer. Just be sure you install brackets underneath the shelves if you plan on loading them up with dishes and cooking wares.
Replace the Lighting
From sculptural chandeliers to rustic pendant lights, kitchen lighting fixtures help set the stage for your remodel. Good lighting gives these cooking and dining areas a personality of their own. Lighting can dramatically change the look and feel of any room. Tear out that harsh fluorescent lighting and make food prep easier by having an electrician install under-cabinet halogen fixtures.
Update the Hardware
Rejuvenate your home decor. Get inspired! New pulls and knobs can go a long way toward creating a new look in your kitchen. One of the most fun elements of the planning is exploring kitchen cabinet hardware ideas. These seemingly minor fixtures can, in fact, add a ton of style to your kitchen cabinets and provide a great vehicle for your creative spirit. If you’re going the cabinet-refacing route, or just painting the cabinets, you’ll have plenty of new pulls and knobs to look at. You can find them at online retailers or local shops.
What About Appliances and Plumbing
If you shop around for appliances, you can even buy open box, slightly scratched appliances for 40-60% off and they still come with the full warranties and will sometimes give you an extra year warranty, if you ask. If you need a new stove, buy a gas stove as everyone wants to cook on a gas stove today. New stainless-steel appliances are the finishing touch. And also think about replacing your faucet. For under $100, it will make a big improvement to your look. If new is not in your budget get a new look for less: Save thousands of dollars by painting—not replacing—your perfectly good (perhaps slightly outdated) appliances. A brush of bold color or coat of stainless steel can completely transform your current refrigerator, oven, or dishwasher. Painting appliances can cover scratches, update the finishes, and even extend their lifespans—all without breaking the bank. Rust-Oleum Specialty Appliance epoxy Spray, and Krylon Appliance Epoxy are both popular, widely used examples of such products.
—
Tom Reese has 20+ years experience in helping his clients sell their homes for a price that sells and makes them a profit. Tom has helped his clients buy and sell property in every neighborhood in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati.
About Tom Reese
Helping my clients attain their dreams has been the foundation of my success. With my strong attention to customer service, I have earned my clients continued support and referrals. Put my enthusiasm and dedication to work for you!
Call Tom anytime at (859) 393-1293
Tom may be new to rapping but he’s not new to real estate!