If you’re like many homeowners, you probably dream of doing a complete kitchen remodel. And why not? On the practical side, a kitchen remodel can greatly improve the value of your home. On the somewhat less practical side, there’s just something really satisfying about having a beautiful kitchen.
There is, however, a downside. A complete kitchen remodel costs money. In fact, even making a few simple changes to a relatively small kitchen can end up costing you thousands of dollars. Of course, you can save a little money by doing some of the work yourself. But not everyone has that kind of time. And unless you already have experience laying tiles or hanging cabinets, the results might leave something to be desired.
But not to worry. There are several simple and affordable things you can do to your kitchen to give it a fresh new look and feel. And, best of all, these changes don’t take much time.
So where do you start?
Paint the Walls
Do you think your kitchen is boring and drab? If so, one of the quickest solutions is to paint the walls. Painting will give you the biggest impact for the least amount of time and expense. And even if you’re working more or less on your own, you should be able to paint the whole kitchen in just a few hours.
For many people, the actual painting isn’t the hard part. It’s choosing the right paint color that keeps them from jumping into a painting project. But why not look at some samples, choose a color you like, and go with it? The great thing about painting your kitchen is that, if you don’t like the results, you can always change the color.
You can also use wall paint colors to change how big or small your kitchen feels. If you have a small kitchen that feels kind of cramped, you can use light, bright colors—like pastels, creams and whites—to make it feel more spacious and open. If your kitchen is huge, or feels empty or cold, use dark, warm colors—like a rich brown or deep gold—to make it feel more warm and cozy.
Change the Hardware
Painting isn’t the only way to make is significant change to the look and feel of your kitchen. Changing the hardware throughout your kitchen is another quick, inexpensive way to make a big impact.
Take a good look at your faucet. Yes, it might be in good shape. But is it boring and kind of generic? If so, why not make a change to something more a bit more stylish and interesting. You can find faucets in every style you can think of, from rustic, to classic to modern. You also have your choice of finishes, from brass, to copper, to chrome. You should be able to find a faucet you love that’s both inexpensive and easy to install.
Now what about those cabinets? Ask a group of people what they’d most like to change about their kitchen, and drab, outdated cabinets will probably be at the top of the list. While installing all new cabinets can be expensive, painting your existing cabinets isn’t. A coat of paint can instantly make your cabinets look more new and fresh. And don’t forget to change the hardware. No matter your style, you should be able to find enough new cabinet handles, door knobs and drawer pulls to outfit your entire kitchen for about $50 to $100. Or even less.
Finally, there are the light fixtures. Some people never think of changing their kitchen light fixtures unless they get damaged somehow. But changing the fixtures can make an amazing difference in your kitchen. And you don’t have to limit yourself to light fixtures meant for the kitchen either. If you see a light fixture you love that’s “meant” for another room, but you think it would look great in your kitchen, go for it.
Change the Accessories
They say the right accessories can liven up any outfit. And the same is true when it comes to your kitchen.
If you want to add new life to your kitchen, some new curtains are a quick way to do it. Buy a set of coordinating towels, and even oven mitts. And, if you have a breakfast table in the kitchen, consider buying a tablecloth to match the curtains and towels.
Not fond of your kitchen floor, but don’t have the time or money to change it right now? Consider using area rugs. Not only will they add style and color to the room, they’ll also take some attention away from that floor.
The great thing about these accessories is that you can change them with ease. If you want, you can have a different set of towels, curtains, tablecloths and area rugs for every season or mood.
Just because you can’t afford a complete kitchen remodel doesn’t mean you can’t give your kitchen a makeover. By painting the walls, changing the hardware and buying some new accessories, you can give your kitchen a whole new look and feel, without having to spend a lot of money.
