If your budget won't stretch to pay for a total remodel, you can still update five essential areas your kitchen with a small budget and a little do-it-yourself. Each of these areas will make a big difference in the look of the space and you can tackle them one at a time as the money and the time becomes available.
1. Cabinets
Photo: George Mayer
If your cabinets are wood, they can be stripped, then stained or painted to look like new. If you don't want to tackle all the cabinets, redoing the cabinet fronts will still give you a new look. If the cabinets are not worth saving, there are new cabinets available that will fit in a basic budget.
2. Countertops and Backsplash
Photo: Sandra Herd
Did you know you can paint those old laminate or formica countertops? Well, with the right primer and paint, you can get a new look for much less that the cost of replacing them. But if you do need to replace the countertops, which ones will provide the durability you need at the price you can afford? If you want to go green, have you thought of concrete countertops? There are so many colors and looks you can choose by doing the countertops yourself. And if you want to change the backsplash, it's easy to add a tile backsplash with a little planning and imagination.
3. Lighting
Photo: Kiril Davarski
One of the easiest ways to update the look of your kitchen. And it can increase it's efficiency as well. It's amazing how much better you cook when you can see what you're cooking! Replacing that old light fixture with a chandelier, adding pendant lights or undercabinet task lighting will automatically brighten your space. And where do you find the cheapest lighting? Try shops like Habitat for Humanities' Re-store, which stock items from builder's jobs which are unused or switched out when the new owner prefers another style. Architectural salvage shops can be sources as well.
4. Storage
Photo: Ryan McVay - Getty Images
If you have a shortage of storage in your kitchen, where do you find extra space? Try an armoire or file cabinet for an unusual way to store linens, dishes or baking staples. Easy storage can be easily built in your kitchen - a plain shelf or two with a single piece of wood and two brackets. Then top with baskets for the thrift or dollar store for storage. Your imagination can surely come up with ways to customize these ideas for your own space.
5. Hardware
Nik Frey
Nothing dates a kitchen like old hardware and nothing makes a kitchen sparkle like new hardware. New drawer pulls and doorknobs in brushed nickel or with sleek lines and unusual shapes will make a word of difference in the look of your kitchen. Find low cost hardware over the internet or at yard sales. Better yet, paint your old hardware with metallic spray paint.
Making changes in these five essential areas will make your kitchen a beautiful and efficient space - and without breaking the bank.