The kitchen is the heart of any home and probably where we spend the most time together as a family. But with all the home renovation shows creating stunning kitchens, you may be feeling that your current kitchen is less than ideal.
But how do you modernize an outdated kitchen? Can you update a kitchen on a budget?
In my case, my current kitchen is the total opposite of my dream kitchen and I’ve been planning my kitchen renovation on my “Dream Kitchens” Pinterest board since I bought my house.
But if you’re still saving for that dream Pinterest kitchen, like me, then you might want to consider some easier, more cost efficient options in the meantime that will make your kitchen shine again!
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6 Easy Ways To Update Your Kitchen On A Budget
1. Update Your Color Scheme
It is so much cheaper to throw fresh paint on the walls (not literally) than it is to rip out the kitchen and start again. A new colour scheme can totally change the look and feel of the atmosphere in the kitchen and you can revise the colour scheme from the walls to the cabinets to the decor accents and even your appliances.
Something as simple as a much-needed fridge repair and the addition of a cabinet panel can give your tired appliance the overhaul it needs. You can also consider painting or adding wallpaper to create a feature wall in the kitchen for some drama.
I’m not ready to totally rip out my kitchen for a new one (ok, I’m ready, but not financially ready) – so I’m actually considering painting my kitchen cabinets from their current cherry red colour to a softer white in the meantime. Painting the kitchen cabinets takes only a few days (when done by a professional) and is the easiest and cheapest way to update the look of your cabinet finishes.
2. Update The Knobs, Handles & Accessories
A simple change in handles and kitchen hardware for cabinets can be a quick and easy way to pretty up the kitchen. It’s also an affordable way to update the hardware finish of the kitchen to the latest trends – I’m personally loving gold hardware in the kitchen myself! Add in a new sink, maybe even a new faucet -it’s easy to start changing up the feel of your kitchen.
You can also use this opportunity to update your kitchen gadgets, pots, pans, counter decor and utensils to match the updated kitchen hardware, the perfect excuse to get those copper pots you’ve always wanted.
Below, you’ll see a pic of my navy blue kitchen island with gold hardware and wood-look brown tile floor – this seriously updated my kitchen! I also added some kitchen shelves to allow some more decor pieces in the kitchen.
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If you love rose gold and Amazon shopping, this post is for you! Browse my collection of rose gold decor options from Amazon for every room in your home.
3. Change Your Backsplash & Counters
A quick kitchen update in a short amount of time can be achieved by updating the back splash. If you have an older home, chances are the back splash has become tired and outdated over time. Swapping out an old backsplash for a more fresh, up to date option can help modernize your kitchen and bring out your cabinetry, accessories and fixtures. Many modern kitchens are featuring stone backsplashes using a solid piece of stone to avoid grout lines, for a super clean look.
Not into re-tiling the backsplash? Consider some the latest peel and stick backsplash options that are easy to apply and super gorgeous! I’ve included some samples of peel and stick backsplash tiles in the pics below…you can shop a ton of them on Wayfair now!
While you’re at it, you can also consider updating your countertops. There are so many gorgeous marble-like counter options made from man-made quartz (Caesarstone or Silestone) that look totally stunning but are way more durable and low maintenance than their natural stone counterparts.
If the man-made options are still too pricey for you, consider a gorgeous vinyl option – there are so many updated and beautiful vinyl countertop styles to choose from nowadays to fit any budget. Check out Ikea’s stunning vinyl butcher block option as a starting point!
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Browse gorgeous gold and brass colored semi-flushmount lighting options to update your light fixtures on a budget.
4. Do A Thorough Clean & De-Clutter
Have you ever stood back and taken a good look at what’s sitting on your kitchen countertops or island? Clutter in the kitchen can make things look too busy or sloppy.
Put away your smaller appliances if you don’t need them, keep the newspapers and daily mail filed away and focus on keeping only decorative accessories and appliances that you really need to use often on the counters.
You can also add in some pull-out cabinetry to make organizing and finding your kitchen items easier or some floating shelves to clear the countertops. Remember, clean countertops can give the illusion of a much bigger (and neater) kitchen space!
Related Reading: 5 Tips To Make Home Maintenance A Breeze
5. Let There Be Light! New Lights & Smart Bulbs Are An Easy Kitchen Update
Sometimes swapping out an old light fixture for a new one can make a huge difference to the look and feel of a room. If you’re changing the color of your kitchen hardware, you can also add in some new lights with matching finishes to make your updated kitchen look more cohesive.
Smart light bulbs are also something you might want to consider to update the atmosphere of the kitchen. You can create a lighting program for your kitchen that will make it stand out when it counts. Brighter light can be programmed while you cook, with softer light for the evenings.
You can also easily add undermount lighting to your kitchen cabinets and shelves with these easy stick-on LED lights from Amazon and Wayfair.
6. Change Up The Floor
Changing up the flooring in your kitchen is a great way to give this part of your home some new life! If you’re up to date with current kitchen trends, you’ll know that hardwood is what everyone is looking for in their kitchen nowadays, although not the most practical option. Not into woods in the kitchen? Don’t blame you – me neither!
Looking for a budget-friendly way to update your kitchen floor? Consider using a wood-look tile (which is the most practical option, in my opinion) or even a more updated wood-look vinyl floor to the area. Vinyl has come a long way now and there are tons of styles to choose from – just be aware that your floors need to be fairly level to use vinyl.
If you can’t rip up the floor, try adding a kitchen rug that matches your color scheme or changing up your blinds or curtains instead. Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference when you’re on a budget!
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Updating your kitchen doesn’t have to be expensive if you know how to make the most of your budget by incorporating some of my kitchen upgrade ideas above!
For more inspiration and easy kitchen remodel ideas, follow my “Dream Kitchens” board on Pinterest!
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