5 Ways to Transform Your Kitchen Without Breaking the Bank
by: Andrea Keeney
The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the house. With everything from cooking to entertaining, the kitchen can quickly show its age. Some homeowners are reluctant to even consider updating their kitchen due to the cost. A full-blown kitchen remodel can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $50,000. Luckily, you can give your cabinet a facelift without a major remodel. Check out these five ways to transform your kitchen without breaking the bank.
- Update the cabinets
Kitchen cabinets get quite a bit of use. With people opening and closing them all day, the cabinets are bound to show a bit of wear and tear. If you hope to transform your kitchen, your cabinets are among the best places to start. If the existing cabinetry is sound, there is no reason for you to replace the cabinets fully. Instead, remove the contents of the cabinets, clean and wipe down the insides, and add a fresh layer of paint. In addition, refinish or repaint the cabinet doors. Remove the cabinet doors and hardware from the cabinets before you paint them. Depending on what type of paint/stain your existing doors are coated with, you may need to sand down the doors or add a fresh layer of primer. Choose a paint color that compliments the style of your kitchen. With a fresh coat of paint, you can reinstall your cabinet doors and bask in the glow of cabinets that appear brand new.
- Add a kitchen island.
Kitchen islands have been a central selling point among home buyers for the past five years. The valuable storage and counter space addition will transform your kitchen and add value to your home. The typical kitchen island is at least two feet wide with a minimum of three feet on each side of the island to provide comfortable walking space. Popular kitchen island surfaces include quartz, butcher block, and granite. However, you should ensure that your new island surface complements the existing countertops. Make sure your kitchen island has ample storage. Utilize pull-out drawers and open cabinet space for small, medium, and extensive kitchen tools.
- Change up flooring
While you may be tempted to focus on countertops and cabinets, look hard at your kitchen’s flooring. Consider a flooring update if it is outdated, worn, or needs repair. The most popular flooring is hardwood. However, it is not always the most practical option. Hardwood floors can be easily scratched and may damage easier than flooring such as laminate wood floors. These look exactly like wood but are more durable and less expensive. If you are considering changing up your bed, speak to a professional. They will be able to direct you toward a popular flooring option in your area that fits your budget and will suit your needs.
- Update the hardware
An often overlooked but effective way to transform your kitchen is with a few new pieces of hardware. Changing up hardware can be done on a small scale or as an all-around update. For a simple update, focus on the cabinet knobs and drawer pulls, as these require much use. However, you can also update the sink fixture, cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and hinges if needed. Some of the most popular finishes in the kitchen are polished chrome, stainless steel, brushed nickel, and matte. Choose a style that corresponds with your kitchen and will be famous among home buyers.
- Paint the walls
A fresh coat of paint on the cabinets can transform your kitchen, and so can a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Homeowners looking to sell their homes fast are almost always advised to add a fresh coat of paint to the walls to increase their home value. The most popular wall color among homebuyers is white, though many are equally excited about neutral tones such as off-white, muted green, or beige. When added to the backsplash, cabinetry, and trim, these colors work well with several lighter and darker shades.
Transforming your kitchen doesn’t always have to be expensive. Many minor and inexpensive fixes are enough to make your kitchen shine. Choose a few necessary updates, and your kitchen will look almost brand new.
