A kitchen is the heart of a home. It’s where we cook delicious meals, gather with loved ones, and make memories. An updated, welcoming kitchen makes spending time there so much more enjoyable. With a new year upon us, now is the perfect time to give your kitchen a refresh. Below are 12 easy and budget-friendly ways to give your kitchen an instant facelift this year.
Clean and Organize
Decluttering and deep cleaning your kitchen is one of the easiest ways to make it look and feel so much nicer. Go through all your cabinets, drawers, and pantry and donate or throw away anything you don’t use on a regular basis. Get rid of expired food items and old plastic containers. Wipe down shelves and drawers and rearrange dishes and food items so the most-used items are most accessible.
Consider adding organizing bins, jars, racks, and other storage solutions to corral cooking tools, bakeware, spices, canned goods and more. Having an organized space makes cooking meals so much easier.
Update Lighting
Lighting can make a huge impact on the vibe of a kitchen. Well-lit spaces feel open and airy, while dated overhead fluorescent lights can feel harsh and cold. Consider replacing outdated light fixtures with pendant lights, spotlights, or under-cabinet lighting for a modern update.
Dimmable lights are great to install over the kitchen island or sink area so you can control the brightness as needed. Natural light is best, so if possible, add new windows or skylights to let the sunshine in.
Fresh Paint or Wallpaper
Painting or wallpapering the walls is an easy DIY upgrade that immediately livens up the space. Go for neutral, warm tones like beige, tan, or light grey to keep things feeling airy and cheerful. Bold accent walls in hues like navy, green, or brick red also add charming character.
Removable wallpaper is great for renters who can’t paint. Choose fun prints, faux marble, geometric patterns or nature themes to make the room pop.
Upgrade Kitchen Cabinets
Replacing old, dated cabinets does wonders for transforming the look of a kitchen. But custom built-in cabinets can be pricey. A budget-friendly alternative is to paint or re-stain your existing cabinetry for a fresh, cohesive appearance.
Swapping out old hardware for modern brushed bronze, black, or chrome handles and knobs can also give cabinets a new lease on life. Or add molding trim for a built-in custom look.
Change Up Countertops
Countertops take a lot of abuse over the years. Scratches, stains, worn areas, and outdated materials like formica and laminate can make a kitchen seem dingy. Installing new countertops is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make.
Popular affordable options are quartz, granite, butcher block, and concrete. If replacing isn’t in the budget, resurfacing existing countertops with concrete overlay or re-enameling can transform the look for under $1000.
Install a Backsplash
An eye-catching backsplash brings personality into the space. Tile, metal, glass, stone, and other materials can be configured in endless patterns and colors. DIY peel-and-stick backsplash panels make installation easy.
Or take a budget-friendly route by simply painting or wallpapering the backsplash area above the countertops. Use it as an opportunity to integrate fun prints or textures.
Upgrade Kitchen Sink
Swapping out an old stained porcelain or stainless steel sink for a fresh apron-front, farmhouse, or hammered copper model brings vintage character or modern flair. Undermount sinks have a sleek, seamless look. Composite granite sinks offer durability and stylish good looks.
Freshen up sinks and faucets with DIY cleaning solutions until you’re ready for a full replacement. Replacing hardware like faucets and handles is an easy upgrade too.
Add Open Shelving
Closed upper cabinets can make a kitchen feel dark and closed in. For a lighter, airier look, take down a few sets of upper cabinets and replace with open shelving. This showcases decorative dishware, cookbooks, and kitchen accents.
Floating shelves, rail shelving, wall-mounted wine glass racks, and other customizable options keep things organized while opening up the space. Just be sure to display only your loveliest items.
Install New Flooring
Dingy outdated floors or worn carpeting can really drag down the look of a kitchen. Switching to new modern flooring does wonders to freshen things up. Luxury vinyl plank flooring provides the look of wood or tile for less cost. And it’s waterproof!
Other great options are porcelain, ceramic tile, concrete, and linoleum. Change just the kitchen flooring, or continue throughout other rooms for a seamless flow.
Upgrade Appliances
Modern stainless steel appliances make a huge impact on the look of a kitchen. But replacing large appliances can get expensive. Consider painting your existing refrigerator, dishwasher and stove to tide you over. Use appliance paint formulated for high heat areas.
Or put covers over an old fridge or oven to disguise it. Eventually upgrading appliances to energy efficient models improves function and aesthetics.
Add Accent Elements
Fun accents add personality and charm to your cooking space. Search thrift stores and garage sales for vintage kitchenware to display. Hang a pot rack or macrame art piece above the stove.
Set out cute canisters, pretty dish towels, and fresh flowers or plants. Install a butcher block island for extra prep space and style. The right accents make the room.
Conclusion
With a little creativity and effort, you can give your kitchen an affordable stylish makeover this year. Start the new year off right creating a welcoming space you’ll love spending time in. Use a combination of organizational tips, DIY projects, and budget finds to craft your dream kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions about Updating Your Kitchen
How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen?
The average cost to remodel a midrange 200 square foot kitchen is $20,000-60,000. Higher end remodels with luxury finishes can cost over $100k. More budget friendly options like paint, new lighting and counters may only be $5000-15,000.
What are the most cost effective kitchen upgrades?
Painting cabinets, adding new hardware, installing peel-and-stick backsplash tile, changing lighting, and refinishing or painting existing countertops provide an affordable kitchen facelift for under $5000 in most cases.
Should I reface or replace kitchen cabinets?
Refacing cabinets by adding new doors, hinges and hardware costs about 50% less than full cabinet replacement. Refacing is great if cabinet boxes are sturdy but fronts are dated. Replacement makes sense if cabinets are poorly built or layout needs changing.
How do I make my kitchen look expensive on a budget?
Use high-end finishes like quartz countertops, hand-painted tile backsplash, brass hardware and soft-close drawers where you can. Add designer lighting and high quality kitchenware for an elegant look. Accent with fresh flowers, plants, artisan breads and fruit.
Should I renovate my kitchen before selling my house?
Kitchen and bath updates recoup over 60% of reno costs in increased home sale value. Even modest facelifts like paint, lighting and new counters add appeal and sale price. But avoid over-improving beyond neighborhood norms. Focus on fixes that buyers will notice.
This extensive, detailed article provides 12 great tips for refreshing your kitchen this year without breaking the bank. With clever organizing, DIY projects, strategic upgrades and decor accents, you can give your cooking space a brand new look and feel for not much money. Use these budget-friendly ideas for a nicer, more inspiring kitchen. Wishing you a very happy new year in your refreshed and welcoming new kitchen!
