The kitchen is typically the most well-used room in the house. As such, it deserves to look good and be as functional as possible. The problem with kitchens is that even though remodeling them can give homeowners a big boost in resale value, it’s a complicated project that can get very expensive.
Nationwide, the average complete kitchen remodel costs more than $23,000, with some on the high end hitting more than $50,000. Smaller projects – new sink, refaced cabinets, tile backsplash and a fresh coat of paint – reduce the cost to the $10,000 to $15,000 range. Custom cabinets, granite countertops, new appliances and hardwood floors could bump it up to $30,000.
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It is possible, however, to improve the appearance of a kitchen without spending too much money. Consider the following 10 ideas:
1. Light up the area
A decorative light fixture that matches your décor appears to be a significant upgrade but comes with a relatively small price. Track lighting kits begin at around $45, whereas many attractive flush ceiling lights can be purchased for less than $100.
A decorative light fixture that matches your décor appears to be a significant upgrade but comes with a relatively small price. Track lighting kits begin at around $45, whereas many attractive flush ceiling lights can be purchased for less than $100.
2. Add new backsplash
Improve the looks of a kitchen with a new tile backsplash. Choosing white subway tiles gives versatility to the project. That's because eight ways exist to arrange the tiles, including herringbone and vertical running board, to match the kitchen’s current design.
Improve the looks of a kitchen with a new tile backsplash. Choosing white subway tiles gives versatility to the project. That's because eight ways exist to arrange the tiles, including herringbone and vertical running board, to match the kitchen’s current design.
3. Paint the cabinets
Cabinets are often the most expensive part of any kitchen upgrade. But it doesn’t take a high skill level to repaint them and give the kitchen a fresh, bright appearance. Painting is one of the tasks that can be turned into a do-it-yourself project, saving hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
Cabinets are often the most expensive part of any kitchen upgrade. But it doesn’t take a high skill level to repaint them and give the kitchen a fresh, bright appearance. Painting is one of the tasks that can be turned into a do-it-yourself project, saving hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
4. Replace the hardware
Changing cabinet handles and drawer pulls can have a large impact on the kitchen’s style and personality, yet they are inexpensive and easy to install. Depending on how ornate they are, the hardware could be from $2 to $20 each. For a typical 40-pull kitchen, that could cost from $80 to $800.
Changing cabinet handles and drawer pulls can have a large impact on the kitchen’s style and personality, yet they are inexpensive and easy to install. Depending on how ornate they are, the hardware could be from $2 to $20 each. For a typical 40-pull kitchen, that could cost from $80 to $800.
5. Update appliances and save money
Yes, new appliances are not cheap, but they will drastically change the appeal of the kitchen. In addition, Energy Star-certified stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers will save money over the long term, so purchasing them makes a lot more sense.
Yes, new appliances are not cheap, but they will drastically change the appeal of the kitchen. In addition, Energy Star-certified stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers will save money over the long term, so purchasing them makes a lot more sense.
6. Install a new faucet
A new faucet can cost between $225 and $275 for professional installation, but it can add to the looks and functionality of a kitchen. Someone with DIY talent can save the cost of a plumber’s labor.
A new faucet can cost between $225 and $275 for professional installation, but it can add to the looks and functionality of a kitchen. Someone with DIY talent can save the cost of a plumber’s labor.
7. Hang cookware
Free up lots of cabinet space by hanging cookware on a rack that is either suspended from the ceiling or attached to a wall. Not only will there be extra space in the cabinets, but the kitchen will get a stylish update.
Free up lots of cabinet space by hanging cookware on a rack that is either suspended from the ceiling or attached to a wall. Not only will there be extra space in the cabinets, but the kitchen will get a stylish update.
8. Make an impact with new countertops
It’s surprising how a change in countertops can alter the personality of an entire kitchen. In fact, the right countertop can serve as a focal point for the whole kitchen. The cost to replace them will depend on the material, but the national average is $2,900.
It’s surprising how a change in countertops can alter the personality of an entire kitchen. In fact, the right countertop can serve as a focal point for the whole kitchen. The cost to replace them will depend on the material, but the national average is $2,900.
9. Add a kitchen island
Kitchen islands have become popular for their look and versatility. They can be used for dining, preparing food, storage or sitting around having a conversation. The design options are almost endless.
Kitchen islands have become popular for their look and versatility. They can be used for dining, preparing food, storage or sitting around having a conversation. The design options are almost endless.
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10. Flooring
Lots of choices exist for kitchen flooring, including tile, vinyl and carpeting. Hardwood appeals to many homeowners, and they are turning to alternatives that look like hardwood in materials such as glazed ceramic tile and vinyl.
Lots of choices exist for kitchen flooring, including tile, vinyl and carpeting. Hardwood appeals to many homeowners, and they are turning to alternatives that look like hardwood in materials such as glazed ceramic tile and vinyl.