Kitchen upgrades are a popular choice for homeowners who are looking to add value to their property while also improving one of the most used rooms in a home. Unfortunately, kitchen upgrades also tend to cost a bit more than other rooms with the average cost of a kitchen remodel coming in at anything between $13,000 and $37,000, depending on what upgrades or updates are being done to the room. The good news is that there are some ways homeowners can upgrade their kitchen without needing a bank loan to cover the expense.
Spruce Up Your Walls
When it comes to upgrading a room, one of the easiest ways to do so is with a fresh coat of paint. However, homeowners don’t need to spend their entire budget on a new coat of paint for the entire room. By carefully selecting one or two walls, budget-conscious homeowners can save money while also breathing some new life into the room. Choosing to paint one wall a bright color while leaving the other walls a neutral tone creates excitement and impact. Called accent walls, these walls can help draw attention to existing focal points in a room, so choosing which wall to paint is imperative. You don’t want to draw attention to mundane items like your dishwasher or rubbish bin, so avoid painting accent walls in these kinds of spaces.
Bring More Light into the Room
A relatively inexpensive way to update a room is by changing existing light fixtures or adding new accent lights to bring more light and warmth into the area. For example, installing pendant lights over a breakfast nook can add a touch of elegance to the area while also providing some mood lighting come dinner time. Small spotlight-style fittings can also help create unique focal points in a room and are inexpensive and easy to install.
Turn Everyday Items into Accent Pieces
While you could always buy a piece of art to add a touch of creative flair into your kitchen, why not make use of some of your existing kitchenware to decorate the space? Backsplash areas are some of the most underutilized areas in a kitchen, but it’s easy enough to make use of the space by installing a fancy spice rack under a counter near the stove. Cup hooks installed under countertops also perform a similar function, giving homeowners an effective and interesting way to store things like ladles and other metal utensils. Another popular idea is using magnetic strips installed on backsplash areas to store bigger items such as pots and pans. Aside from making the pots and pans look like pieces of art, this storage solution also frees up space in cupboards and prevents pots from scratching each other when they are stacked.
Invest in Some Fun Cookware
When it comes to cookware, buying items that are both useful and interesting to look at can go a long way towards helping create an interesting space. Whether it is a new coffee maker in a fun color, a toaster that makes a unique sound when the toast is ready, or a cute little kettle, fun cooking ware can help add accent pieces to a room while also being functional.
Other items you should consider investing in include a good-looking but durable frying pan. Non-stick pans made with a core of pressed aluminum are making a big comeback, as they are a healthier and safer alternative to traditional non-stick pans, and they also look good when used as an accent piece. However, before you buy the Graniterock frying pan, homeowners should remember that this type of pan is not suitable for direct use on induction cooktops, so they may need to purchase an induction disk to use them with.
Upgrade Your Counters
Upgrading the counters or cabinets in a kitchen doesn’t mean replacing them. A simple coat of paint on cabinet doors can make the whole room feel fresh. For bringing old countertops up to date, homeowners should consider using a countertop resurfacing or refinishing kit for a budget-friendly approach to the task. DIY countertop kits come in a range of options and can help homeowners breathe new life into any drab-looking kitchen. Countertop kits can be applied to most surfaces, including plywood, concrete, and tile, and they come in a variety of styles. Some popular choices include stone-surface, concrete, and faux granite.
When it comes to upgrading a kitchen, homeowners don’t need to blow their entire year’s budget on expensive updates to achieve a fresh new look. By following some of the tips above, any homeowner can update their kitchen quickly and effectively.