Kitchen Upgrades Can Be Costly, But You Can Use These 6 Hacks to Renovate on a Budget

The kitchen is the center of your home, a room that can be used for various purposes, whether socializing, drinking, eating, or even spending some time relaxing. It sets the tone for the entire living space and plays a role in the resale value. But let’s face it: kitchens are hardly perfect. Some of them are too dark, while others can be too small. But there are also those that are outdated – so outdated that they won’t likely come back in style, like… ever. And while you may wish for a fairy godmother to come and do some magic so you can get the kitchen of your dreams, unfortunately, that’s only possible in fairy tales and not in real life. 

The reality is that renovating a kitchen can be very expensive (between £7,000 to £20,000), and let’s be honest, given the current cost of living, few people can afford to make such a significant investment in a kitchen project. But here is some good news for you: there’s no need to break the bank to renovate your dated kitchen! With a few tricks, you can breathe new life into the cooking space and feel happier when spending time in it. Ready to explore them? Let’s begin!

Prioritize your needs

When remodeling your kitchen, it’s easy to think that you have to change it entirely. But that’s not the case. It’s enough to make some changes here and there to achieve a fresh look in the cooking space. Since you want to remodel on a budget, you need to take the time to identify what elements genuinely need an upgrade. 

Some areas may require immediate attention, such as worn-out countertops, outdated fixtures, or inefficient storage solutions. While there are elements that could add to the design, they will only end up costing you more money in the end, so think in terms of necessity. 

Keep the layout 

Changing the kitchen layout can lead to significant costs, as it involves purchasing new materials, hiring a specialist and even opening up walls in some cases. So, one of the best ways to save money on your kitchen remodel is to retain the layout and only upgrade elements within the framework. 

Of course, you can still make layout changes as long as they don’t involve moving plumbing services. For example, adding a kitchen light or an outlet involves reasonable costs, so it’s alright to go for such transformations in the room.

Paint the cabinets

Never underestimate the power of an updated colour palette on a tired kitchen! This works particularly well for oak kitchens, which are the most common types of kitchens homeowners have. Now, we don’t recommend painting cabinets entirely because oak tones are lovely. If you want to elevate the space, it’s enough just to paint the lower cabinets. 

Or, you can opt for something bold if that suits you better. Keep in mind that the paint you need will depend on the cabinet doors’ material. For example, interior wood paint suits wood veneer and solid wood, while laminate doors require a specialist multipurpose paint. 

Consider replacing cabinet cupboards only

Who says you need to invest in new kitchen cabinets to refresh the design of your cooking space? Sure, that would be ideal if you had the money, but you can instead opt for replacement kitchen cupboard, as it comes at a cheaper price. And don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style! 

There is a wide range of designs available for everyone’s taste, so no matter your preferences, you will find what you’re looking for, and succeed in transforming your kitchen. You may want to take the time to research the latest kitchen remodeling trends, and see how you can incorporate them in your cooking space – yes, it’s possible to do so even on a budget. Sourcing cheaper cabinets may not seem like the easiest thing in the world, but it’s all about taking the right approach. Take the time to research and consider all the options: for example, you can buy second-hand or choose a retailer that offers high-quality options at a reasonable price. 

Add open shelving

Open shelves are a great alternative to upper cabinets and can offer both aesthetics and functionality. So, take a look at the kitchen and figure out if you could remove some of your cabinetry and replace it with open shelving. 

This minor change can work wonders on the kitchen’s overall look while allowing you to showcase your personality. And styling open shelving doesn’t have to be anything complicated! 

You can consider something that functions like mixing salt and pepper or bowls, something artistic such as artwork, or something decorative like sculpture or vase. It’s really up to you, so don’t hesitate to experiment and see what best matches your needs and preferences. 

Opt for affordable flooring options

Kitchen floors can end up being pretty costly if you aren’t careful, but the good news is that cheaper options are available for those looking to remodel their kitchen on a budget. You can choose between laminate, vinyl, tile and cork, which are all available in different styles. 

Keep in mind that each of these options has unique pros and cons. For example, vinyl tends to be one of the most cost-effective flooring materials, providing a resilient surface for the feet, while ceramic tile offers an elegant surface, but it can be cold on the feet. Before deciding on the type of flooring, weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of each available option. This way, you will make an informed decision and feel satisfied with the final result. 

The bottom line

If looking at your kitchen disappoints you, know that you don’t have to settle for a dated design. As highlighted in this blog, you can remodel the room and make it look brand new – even when you’re on a tight budget. The key is to approach the project the right way, and avoid spending money on unnecessary upgrades. 

Like everyone else, you deserve a kitchen that makes you happy when you spend time in it. So, what are you waiting for? Use the tips above and start designing your dream kitchen!