Clarence Murphy 
Remodeling your kitchen doesn’t need to break the bank; with creative planning and strategic spending strategies there are plenty of budget-friendly renovation ideas out there that can get the job done.
An effective and cost-efficient kitchen remodel idea is to give cabinets a fresh coat of paint. Choose a vibrant hue for an eye-catching statement piece or opt for timeless white for an understated modern touch.
Cabinets
Cabinets are often at the core of creating an affordable kitchen. Learn budget-friendly updates such as painting cupboards or adding wood paneling, as well as ways to customize cabinets for greater functionality with pull-out trays, cutlery drawers, pot and pan racks and other features that add functionality.
Add new color to your kitchen’s aesthetic by painting its cabinets a different hue. Explore various cabinet colors and finishes, as well as how to select the most suitable paint type for your project.
Upgrade storage with DIY solutions such as rolling wire shelves or slide-out shelves designed to hold bulky items such as pots and pans. Or add an Ikea open shelving solution above cabinets for a rustic yet budget-conscious look.
Countertops
Countertop trends come and go, but durable surfaces that require minimal upkeep remain a staple. You have your choice between many materials that blend style with functionality – quartz and Corian both offer natural stone looks at an affordable price point.
Tile countertops provide a classic kitchen aesthetic with its traditional shape, sizes, and colors. Affordable yet timeless, tiles can also be used as backsplashes or secondary work surfaces like eat-at counters or islands for additional work surfaces.
Make a unique statement with river rock countertops made of small river rocks suspended in acrylic or cement and polished for a dramatic look that is water-, stain-, and bacteria-resistant. Plus, their prices make this option affordable!
Backsplash
A backsplash is one of the most eye-catching aspects of any kitchen, so it is essential that it represents you personally. While tile has traditionally been the choice, homeowners are now exploring other materials as ways to protect against spills and grease while adding style.
Installing a backsplash from stainless steel or natural stone provides both durability and style, with natural stone providing protection from heat damage and chemicals used in household. Backsplashes also serve to help deter pests by creating an invisible barrier between counters and walls preventing ants, rodents or other pests from accessing stored ingredients.
Hardware
Everything that opens, closes, turns, twists or shuts requires hardware in a home–and kitchens are no different. Knobs, handles and pulls not only add an aesthetic element but can significantly affect comfort and convenience in the space.
Installation of new cabinet hardware is an affordable and simple way to give your kitchen a facelift, and allows you to choose colors or finishes that complement the rest of your decor.
Cork noticeboards make great family bulletin boards and reminder boards, with plenty of space for notes, reminders, postcards and other household items to be attached easily and neatly. You can hang a picture frame and add hooks for easy accessibility.
Lighting
Enhancing the lighting is an integral component of kitchen renovation. Though often ignored, lighting plays an essential role in food preparation as well as creating an inviting and warm space.
Install a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting for maximum impact in your kitchen. Ambient lighting serves as the basis of illumination in any space and may include pendant lights or recessed can lights – or both!
Accent lighting can add a decorative flair to your kitchen by emphasizing fixtures or adding an aesthetic accent. Wall sconces or chandeliers are popular decorative choices. Smart lighting also comes in handy with preset “scenes”, accessible via voice recognition technology or smartphone apps.
Shelving
Full kitchen remodels can be costly, but there are numerous creative budget ideas that can bring new life to your space. A wall of stained wood adds visual interest while stick-on tiles mimic an on-trend tiled floor look.
Create an attractive display of cookware and crockery on open shelving. For added flair, try your hand at DIY by turning old furniture into new storage solutions such as turning an armoire into an island, or using vintage crates as shelves.
Appliances
As anyone who’s spent any amount of time in their kitchen knows, creating an impressive space requires more than a functional layout alone. Upgrades can be an ideal way to breathe new life into this vital room of the home.
Investment in smart, energy efficient appliances is one of the best investments you can make for your home. Though they might not come with as steep an upfront cost as cabinets or countertops, choosing appliances carefully can improve both aesthetics and functionality.
Search second-hand stores and online marketplaces for affordable options with the same sleek appearance of high-end appliances.
