Top 5 Kitchen Remodeling Ideas on a Budget
The kitchen is often the heart of the home. As such, many homeowners often desire to bring theirs up-to-date, but lack the finances to do so. According to Remodeling Magazine, the average cost to remodel a kitchen is around $19,000, with high-end remodels coming in at nearly $57,000.
Universal Kitchen Remodeling Ideas on a Budget
If you don’t have that kind of money to spend on a kitchen remodel, there are still numerous ways you can spruce up your current kitchen, no matter what style you may want to achieve.
1. Create More Usable Space
A simple way to add more counter space without investing in a major remodel is to get a portable island. This will cost you far less than building an island, running electrical or plumbing, and so on. However, you get the added functionality plus you can inject some character into your kitchen. A portable kitchen island will run you around $200-$600 as compared to a stationary island, which can range from $3000-$6000 depending on materials, cabinetry, and adding utilities.
2. Update Your Walls
Another way to immediately upgrade your kitchen on a budget is to remove wallpaper and paint or repaint over an existing less than desirable color. This DIY project instantly modernizes your kitchen without breaking the bank.
If your kitchen remodel budget does not allow for adding a backsplash to your entire kitchen, consider adding it to one wall instead. This allows you to create a feature wall while bringing your kitchen up to date at minimal cost.
Specific Style Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
3. Galley Kitchen Design
Open floor plans are all the rage, but this is not always achievable with a galley kitchen (not to mention it can get quite pricey if you have to put in a support beam). Plus, it is not usually an option in a galley kitchen as you would lose a lot of necessary cabinetry. Instead, consider creating a pass through to an adjoining room to add functionality and create better flow throughout the house.
Flooring and lighting play a big role in opening up a galley kitchen. Run your flooring length-wise to make the room feel larger. Also, consider ditching heavy curtains and blinds on your windows. More light creates the feeling of more space.
4. Contemporary Kitchen Remodel
Contemporary kitchen remodels favor cleaner, sleeker looks over the heavier finishes you see in traditional kitchens. One way to create a modern feel throughout your kitchen is to replace a couple of cabinet doors with glass panel inserts. This allows you to show off modern accents or dishware without the cost of replacing all of your cabinets.
Consider removing the knobs from your cabinet doors as well. If the idea of plugging the knob holes, sanding, and repainting cabinets does not appeal to you, then opt for simpler knobs and pulls free from ornate designs. When it comes to creating a contemporary feel in your kitchen, less is always more.
It is not always financially possible to get all new countertops throughout, especially if you have an island to contend with as well. Consider only replacing the island countertop with your modern material of choice. Granite, concrete, and stainless steel are all excellent options for a contemporary kitchen. You can also check with local granite suppliers or online for granite remnants. These leftover pieces from previous projects are often perfect for smaller scale kitchen remodel ideas, such as upgrading just the kitchen island, and they come at a fraction of the cost.
5. Country Kitchen Remodel
Adding some country flair to your kitchen may be easier than you think. To instantly add the country feel you are looking for in your kitchen, consider painting out the cabinets white. If you are willing to put in some elbow grease, rip up dated linoleum floors to check for hardwood. Refinishing existing hardwood will save you a bundle in comparison to laying all new floors.
Another simple swap to add country elements to your kitchen is to change out pulls and knobs for more rustic options. Country kitchens tend to lean more toward a rustic or antique design, so incorporate other elements of your kitchen as well.
For example, you can easily antique your chairs by painting them white then distressing them after they dry. The same can be done to kitchen table legs or stools.
Whether you want to update your kitchen or gear it towards a specific style, there is always a way to do it for less than the average cost to remodel a kitchen. Putting in the work yourself along with a few simple changes can go a long way for not a lot of money. Consider searching for kitchen photos that match your wants before beginning your project. With a design plan and budget in mind, you can transform any drab kitchen to suit your style.
