Cost Effective Kitchen Updates That Make a Big Impact

It takes some skills and a little bit of creativity to successfully pull off cost-effective kitchen updates. There is a massive gulf between expectation and budget when it comes to designing your kitchen. Sometimes you might have a  budget in mind, but once you add the price of sleek and stylish kitchen cabinets, worktops, tiles, appliances, and other items, your overall cost quickly escalates, making it impossible to stick to your original number.

To avoid this, have an idea of what you expect to achieve, regardless of whether you are remodeling everything or just changing a few items. A well-rounded budget helps you know how much you can spend on the crucial elements. Planning a stylish kitchen makeover doesn't have to cost you a fortune; the trick is to know the difference between what you need to replace and what you can upgrade with a bit of creativity.

Fortunately, there are multiple options for designing your kitchen with quality essentials that are also pocket-friendly. Whether or not you are overhauling your kitchen, here are some design ideas you can put to use without burning a hole in your pocket.

KITCHEN UPDATES ON A BUDGET

Do Most of the Kitchen Updates Yourself

Doing as much work as possible without hiring labor is the best way to save money when designing your kitchen. While a complete kitchen overhaul may be cost-prohibitive for some homeowners, there are still plenty of cost-effective kitchen updates that can be done.

You can be able to do things like:

• Fitting cabinets – Using a kitchen planner guide can help you better understand your kitchen layout so you can fit cabinets yourself and save a lot of money

• Installing worktops – There are a variety of wooden, laminate, and tile worktops that are affordable and easy to install without any assistance

• Laying out flooring – Ceramic tiles, vinyl tiles, laminate, and wooden kitchen flooring are relatively straightforward to layout

• Fitting sinks and taps – If you are confident in your DIY skills, you can also fit your sink and taps as long as you do not need to move any pipework. Messing with the pipework can cause extensive damage, so it's best to leave the plumbing to the professionals

• Painting and putting up wallpaper – Even though it might take some time, painting and putting up wallpaper are very simple tasks that will save you labor costs

Repurpose Your Appliances

Buying new appliances is usually the most expensive part of designing a kitchen. If you have old appliances that are still in good shape, you should consider re-installing them in different positions for a fresh look.

However, if you need to get new appliances, make sure to scour the internet for the best bargains. Sourcing the appliances yourself is cheaper than letting a design company do it for you.

Additionally, it helps to invest in energy-efficient appliances since they save you money on running costs down the line. There is a wide range of options for energy-efficient kitchen appliances for you to choose from.

How to Update a Kitchen Without Renovating

If you find the layout of your kitchen a bit bland, updating a few key elements can make a dramatic difference and give your entire kitchen a facelift. You can start by:

Changing Your Worktops

If your laminate worktop is worn out, you can switch to a granite worktop. You could also paint over your tiled splashback with a special tile paint to make it more vibrant. Doing this will have a significant impact on your kitchen.

Repainting Your Cabinets

One of the most popular cost-effective kitchen updates is to paint the cabinets.

In general, painting your cabinetry is the least expensive way to renovate your kitchen. When it comes to solid-wood cabinets, sanding them down and repainting them will give them a striking new look and not cost you a lot of money. This option is cheaper and easier than overhauling the entire kitchen.

Look for a calming yet rich shade that helps you feel at home in your space. Avoid flashy and extreme colors that would make your kitchen look even busier than it already is. Additionally, it would be best to go for high-quality paint since it will guarantee a durable finish.

For finishing touches, consider soft furnishing, artwork, and shelving displays to give your kitchen an open-plan scheme that is warm and inviting. All these changes are easy to replace and can be updated seasonally or whenever you want to switch things up.

Investing in Cabinet Doors

When nothing in your kitchen is worth saving, make sure you invest in the right places. If your cupboards are dated in color and style, but the framework is still in good shape, you can replace the doors. Several companies specialize in providing affordable, quality cabinet replacement doors.

You can also use budget cabinet caresses with less expensive doors and spend the extra money on luxurious worktops instead. Even small touches like replacing old-fashioned cabinet handles can make a huge difference.

Make Smarter Decisions

Most people crave a fancy and more functional kitchen but feel like designing a kitchen on a budget is an impossible task. Scouring the internet for second-hand kitchen cabinetry, fittings, fixtures, and discounted kitchen appliances is just half the work. To make the most of your cost-effective kitchen updates, you have to be willing to work yourself and only spend money when necessary.

Would you ever take on a DIY kitchen remodel?