Kitchen Remodeling On A Budget

If you've been living in your home for several years, or even if you've just moved in to a new house, you may be looking to remodel your kitchen. Yet a full remodeling job may cost thousands of dollars or more. If your budget is limited, a full remodel may be out of the question. But there are many ways you can upgrade your kitchen, and improve it's appearance, without breaking the bank.

You can add a tile backsplash to your walls above the counter. Adding a backsplash will add color, and some personalization to your kitchen, and tiles are a lot easier to clean than the wall. You can choose tiles to complement your counter or walls, or you can choose colors that will provide some contrast. The tile backsplash can be either a solid color, or you can create patterns with the tiles. Many different tiles are available to work with, from solid colors, to patterns and textures, to hand-painted tiles. This is a quick and simple project that most anyone can do. And it's affordable, with tiles starting at about $4 per square foot.

Your counters are an important part of your kitchen, and probably one of the first things someone sees. So, it's important to have durable, nice looking counters, isn't it? If yours is scratched and dull, you can easily replace it. You can buy laminate countertops for around $25 per linear foot, and you have hundreds of choices as to texture and color. If you have a bit more in your remodeling budget, you can buy a solid surface countertop, for around $90-$200 dollars per foot. Solid surface countertops have an advantage over laminate, in that a solid surface top will allow scratches to be buffed out.

If your cabinets are looking a bit shabby, you don't need to replace them. If your cabinets are still in good shape, you can simply refinish them or reface them. Refinishing involves stripping the paint or varnish off of the old cabinets, and repainting or staining them a new color. Refacing involves replacing the doors and the fronts of the drawers. Another option if you're on a tight budget, is to simply replace the handles and knobs on your cabinets. Cabinet hardware is available in many different shapes sizes and finishes.

You can illuminate those dark areas under your cabinets with some inexpensive lights. You can buy either individual lights, or a strand of rope lights, which install under your cabinets, and illuminate your work space. A new ceiling fixture can also help to change the look of the kitchen. You can find several lighting fixtures at your local hardware store.

Painting is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to change the look of your kitchen. You can repaint in solid colors, or use one of many faux finish techniques and products to change the look of your walls. Stencils and sponging techniques will go a long way towards personalizing your kitchen space. If your kitchen is already painted, you can add a simple wallpaper border to add an additional touch of color.

You can add touches of color throughout your kitchen without spending a lot of money. Some colored bottles, or bottles full of vinegars and oils can be placed on your windowsill or on the counter. Bare walls can be filled with colorful prints and posters. You can buy countertop appliances to contrast or complement the rest of the decor. If you enjoy a glass of wine now and then, you can buy small wine racks that fit on the counter, or hang on the wall. The bottles of wine will add a nice splash of color to your kitchen.

Don't think that you have to pay an arm and a leg to remodel your kitchen. There are many quick and inexpensive ways to add a new look to your food preparation area. If you can set aside a little bit of money and time, you're kitchen will soon be looking better than ever.