Laura Gaskill, Houzz Contributor
Whether you are planning to invest your own sweat equity in a complete kitchen remodel or simply hope to make a few quick changes over the weekend, when every penny counts it's important to choose projects that will make a big impact for the lowest price possible. Stay focused on the results you are after (put on blinders when you walk past those $1,000 light fixtures) and be willing to get your hands a bit paint splattered, and you can certainly achieve beautiful results on any budget.
From paint and hardware to DIY projects and sources for budget materials, these 15 ideas will help you plan your kitchen update.
1. Swap out lighting. Stylish new pendant lights can easily become the new focal point of the room. The hand-blown glass pendants shown here are a beautiful, versatile choice, and at less than $200, they won't break the bank.
2. Upgrade accessories. With limited opportunities for decoration, it's important to make the most of the little things. Corral frequently used items on a woven tray, prop up a few wooden boards on your counter and display pantry items with pretty packaging.
3. Repaint cabinets. If your kitchen cabinets have a dated finish or you want a more personal touch than standard-issue white cabinets, think about adding color. Try pale sage green, as shown here, duck egg blue or warm putty -- all versatile choices that go with many different materials and finishes.
4. Paint half the cabinets for a high-contrast look. A palette of black and white with wood and metal accents looks sleek and modern in the kitchen. Get the look by painting only the bottom cabinets and the base of your kitchen island black, leaving the upper cabinets white.
5. Work in rustic elements. Farmhouse accents instantly add warmth and character to a bland kitchen. Replace the kitchen or pantry door with a sliding barn door, hang copper pots from a ceiling rack or bring in a timeworn antique wooden stool.
6. Add storage with simple shelves. Lacking upper cabinets? Rustic wood shelves on metal brackets are easily (and cheaply) installed, and provide functional display space for everyday dishes.
7. Use Roman shades for a finished look. Roman shades add an elegant note to any room and look especially at home in the kitchen, where any softness is most welcome. Have matching shades made for any glass doors in the same room for a cohesive look.
8. Paint the floor. If your wood floors are not in the best shape and you want to avoid professional refinishing, try painting them instead. White is chic but will show every dropped crumb; pale gray and blue are also classic choices. If you want to get creative, try stenciling a design onto the painted floors.
9. Remove upper cabinet doors. If glass door fronts are out of the budget but you want to open up a bit of space, try simply removing the doors to your upper kitchen cabinets. It's an easy change to make (just unscrew the doors and fill and paint the holes) that can add a sense of spaciousness to a small kitchen.
10. Spice up an outdated fridge with chalkboard paint. No cash to trade in that old beige fridge? Try covering it in chalkboard paint instead for a fun, creative look. The chalkboard surface will keep kids busy while you cook, or use it to keep a running grocery list, menu ideas or inspiring quotes and doodles.
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