Budget Kitchen Upgrade

If you are looking for a kitchen upgrade and have a limited budget, fret not! It is really not all that difficult to get a stunning kitchen on a budget. Even whilst on a budget, do not skimp on good quality faucets and sink as well as flooring.

After the basic upgrade is over, you can add your own little touches to the kitchen. Potted herbs in glass jars can line your window sill. Have a family board to put up personal snaps, notes, recipes, menus et al. For a bare wall, you can use richly-hued earthy plates to add color. A tall bowl of fresh flowers makes for an inviting ambience.

Tips for a budget kitchen upgrade

Don't over-customize each part as your needs might grow over time. Think up a desired kitchen lifestyle and weave your budget kitchen upgrade around it.

• Add colorful curtains.
  
• Replace an old sink with a acrylic or porcelain unit.
  
• Replace old faucets.
  
• Add bold colored and patterned napkins and dish towels.
  
• Track lighting and accent lighting can work wonders for your kitchen, giving it a total makeover.
  

Work the walls

Nothing can transform a room's entire ambience as easily as new color. Choose your colors to complement the kitchen size, lighting, cabinet and wall space. You can play around with colors to get a shade of your liking. From a sunny yellow to a soothing green or a cool blue hue, the choice is wide! Since painting is rather inexpensive, you can keep playing with colors every few years and keep the walls looking new. For the most part, depending on the size of your kitchen, you can pick up your paint supplies for about $100.

A semi-glossy latex paint allows you the convenience of wiping spills and lends a cheery air. It is also more resistant to peeling and cracking. You can go in for decorative trims or crown molding to add to the aesthetic elements.

Cabinet Care

One of the best ways to infuse new life into an old kitchen is to remodel the cabinets. Either you can choose to do it yourself or pick from RTA (ready to assemble) cabinets. RTA cabinets are less expensive than custom-made ones. Often, a refurbishment or resurfacing of the cabinets would suffice. Don't skimp on the prepping. Use good quality acrylic finish for the base. Ensure that the cabinets do not suffer any warping or sagging. Examine them for water or mold damage.

Install a Lazy Susan to contain messes and for easy access in corners. You can fix a sliding shelf organizer to quickly access frequently-used items. Sliding shelf organizers make frequently used gear easy to access.

Instead of spending $5000 on new cabinets, you can go in for resurfacing at a fraction of that price. You can even buy peel-and-stick veneers to simplify the DIY project. You can add value by fixing plate racks, pantry, spice racks and open shelves.

Look up a thrift store and you might be able to pick up a second-hand cabinet at a throwaway price. They don't have to look cheap. You can replace the knobs with modern tubular handles. Decorative plastic embellishments are a quick way to add pizzazz to old cabinets after a paint job.Another tip for old cabinets is to replace glass door fronts for some of the doors or even just the upper panels.

Paint the interiors a cheery color and line up your crockery or glass jars. A cheaper alternative to this is to cut out the upper part of the kitchen cabinet. You can add a sense of spaciousness as well as make use of the open shelving. Upgrade cabinets with pull-out shelves and retractable trash bins.

Fix the flooring

Here too you can look at DIY options such as vinyl or laminate. Linoleum is minimum-maintenance and easy to install. You can have fun playing around with colors and patterns. It is made with sustainable and recycled materials. If you hunt around, you should be able to pick about 250 sq ft for just over $100. Since it is not glued, removal is also easier. Porcelain tiles can be fixed without breaking the bank. It is more versatile and heat-resistant. It lends a high-end look sans the hefty bill. Laminate flooring mimics hardwood and stone surface and costs a fraction of it.

Hardwood is a mid-range flooring option. But it is good for those who spend long hours cooking. Besides kitchen floors usually have most traffic. Spill resistance and ease of installation

Sink and faucet

Over time, sinks get dull or chip and leak. When you are upgrading your kitchen, don't ignore the kitchen sink and faucet. Sinks can be bought from about $100 upwards. Most standard sinks cost about $200. Costs vary based on materials and models. Make your choice of single or multiple bowls as well as the type of mounting. Stainless steel and acrylic sinks come with their own pros and cons.

Backsplash tiles

Just a burst of color with funky new backsplash tiles can give a new lease of life to a drab kitchen. Add personality and color to your kitchen with attractive backsplash tiles. Go in for neutral-colored glass tiles or stained glass mosaic for a glossy finish. You can also choose marble tiles or create a dramatic effect with hand-painted Mexican tiles.

Small subway tiles make for an effortless and cheap yet elegant backsplash décor. Rummage through recycling stores for some stone off-cuts that you can piece together with creativity. Consider tile tattoos if you are not considering redoing the entire backsplash area but still want a change of scene.