Experts say you can expect to pay between $14,549 and $40,425 to remodel your kitchen. That’s a lot of money you might not have, even if you have a line of credit and credit cards at your disposal.
Does that mean you can’t update your space without dropping a fortune? Not at all. Here’s how you can breathe new life into an old kitchen on a budget.
Know Your Budget
So, you know you can’t afford to drop $40k on your kitchen. But just how much money do you have to put into this room? You won’t know until you sit down with your budget. Take stock of your savings and the expendable cash in your monthly paycheque. These will fund your cheap update.
Once you have this number, consider it set in stone. You shouldn’t go over this, even if a new backsplash or lighting fixture catches your eye.
Know When to Bend the Rules
One exception to this rule exists: you might not be able to avoid overspending your budget if you find something wrong in your kitchen. Let’s say you discover extensive water damage behind your wall and evidence of pests underneath your dishwasher. You can’t ignore these urgent issues, much like you can’t ignore a broken fridge or oven.
If unexpected emergencies interfere with your plans, you have some options. You may use a personal line of credit to pitch in with your repairs.
Plenty of homeowners keep these lines of credit open long after they fix their homes and pay off their balances. An open line of credit provides a backup when your household savings fall short. If you don’t already have a line of credit, check out these tips for applying when you’re ready.
Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
A new colour on the walls can transform your kitchen, taking it from drab to fab in no time. Last year was the year of warm, creamy whites to brighten kitchens without making them feel cold or impersonal. You can personalize it with a vibrant accent wall picked up in accessories around the kitchen.
Painting your cabinets is one of the biggest trends in cheap kitchen decoration. Dual-tone cabinets and dramatic colours such as dark greens and blues are especially trendy.
Before you paint, make sure you follow these instructions carefully. Most modern cabinets have finishes that need preparation before they can take paint.
Change Your Lighting
While you might not be able to afford pot light installation, you can switch out light fixtures on a budget. New track lighting or pendant lights can change the feel of your kitchen dramatically. Best of all, trendy new lights have never been cheaper — you can find budget options online that don’t compromise on looks.
Declutter Your Space
Decluttering offers a cost-effective way to rejuvenate your kitchen without the need for extensive and expensive remodeling. This simple chore creates a cleaner, more organized space that makes your kitchen more enjoyable, welcoming, and functional.
Consider removing clutter from your counter and reorganizing open shelving units. You can also install stylish floating shelves to give yourself more storage space.
A to-the-studs renovation isn’t the only way to transform your kitchen. Keep it cheap and simple with these tips.
