How to Renovate a Kitchen on a Tight Budget

A kitchen renovation is an exciting one, and it’s easy to get carried away only to later have your hopes dashed with sticker shock. There are a few ways to save some money without sacrificing quality. We’ll go through some tips to have your dream kitchen at a bargain price.

Small Changes for a Big Effect

Likely, you don’t want to spend a lot on something that will go relatively unnoticed. You can consider making some changes on your own to get your money’s worth and more. Think about the renovations (like flooring or backsplashes) that will keep their value or have a return in your investment when you sell later on. 

Upgrading your appliances can eat into your renovation budget right away, but do keep in mind that newer appliances will boost your home’s market value. However, if you’re not planning on moving and you don’t need to replace an old oven, don’t put your money toward this as you’ll be limited in what else you can do for your kitchen.

Look at some of the great qualities your kitchen currently has and how you can improve them. Perhaps your cabinetry is still in good shape, but could use a facelift. You can consider staining or painting the cabinets to give them a fresh look, or simply change the hardware on them. These are less expensive options than purchasing and installing all new cabinets and cupboards.

Recommended Reading: How to Choose a Wall Clock for Your Home

Aesthetic Overhaul

If you’re looking to make a huge impact with some bigger changes, then focus on some projects that can completely revitalise the look of your kitchen. Though these ideas are complete changes on their own, they offer the ability to begin other renovations as you’re financially able and at your own schedule.

A fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference in a kitchen. You can go bold for an entirely different look, or choose an accent wall to make the colours pop. A traditional colour can also change the feel of a kitchen, and the capability to do it yourself will cut down costs of paying for labour.

Purchasing and installing new lighting fixtures can help your kitchen take on a different look. The fixtures themselves can be a wonderful centerpiece in your kitchen like an intricate chandelier, or you can take a minimalistic approach with hidden lighting like pot lights and track lights and change how light is cast around the area.

Another small but mighty change is to update or add a backsplash. There are some chic choices that are easy to install and easy to wipe down after cooking and doing dishes. You can opt for tile, glass, ceramic or stone board, all in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes. Sealed and treated wood can also make for a cosy cabin look, if you prefer the more traditional.

Bold Additions

Introducing new elements into your kitchen is another way to help give it a new look and feel. You can add some new fixtures to improve the utility of your kitchen, and make more of the space that you do have.

Adding a moving island with a rolling tabletop cart can be a game changer for a bigger kitchen, while also adding much-needed counter space in smaller kitchens. It’s a great way to provide extra room for preparing food, but also a hub for the kitchen if you’re hosting a get-together. Its value lies in its versatility. It can be a bar area during a party, extra space for a potluck and when not in use it can be rolled away. If the island is small enough or able to fold, it can be tucked into a cabinet or next to the fridge.

Hanging up a clock in your kitchen can be a way to express style and add a pop of colour or dimension to the space. It’s a simple yet effective way to carry the design tone throughout the kitchen. Opt for something that is big and bold to help establish a new look in your kitchen. Check out Bramwell Brown’s line of clocks that feature a weather prediction system as well, so that whether you’re making dinner or just heading out after breakfast, you’re prepared to be on time and adequately dressed.

If you’ve got the space for it, installing a pantry can help with organization in your kitchen. You might even be able to sneak in some shelves or a smaller pantry unit if you’re short on space. A pantry is a wonderful addition because it is not an expensive investment, it can really change the look of a space and it’s a practical storage alternative where you can house your daily needs like cereals, cans and other preserves.

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Do-It-Yourself Ideas

If you’re capable of doing a project like assembling a pantry, painting the walls or even installing new flooring, then skip hiring the contractor and do it yourself. You’re likely not going to need any permits for small changes that don’t affect the structure of your home, so you can avoid that cost as well.

To redo flooring or add new cabinets, you might find that you don’t have the necessary tools, and buying a new set can sink a limited budget. If that’s the case, check around and see if you have friends or family that you can borrow from for free, or go to a hardware store and see what their options are for tool rentals. Often, renting from a store will be a lot cheaper and will help you stay motivated to get the job done since the longer you have the tool, the more it will cost.

Take a look at thrift and antique stores for decor items that you can use. Keep in mind that even if you’re not loving the style of a particular item, if the structure of it is sound and you can change the appearance with some paint or creativity, you’re still saving money while decorating your kitchen. This is a cost-effective way of sourcing things like a pantry, lighting or a new island--so keep that in mind next time you’re shopping for your kitchen renovation.

A fantastic addition to any room: take a look at our Weather Clocks