The kitchen really is the heart of the home. Since it’s such an important place, it’s important that it feel comfortable and welcoming. Updating or remodeling your kitchen can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Remodeling can actually be a fun and enjoyable process that doesn’t break the bank. Here are some of the best tips for updating your kitchen on a budget. You can have the kitchen of your dreams!!
Paint your cabinets! If you’ve got old wood cabinets that are looking kind of dated, apply some primer and then paint your cabinets any color of the rainbow. Or leave them white if you’d like. Image via HGTV.
Replace hardware! It’s amazing what a nice handle or knob can do to a boring cabinet door. And it’s a pretty inexpensive update! So head to your local hardware store and find something inspiring to put on those doors. Image via The Kitchn.
Ditch cabinets altogether! Kitchen shelving is all the rage these days, so take down your cabinet doors, paint the shelves, and display your favorite dishes and containers. Image via Good Housekeeping.
Paint the floors! If you’ve got linoleum flooring but you don’t have the time or budget to instal wood or tile, just paint the floor! You can use a stencil to create a cool pattern or stick with a solid color. Image via The Kitchn.
Wallpaper your walls! Wallpaper is totally coming back in style and the best place to use it is in your kitchen. Since cabinetry breaks up the wall, wallpaper isn’t overwhelming and provides a nice accent. Image via HGTV.
Install some backsplash! While retiling your entire kitchen might be overwhelming, tiling a little backsplash is a piece of cake. It’s amazing what a little texture can do to a space. Image via Real Simple.
Change up your window coverings! Roman shades look gorgeous over kitchen windows. If your windows are feeling a little boring, grab some fabric and whip up some quick shades. This is the perfect spot for a colorful pattern. Image via Refinery 29.
Decorate with plates! You’ve probably already got a whole bunch sitting in cupboards, so why not put them up on the walls! Your kitchen is the perfect place to display your plate collection. Image via Remodelista.
Plant an herb garden! Not only will herbs come in handy while you’re cooking, they’ll add a fresh touch to your kitchen. Plus, homegrown herbs taste better. Image via Good Housekeeping.
Decorate with fresh flowers! It’s amazing what a fresh bouquet of flowers can do to a space. So grab some from your garden or pick some up at the store. Your kitchen will feel more inviting and happy. Image via The Kitchn.
Pour concrete countertops! This may take a little time and skill, but the results are totally worth it. If you’ve got a counter you can’t stand, it’s time to replace it with chic and modern concrete. Image via Centsational Girl.
Find a new island! You can built one out of pallet wood or get one at a yard sale. This is a great way to make your kitchen feel really new and updated with just a little effort. So start looking for a island! Image via HGTV.
Install quirky lighting! It seems like a lot of the time lights get ignored in the kitchen. Don’t let that happen! Do something fun with your lighting. You’ll help make the space feel more personal. Image via Tatertots & Jello.
Turn your island into a bar! If you’re replacing the countertop anyways, add a little counter on the edge. Then all you need are some barstools and you’ve got extra space for eating and socializing! Image via Refinery 29.
These are some great tips, and I appreciate your advice with picture fifteen to make your island into a bar. I’ve been looking for little things I could do to update my kitchen and make it more functional, and this would be a great way to accommodate more people! I have quite a bit of room around the back side of my island, so I’ll definitely look into adding some overhang to the counter to allow for seating. Thanks for the great post!