how to renovation your kitchen on a budget

Sure, you'd love to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel. However, maybe your budget won't accommodate that, or maybe such an expensive remodel simply won't offer enough return on investment. You can still have a dream cook's kitchen. Simply change out a few elements for a refreshed appeal.

Paint the Walls

Nothing freshens up a space like a new coat of paint. At minimum, you'll need a foundation neutral for the walls and one or two accent colors. The palette you choose will definitely drive the kitchen's style. For example, you could choose a pastel peach for the walls with terra cotta and aquamarine accents for a Mediterranean look. Alternatively, start with a buttery yellow and add citrus colors for a bright, sunny kitchen.

Replace Cabinet Doors

Before you paint them, consider changing out the cabinet doors. Kitchen cabinetry is one of the biggest expenses during construction. However, if the cabinet structures are sound, you can update their façade by changing the doors for a fraction of the cost. You could choose a different style of wooden doors, opt for glass fronts, or even remove the doors completely for an open look.

Choose a Granite-Look Surface

The next big expense in a kitchen remodel is the countertop surfacing. Granite is a classic, but it will drive the bill up considerably. You could opt for composite quartz or concrete, either of which can be constructed to resemble granite. However, laminate  counters, like those from Plastic Line Mfg Inc, have come a long way. You can choose an option with true-to-scale granite patterning. What's more, laminate is constructed out of paper, making it one of the most eco-friendly countertop surfaces. Finally, manufacturers build antimicrobial protection right into the surface. Look for a granite coloration that matches your chosen color palette.

Change the Hardware

Along with replacing cabinet doors, changing out the rest of the hardware also makes a big difference in the overall look. You could choose a style of handles and hinges that matches a specific style, such as scrolled wrought iron for the Mediterranean kitchen. However, Better Homes and Gardens suggests selecting long, rectangular pulls for ease of access. Typical in chef's kitchens, such pulls are easy to grab, thus streamlining the food preparation.

Install a New Faucet

Another hardware replacement to consider is the faucet. Again, your choice of faucet could drive a specific style. Faucets also come in different finishes that help promote style in your kitchen. For example, high-gloss finishes are attractive for contemporary-style kitchens.

Make a combination of small and big changes to update the look of your kitchen without breaking the budget.