Try These Low-Cost DIY Kitchen Upgrades
There are few rooms in your home more important than your kitchen. It’s where your household starts its day with breakfast and where you gather at night to prepare dinner. From birthdays to holidays to dinner parties, your kitchen is a central part of your life.
That’s why it’s important to give your kitchen some TLC. However, it doesn’t have to be a costly remodel. Try one of these DIY kitchen upgrades to help refresh the space. Best of all, you can complete many of these projects for $100 or less.
Backsplash
Revive the personality of your kitchen by choosing a new backsplash. There are almost limitless possibilities when choosing a backsplash. A tin backsplash is reflective and can brighten the room, while ceramic tile is a popular choice due to the ease to install as well as the numerous colors, shapes, and designs to choose from. The cost of both will depend on the size of your kitchen as well as the backsplash you choose.
Another option is a peel-and-stick backsplash kit, which is quick, easy, and comes in various colors and designs. Best of all, peel-and-stick backsplashes can cost under $50. When choosing a backsplash, remember that bright colors and unique patterns stand out, and neutral-colored tiles in simple designs offer a classic and simple look.
Lighting
Upgrade the ambience of your kitchen by changing out some of the lighting. You’ll find numerous light fixtures to choose from that cost less than $100, both online and in stores. You can make your kitchen feel brighter and more cheerful with pendant lighting over your island or sink, or you can add lighting options that don’t require electrical work. Installing LED lights underneath your cabinets can help illuminate your countertops when you’re grabbing a midnight snack or brewing an early-morning cup of coffee.
Pot rack
Pots, pans, and large utensils can take up valuable cabinet space in your kitchen. You can free up this storage space by installing a pot rack. In addition to creating more storage, it allows you to easily find the items you need while cooking. Many pot racks have a shelf that is perfect for everything ranging from small appliances to cookbooks. You could also choose to install a wall-mounted rail with s-hooks for hanging items like pans to spatulas. Both storage upgrades can cost under $100. When installing a pot rack or rail, make sure it is secured to the ceiling or wall by studs, and that it can handle the weight.
Hardware
Even the smallest upgrades can make a big difference. By changing out the handles, knobs, and hinges of your cabinets, you can give your kitchen an instant refresh. Go with whatever best fits your kitchen’s personality, such as sleek polished chrome or classic brass. If you want something different, replace your kitchen handles with leather drawer pulls for a vintage look. All you need to do is choose the hardware you like best, remove the cabinet doors and existing hardware, and add your new hardware. It can be a significant change for a small price—depending on the hardware you choose and how many you need, it may cost less than $20.
Sink and faucet
Don’t forget your sink when planning kitchen upgrades. Replacing your faucet is a straightforward DIY project that will almost make doing the dishes less of a chore. By upgrading your old faucet to a sleek, modern style in a color like bronze, chrome, or gold, you’ll improve your kitchen’s look as well as its functionality, all for less than $100. You can also give your kitchen a technological enhancement by installing a touchless faucet, which can be turned on with a wave of the hand. It makes time spent in the kitchen more convenient, more hygienic, and a whole lot easier. A battery-powered touchless faucet typically costs less than $200.
Paint
One of the simplest ways to give your kitchen a premium look at an economical price is by painting your cabinets. While new cabinets are costly, all you need to revive them is a few cans of paint (under $30 per gallon), a couple of brushes, and time. While it might take a weekend or two to complete, the time is well worth the finished product. To make the cabinets look great, make sure you remove the hardware and sand and prime the cabinets before you start painting.
If you’re looking for more home renovation inspiration, check out this guide on choosing the right color to paint any room in your home.
By Nathan Smith
