Planning a remodel always starts with good intentions: “Let’s update the cracked and peeling linoleum floor in the kitchen,” you say. But then, you think, while you’re at it, maybe the walls could use a fresh coat of paint.
Then you realize the cabinets don’t match the paint color… and the backsplash needs to be changed to match the new cabinets… Suddenly everything in your kitchen needs an update and it’s Looking for more kitchen remodeling design tips online and in magazines.
But wait, these kitchen remodel design plans come at a cost. And oh, how quickly they add up. The next thing you know, your kitchen remodeling project is budgeted in the tens of thousands of dollars and growing. How can you handle skyrocketing costs? Here are some budget kitchen remodeling tips and ideas:
Part of the fun of remodeling a kitchen is finding the kitchen remodel design that will inspire you. There are lots of fun tips on kitchen remodeling online. Build a portfolio full of the designs you love the most. Then try to point out what you like in each photo. Do you like the color combination? Great, you can easily solve it! Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to remodel your kitchen. Paint the walls and, if possible, paint your old cabinets as well. Or if you need new cabinets, decide if you need to replace the entire cabinet or just the doors. If it’s just the doors, try buying lower cost cabinet doors. The tradeoff is that you probably have to install them yourself, but the upside is that you can restore or paint them however you like.
If your kitchen is missing some color, a simple and cost-effective kitchen remodel design is to repaint the kitchen. You can also install a tile backsplash. Both of these projects are relatively simple to complete on your own. You can make a bold or subtle change in your kitchen by introducing new colors and patterns.
Most modern kitchens have an island. If your kitchen doesn’t have one, consider incorporating one into your kitchen remodel design. Pre-made models can be purchased for you to build and assemble with simple tools. Or invest some time and create a custom island. An island can be a butcher surface for food prep, a small sink for cleaning, or even a mini dining table for extra seating and storage. A relatively small investment in the construction of an island can generate large returns in resale value.
An inexpensive remodel design may involve changing the décor. Install curtains or blinds on kitchen windows, or swap out old curtains for brightly colored linen. Hang a clock or framed pictures or paintings on the kitchen walls. They will also reflect light to some extent. Add some houseplants for fresh air and color. Even a few colorful plates or trays propped up against the wall on a shelf can be an effective, yet inexpensive way to remodel your kitchen.
Find reclaimed pieces to use in your kitchen remodel design. Wood planks or plywood can be obtained for less money by asking a sawmill if they can sell you (or give you) loose parts. These can be repainted on new shelves. Cracked ceramic or tile can be refashioned into a mosaic backsplash, or even artfully inlaid to bring a touch of pizzazz to cabinet fronts.
Sometimes one way to give your kitchen a new look is to simply use what you already have. A kitchen remodel design doesn’t have to involve tearing down cabinets or walls. Change the arrangement of items on the countertop and shelves. You can make the old look new again with a little paint. Color really helps make an old kitchen look new and fresh. Look online for more cheap kitchen remodeling tips and have fun!
