7 low-cost upgrades for your kitchen

Homeowners remodel their kitchens for a variety of reasons: some want to replace outdated appliances and fixtures or update the style, and others simply have a new design idea they want to try out. But full kitchen remodels can cost up to $10,000 or more, so they may be a little out of range for some people. If your kitchen needs an upgrade, there are a few budget-friendly changes you can make that will keep your cost low but still add instant style. Take a look at these seven small changes you can make to your kitchen that won’t cost you nearly as much as a full remodel:

1. Switch out your faucets
New faucets can cost anywhere from $30 to $300 or more, but for affordability it’s best to stick to the $100 to $200 range. Look for solid brass kitchen faucets, which will likely last you the longest. Even though they’re the cheapest, stay away from faucets made of plastic. Depending on your budget, you may want to purchase wall mounted kitchen faucets – they are very trendy and will update the style in your space, but they’re a little pricier.

2. Paint the walls
White walls can sometimes make a space look drab, so if you want to instantly update your kitchen’s design, give it a fresh coat of colorful paint. Budget-conscious remodelers love using paint to add style because it doesn’t have to cost much more than $50, depending on the paint you choose. Though it’s a little extra work, try adding subtle horizontal stripes in a similar color.

3. Change the cabinet color
Light wood can be beautiful and modern-looking, but in some cases it can make a kitchen look a little outdated. Paint or stain your cabinets, or remove the doors altogether, to give the space’s design a lift without spending much money.

4. Change your backsplash
You can find quality ceramic tile for as little as $10 per square foot, so buy some and install it yourself for a backsplash upgrade.

5. Replace drawer pulls
Though they don’t seem very noticeable, cabinet hardware can add to the overall style of your kitchen. Match them to your other fixtures and faucet parts to make the space cohesive, or find funky vintage handles and drawer pulls that add visual interest.

6. Update your decor
If your kitchen is lacking in decor, fix it up with some new decorative touches. This is a great way to let your creative side out, so don’t be afraid to try some do-it-yourself projects. Dishes tend to be decorative all on their own, so some people like to remove cabinet doors and display ceramic serving bowls or even hang plates on the wall. Plus, if you’re simply displaying dishes that you already have, you won’t be spending much money at all.

7. Add new lighting fixtures
Like faucets, lighting fixtures can range from cheaply made and inexpensive to very pricey, but it’s definitely possible to find ones that are both stylish and affordable. Lighting fixtures can really make or break a design style, so whether you’re creating a vintage space, an industrial theme or a classic country kitchen, find lights that will complement the room.