10 Budget Kitchen Upgrades That Look Surprisingly Expensive
Designers say these creative upgrades instantly elevate your kitchen.
The cost of a kitchen renovation can add up quickly. New cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances can quickly eat up your home improvement budget. If you're looking for kitchen makeover ideas that are a little easier on your wallet, designers are sharing their favorite budget kitchen upgrades.
“There are so many simple, clever updates that can make a big impact,” says designer Kelly Hoppen of Kelly Hoppen Interiors. In addition to being affordable, some of these projects—like swapping out your cabinet hardware or adding some greenery to the windowsill—are also easy enough to complete in a single afternoon. Other projects, like adding a statement backsplash or installing floating shelves, may take a little more time. Designers promise these upgrades are worth it!
Some of these budget kitchen upgrades may even pay for themselves over time. Real estate experts have previously told Good Housekeeping that things like a fresh coat of paint or a modern sink faucet can add serious value to your home if you ever decide to sell it.
Keep reading to learn more about the budget kitchen upgrades designers recommend. (And while you're at it, read up on the kitchen design mistakes designers want you to avoid.)
Paint your cabinets.
Don't underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint. Palm Beach-based designer Mally Skok says it doesn't just brighten the space — “it signals that the homeowner has taken care to make the space transform from drab to chic and inviting.”
But prep is key, says Molly Carter of Molly Erin Designs. “If you paint them yourself, make sure you take the time to prep before you spray them (rent a sprayer),” Carter says. “Prep makes all the difference – don’t make shortcuts here. And always take drawers, doors and hardware off before painting.”
RELATED: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro
Upgrade hardware.
Whether you're partial to matte black or polished nickel, replacing cabinet hardware can make a difference. “Swapping a traditional element like pulls and knobs with something more transitional or potentially a contrast finish immediately elevates the existing space,” says Matt Donahoe of Bureau Interior Design.
Go for a modern faucet.
“A new faucet can be a quick upgrade that improves the functionality and style of your kitchen," says Laura Hodges of Laura Hodges Studio. “A splurge on a high-quality faucet is an investment that lasts.”
Hodges recommends a pull-down or pull-out sprayer design, but if your style is more traditional, “a bridge faucet can be a lovely upgrade.”
RELATED: Best Kitchen Faucets
Install a statement backsplash.
Let pattern and color take center stage with a backsplash featuring artisan tiles. “I love Moroccan or Spanish tiles for a splash of extra color,” Skok says. “There are a lot of solid surfaces in a kitchen with all the cabinetry and the appliances, and the backsplash adds a bit of pause. It makes the area more lyrical — like a painting in a room.”
Skok also appreciates the look of backsplashes that extend to the ceiling, with floating shelves on the top. “It looks glam and a little spendy, even though you can get some really cool cement tiles from your local building store,” she says.
Photo by: Sarah Winchester
Choose an unexpected kitchen island.
More and more people are ditching the traditional kitchen island and opting for unique options, including antique or farmhouse tables. “I love the idea,” says Skok. “It doubles as a dining space and work/homework space.”
Make your lighting a focal point.
Lighting can make or break a space, so pick your upgraded fixtures wisely, says Carter. Consider layering your lighting — think pendants over the island, illuminated cabinets and more. “Lighting is like finishing your outfit off with jewelry — a beautiful finishing touch!”
Add greenery to your windowsill.
When it comes to decorating with greenery, your kitchen might not come to mind but that shouldn't be the case. There are pros to adding a few potted plants to your space, from their visual appeal to easily boosting the flavor of your meals. “A row of potted herbs on your windowsill livens up the space instantly,” says Skok. Basil, thyme and rosemary are all good options.
RELATED: Window Sill Decorating Ideas to Make the Most of Your Space
Invest in a dairy table.
One of designer Steven Cooper's favorite ways to give a kitchen a high-end feel? A dairy table! “A dairy table is a beautifully crafted, stand-alone piece inspired by traditional farmhouse dairies, offering both charm and practicality,” says Cooper, the principal designer at Cooper Pacific.
The budget-friendly option can be used to serve guests buffet-style, prep meals or enjoy a cozy breakfast, Cooper adds. “You can find a suitable base by repurposing a vintage table, console or dresser from thrift stores, flea markets or online marketplaces,” he says. “To transform it, give it a rich stain and add lower shelves for baskets and storage. When sourcing countertop materials for your dairy table, consider visiting your local stone fabricator for remnant pieces of marble or quartzite, which can be cut to fit your table’s dimensions at a fraction of the cost of a full slab.”
Photo by: Meghan Beierle-O'Brien
Combine base cabinets with open shelves.
If you have more cabinets than you actually need, Kelly Hoppen of Kelly Hoppen Interiors has an idea: “For a more open feel, swap a few upper cabinets for open shelves, perfect for displaying stacked plates or treasured accessories in an artful way.” Weave in a few potted plants, too.
Carve out room for decorative touches.
You don't have to spend a ton to enhance a kitchen's aesthetics. Simple decorative accents can add warmth and visual interest. “Lean cutting boards against a backsplash to see that beautiful wood vertically and beautiful ceramic plates, bowls and cups can be displayed on open shelving,” says Carter.
She also likes adding art to open shelves or propping an eye-catching piece on a cookbook holder. “You can make a pretty ugly kitchen look really good with styling. That way, you save your money for the big renovation down the road.”
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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