6 Ways to Update Your Kitchen For Less

It can be frustrating when you crave change in your surroundings but have limited funds. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy, DIY fixes you can do in no time at all.

6 Ways to Update Your Kitchen For Less

Paint

It’s been said time and again because it’s true: a fresh coat of paint can work wonders on tired walls, trim or cabinetry. At only $15-$25 on average per gallon, you get the biggest decor bang for your buck, along with a little elbow grease. Watch for sales. If you keep an open mind and aren’t married to a particular brand or color, you can score paint cheap at home improvement stores in their “oops, wrong color” shelves.

Or, check out Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores, which are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and used building materials, among other cool finds, at a fraction of the retail price.

Lighting

Light fixtures are an easy way to add interest to any space. In the kitchen, think about the tasks that you do in relation to the layout and counter space and plan accordingly.

Check out secondhand options like Goodwill or thrift stores in your hometown. Clean them up or repaint them and they’re good as new. And, if you don’t love it, you can always switch it out when a better option comes along, and feel good you didn’t overspend. Ikea is another great place to find inexpensive fixtures.

Accessories & Wall Art

You can find great accessories and wall art just about anywhere these days. Or, make your own art. Visit a secondhand book store or your own library and browse through the images for possibilities to frame. Kids’ artwork is another option. Take some of their masterpieces off the refrigerator and frame them to really make them really special.

Backsplash

Of course, another way you can refresh your kitchen for less is with a new backsplash. There are millions of materials to choose from, but for a truly budget-friendly DIY project, two brands stand out.

Fasade faux tin panels are available in a multitude of traditional, modern and industrial styles in more than 20 finishes. They easily stick to the wall with double-sided tape or construction adhesive. Aspect peel and stick tiles come in two formats, metal and glass, and add instant flair to your space. All you have to do is peel and stick!

Hardware

Replacing cabinet hardware and drawer knobs and pulls makes for a dramatic update for very little. You can find them at any home improvement store or specialty cabinet shops at all different price points. Or, take it a step further and remove some of the doors on your upper set of cabinets to achieve a lighter, more open look and have a new option to display some of your favorite dishes and serving platters.

Window treatments

You don’t have to live with tired window treatments. At the very least, clean the grime off your blinds. You’ll be amazed at the amount of dust and grease that accumulates over time. Here’s a great article on how to do that. Or, take down the blinds and try Roman shades or a new valance. These items can be purchased inexpensively at any mass merchandiser. Or, get crafty and sew them yourself.

What do you think of these 6 ways to update your kitchen for less? Have any more ideas? Let me know in the comments!

 

 

Incorporating Natural Elements in Design

The sight of green grass, crisp leaves blowing in the wind and snow gently falling are all reminders that nature is one of the most beautiful backdrops. Different scenes can be energizing or calming, so it’s no wonder that many people want to bring a bit of the outdoors into their home decor. If you’re wondering how, consider incorporating natural elements in design.

Flooring

With so many patterns, species and shades, there are seemingly endless wood flooring options available. Eco-friendly choices include water- and mildew-resistant cork and durable bamboo. You should also consider area rugs and carpeting made from sustainable products.

Stone

Stone is a great material for different applications. We know marble and granite have long been used in kitchens, but don’t rule it out as a flooring application, a fireplace surround or as an accent wall. Versatile and durable, stone can be used in traditional or contemporary design schemes. Check out Aspect Peel & Stick stone tiles, which are made of real, thin-cut stone and available in 9 colors. It’s the easy and affordable way to incorporate natural stone into any design scheme.

Window Treatments

Letting the sunlight in through windows has its appeal, but privacy and shade matter. Today’s window treatments come in a variety of materials, including many natural options. They include bamboo, linen, cotton and silk. Check out these top 10 window treatment trends, as defined by HGTV.

Furniture

There’s more to natural furniture than unfinished. Rattan, leather and furniture made from reclaimed wood are all great options. Consider upholstery with prints of items found in nature such as plants. Use throws in natural materials such as wool or cotton in interesting patterns to liven up a plain sofa.

For more ideas on how to incorporate natural elements in your home decor, check out this article from BHG.com.