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Kitchen Looking Tired? Refresh It on the Cheap with Smart Buys Under $100

Is your kitchen starting to show its age? Dingy cabinets, outdated fixtures and lifeless walls can make the heart of your home feel drab and uninspired. But who has the time or money for a full-scale renovation? Not to worry - with a modest budget and a little elbow grease, you can give your kitchen a stylish facelift.

From brightening walls to replacing hardware, these simple upgrades will help breathe new life into the space without breaking the bank. Let's get started!

cheap kitchen updates before and after

Evaluate Your Existing Kitchen and Set Goals

Before diving into upgrades, take stock of what you like and dislike about your current kitchen. Do layout or storage need improvements? Are appliances outdated or appliances functional? Make notes on needed fixes.

Next, consider the overall style and aesthetic you hope to achieve. Modern and sleek? Farmhouse chic? Keep this vision in mind as you evaluate reasonably priced updates to maintain a cohesive look. Finally, set a firm dollar limit for your kitchen refresh - this will keep you on track budget-wise.

Brighten Things Up with a Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to resuscitate a tired-looking kitchen is with paint. A fresh coat in lighter, contemporary hues makes the space feel clean, bright and renewed. Stick to neutral, versatile tones like soft white, light grey, cream or dove - these provide a clean backdrop for pops of color through accessories down the road.

When painting kitchen cabinets specifically, use a durable cabinet enamel paint for a smooth, lasting finish. Opt for satin or eggshell sheens over high-gloss. Shop budget-friendly brands and wait for sales at home improvement stores to keep costs minimal. Proper prep is key to achieving flawless, long-wearing results.

Paint Supply Checklist
  • Paint
  • Primer
  • Paint brushes
  • Paint trays
  • Drop cloths
  • Sandpaper

Modernize With Updated Cabinet Hardware

Replacing outdated cabinet hardware is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your kitchen's style on a dime. Swap uninspired brass or plastic pulls for contemporary handles and knobs in finishes like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze or matte black.

Opt for hardware with interesting shapes and lines rather than basic knobs for affordable customization. Mixing and matching finishes like gold, brushed brass and antique nickel results in an eclectic, collected look.

Hardware Shopping Tips

Install Self-Adhesive Backsplash Tiles

Protect vulnerable walls above sinks and ranges by applying self-adhesive backsplash "tiles." Available in materials like metal, glass, marble or mirror-finish acrylic, these peel-and-stick tiles instantly provide eye-catching focal points without tedious mortar or grout.

Consider neutral colors like white and grey for versatility, or make a statement with lively patterns and textures. Use plastic spacers to maintain even grout line spacing for a professional finish. Once applied, seal grout lines with a penetrating grout sealer to prevent staining and mildew growth.

Backsplash Shopping Checklist

Replace Old Light Fixtures With Sleek New Ones

Lighting can make or break a kitchen's overall style. Replace outdated ceiling flush mounts and dingy fluorescent boxes with sleek new fixtures. Flush mounts and mini-pendants with black, brass, nickel or bronze finishes add contemporary appeal and cast a beautiful glow.

For task lighting, consider replacing any builder-basic under cabinet lighting with slender LED strip lighting. Opt for adjustable warmth levels to suit cooking tasks, mood lighting or late night snacks.

Lighting Ideas

Add Storage With Open Shelving or Plate Racks

Limited cabinet space is a common kitchen woe. For extra storage that doubles as decor, remove a few upper cabinets and fill the space with open shelving flanked by brackets. Wire shelving blends in, while reclaimed wood makes more of a style statement.

Plate racks provide similar display space and storage for dishes, servingware and pans. Hang them high on walls or mount them inside existing cabinets by attaching strips of wood to cabinet sides for the plate racks to sit on.

Styling Tips for Open Shelves/Plate Racks

Source Decor Items from Discount Stores

Home goods stores like HomeGoods, HomeSense and Marshalls are secret weapons for scoring stylish kitchen accents at wallet-friendly prices. Browse their stock for colorful, patterned rugs, fruit bowls, canisters, soap dispensers and ceramic serving pieces to layer onto existing kitchen items.

These accessory upgrades make kitchens feel fresh and put together. Don't be afraid to mix high and low - use your nice dinnerware and glassware daily rather than stashing them. Pretty pieces bring joy whenever used. Raid the floral section for budget blooms to instantly enliven your kitchen!

Style Inspiration for Accessories

DIY Small Updates for Additional Impact

If you still have a few dollars left in your facelift budget after larger updates, there are quick DIY tricks that add nice touches.

Some ideas: Paint or apply peel-and-stick tile along a kitchen island base for a splash of color. Display collections of cookbooks, crockery or glassware to show personality. Upgrade space above the sink or stove by simply framing inspirational quotes or cherished family photos.

Inside cabinet doors also provide the perfect blank canvas. Get creative by painting them black for contrast or even a saturated jewel tone like emerald green. The impact is surprisingly striking!

After all your thrifty upgrades ranging from refreshed walls to replaced hardware, take a step back to admire your budget kitchen makeover. Pat yourself on the back for skillfully elevating the heart of your home with style and savvy shopping.

Small touches make a surprising impact and set the stage for further tweaks down the road. Follow this template for keeping future updates affordable so your kitchen consistently reflects your personal taste.