10+ Budget Kitchen Remodel Ideas To Increase The Value Of Your Home

Applying these Budget Kitchen Remodel Ideas allows you to transform your space into something special at an affordable price!

A kitchen renovation can be financially daunting, especially considering the average kitchen remodel costs over $22,000. Still, many homeowners want to update this space for personal enjoyment and to increase the home’s market value.

The good news is with some careful planning and creativity; you can revamp your kitchen without breaking the bank. 

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of ten budget kitchen remodel ideas to give your kitchen a new look.

What Is The Biggest Expense In A Kitchen Remodel?

So long as you don’t have any grand plans, such as redoing your entire kitchen layout, you will typically find that new cabinets are the most significant expense when remodeling a kitchen. 

Many homeowners have reported that cabinets comprised 40% of their kitchen remodeling budget.

That said, you will want to find a way to upgrade your kitchen cabinets that fit your budget. Below, we’ve shared three ideas of things you can do.  

Budget Kitchen Remodel Tips!

Tip #1 Budget Kitchen Remodel – Paint Or Stain Your Existing Cabinets

This option is perfect for someone with a small budget since you won’t have to replace your cabinets and can reuse what you already have. The average cost to do this will be $200.

With that said, it is a time investment. Painting cabinets is hard work, but it will be worth it.

If your home has solid wood cabinets, you can sand them down and apply a stain or paint color you like. Then, finish them off by adding a sealant for added protection. 

For laminate cabinets, you must remove the existing laminate to ensure the new color can stick. Then, finish the job using a primer, paint, and sealant. 

You can find kits with everything you need to refinish your cabinets or purchase everything individually from your local hardware store.

Budget Kitchen Remodel Tip #2 – Consider Cabinet Refacing

If the style of your cabinet doors is outdated, you can get new doors rather than replace the entire cabinet fixture. Doing it this way will still give your kitchen a modern look and feel without the hefty price tag of getting custom cabinets made.

If you plan to go this route, it will be essential to stain or paint the new doors to match the cabinet boxes for consistency.

Tip #3 – Replace All The Cabinet Hardware

While some vintage hardware is considered decorative, it’s also possible that the old hardware in your kitchen makes the space feel tired and outdated.

Consider buying all-new hardware if you are going with a modern style in your kitchen upgrade. The good news is this is a relatively low-cost upgrade.

Alternatively, if you want to save a little money, or if there is a particular hardware style you like and want to incorporate into the design of the kitchen, you can also spray paint hardware. Just make sure you buy the right paint for the hardware’s material to be long-lasting.

Tip # 4 – Paint The Walls

When you think of renovating a kitchen, your mind probably races to the excitement of new kitchen countertops or cabinets. But the kitchen walls can make a huge difference in your kitchen’s overall look and feel. 

A fresh coat of paint can go a long way. Plus, painting the walls is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform your kitchen without major construction work.

If you want a significant change in your kitchen, consider using brighter colors on one or more walls. Alternatively, you can choose a classic neutral color to give your kitchen a more timeless feel.

Tip #5 – Use Peel & Stick Tiles For A New Backsplash

When planning an affordable kitchen remodel, you might be wondering what you can do with your backsplash or the lack thereof. 

Backsplashes are lovely because they add customization and character to your kitchen and make it easier to clean up after cooking. Unfortunately, genuine tiles can be costly. 

An excellent alternative for a budget-friendly upgrade is to use peel-and-stick tiles. While these looked cheap many years ago, now you can purchase high-quality options that look like genuine stone. They also come in several colors and styles. 

Tip #6 – Consider Getting New Flooring

Flooring can make a big difference in the style of your kitchen space. And even though there are some costly options, such as hardwood flooring, you also have several affordable flooring options.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has come a long way in recent years and is available in various styles and colors. It’s also incredibly durable and cost-effective compared to hardwood or tile floors.

Linoleum Flooring

Though often overlooked, linoleum is another excellent option for kitchen remodeling on a budget. It comes in various colors and styles and is easy to clean and maintain, making it perfect for busy households.

Tip #7 – Restain Your Hardwood Floors

If you have hardwood floors in your home, you don’t necessarily need to replace them. You can save yourself a lot of money by restaining them instead.

Once sanded down, you can stain them to any color, from classic deep brown to modern gray. Just be sure you use the proper materials to avoid damaging your floors and get the job done right the first time.

Tip #8 – Use A Countertop Refinishing Kit

Having natural stone is becoming standard in most modern kitchens. But, in an older kitchen, you are more likely to find a laminate countertop or something similar.

Unfortunately, replacement countertops can be very costly, especially if you have any spaces in your kitchen requiring unique cuts. A great way to get around this is to use a countertop refinishing kit. 

You can find these refinishing kits at your local hardware store, and they come in various colors and finishes. These options make it possible to find an option that suits the style of your renovated kitchen.  

Tip #9 – Buy & Install A Used Countertop

If you don’t want to use one of the countertop refinishing kits but still want a low-cost option, consider buying and installing a used countertop. Although it won’t be brand new, it will still change the look of your kitchen.

Just ensure that the countertop is in good condition before you buy it and that it will fit your space. Some kitchen layouts have unique features, such as corners and cutouts, so you want to ensure that the countertop will fit in those places.

Tip #10 – Add More Lighting

One thing that can easily make a kitchen feel outdated or dingy is poor lighting or insufficient lighting. Adding more lighting to your kitchen can brighten up the space.

Thankfully, lighting is relatively affordable, especially if you know how to install the lights yourself. 

There are also several styles, each of which serves a very different purpose in brightening up the space in your kitchen.

Under-Cabinet Lighting

When you have upper cabinets, especially dark ones, it can make the whole kitchen look darker. So, adding some under-cabinet lighting is a great way to brighten the space.

Accent Lighting

Adding accent lights around your kitchen can make it look and feel more inviting. You can place them above cabinets, in corners, or near artwork.

Pot Lights

Pot lights are also a great way to brighten up the kitchen. They provide a nice, even light that can make the whole kitchen look brighter and more inviting.

Bonus Tip – Add More Decor

If you don’t have the budget to do an extensive remodel, you could always add fun decor to your kitchen instead, making the space feel more inviting.

You can add artwork, plants, cookware, vases, trays, and more. Ensure that your chosen pieces fit in with your kitchen’s overall style and that everything looks cohesive.

As you can see, kitchen remodeling doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With creative thinking, you can still make your kitchen look amazing without breaking the bank.

From painting the walls and cabinets to adding more lighting and decor, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your kitchen while staying within your budget and without sacrificing style.

Applying these Budget Kitchen Remodel tips allows you to transform your space into something special at an affordable price.