Key Points
- Add a vintage runner for warmth and color, and swap in a statement light fixture for a quick boost.
- Swap out cabinet hardware or add a new faucet to revamp your kitchen’s appearance without breaking the bank.
- Empty the countertops, organize items attractively, and include minimal decorations to craft a refined, thoughtfully arranged area.
Although a complete kitchen renovation might not be feasible for you right now, that doesn’t mean there aren’t numerous smart improvements you can undertake to entirely
revamp your cooking space
without expending too much in the process.
In this instance, three design professionals share six of their top budget-friendly tricks that can elevate the appearance of your living space without requiring significant financial investment.
Meet the Experts
-
Sara Swabb
is the creator of Storie Collective. -
Alex Kober
works as an interior designer for TriVistaUSA Design + Build. -
Mary Gordon
is one of the founders of InSite Builders & Remodeling.
Lay Down a Rug
No matter if you want to hide unattractive kitchen floors or simply desire an easy method to introduce some vibrancy into your culinary area, opting for flooring options can always be a safe choice.
laying down a small rug or runner.
“It instantly warms up the space, adds texture, and introduces a bit of personality,” Sara Swabb, the founder of Storie Collective, says.
A lot of designers like adding vintage runners to kitchens—these items are already well-used, making them less delicate, plus their vibrant patterns can help conceal unavoidable messes and splatters. While many large vintage carpets come with a hefty price tag, smaller ones remain quite budget-friendly and perfectly sized for positioning in front of appliances such as fridges or ovens.
Additionally,
rugs are great
For tenants unable to make lasting modifications to their kitchen area, these options are simple to dismantle and relocate when moving to a new residence.
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Swap Your Hardware
Perhaps you’re considering refreshing your cabinets but cannot afford a complete renovation (or maybe you’re a tenant who isn’t allowed to undertake projects like repainting them yourself). In either case, don’t worry, because interior experts suggest that updating
cabinetry hardware
can significantly enhance any kitchen.
Alex Kober, an interior designer at TriVistaUSA Design + Build, notes that replacing hardware is likely one of the most affordable and simplest ways to upgrade your kitchen. Furthermore, he mentions that there’s an option for everybody since numerous hardware styles are accessible online, totaling thousands of choices.
Swabb is partial to unlacquered brass pulls, noting that these add some understated luxury. If you’re looking to save money on hardware, take to secondhand websites such as eBay, where you can often score preloved, stylish hardware for a great price.
Change Light Fixtures
Your kitchen could desperately use a fresh light fixture to revitalize the area.
“Just as statement jewelry enhances an outfit, decorative light fixtures help unify the overall aesthetic of your kitchen design,” according to Kober.
He recommends saying goodbye to the basic builder-grade fixtures and opting for something more distinctive instead.
Once more, you can easily find attractive and affordable light fixtures by checking out websites such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Etsy.
Replace Your Faucet
Perhaps you lack the funds to upgrade your kitchen appliances, but you can opt for the second-best solution by
replacing the faucet
.
Mary Gordon, co-founder of InSite Builders & Remodeling, states, “This component is among the most frequently utilized items in any kitchen, and acquiring a new one can immediately enhance functionality as well as aesthetics.”
Uncertain about how to start choosing one? Gordon suggests opting for a faucet that matches the finish of your cabinet hardware to achieve a unified and sleek appearance.
Hide a Dated Backsplash
Again, a major project like replacing your kitchen backsplash might not be in the cards. But you can hide it without spending much money at all, Gordon says. She recommends leaning some pieces of framed art or a couple of wooden cutting boards against the wall.
“This small change adds interest without the need for tile work or permanent updates,” she says.
Simplify and Concentrate on Minor Elements
Lastly, don’t overlook the impact that an effective decluttering session can have on your kitchen’s condition. According to Gordon, removing big or infrequently used appliances from the counters and consolidating items such as spice containers onto a single tray or board can create a more organized appearance. Furthermore, she strongly advocates for this approach.
embracing the little details
in the kitchen, too.
Gordon mentions that including a few cookbooks, a tiny plant, or a pile of understated dinnerware can lend the kitchen a sophisticated, professionally designed look.
Even putting in the effort to swap out your garbage can, purchasing a fresh pack of kitchen towels, and even adding more visually appealing lightswitches and electrical outlets will significantly improve things, she notes.
Read the initial article on
The Spruce
