Turning Outdated Kitchens into Magazine Worthy Custom Kitchens (On a Budget!)

Do you ever find yourself staring at your kitchen hoping you could make it look a bit more modern?

Is the linoleum countertop just not doing it for you anymore?

Well, don’t fret. Most homeowners shy away from updating their kitchens because of the financial burden commonly associated with custom renovations. However, custom kitchens don’t have to be expensive. In fact, you could turn your kitchen into a magazine-worthy one with just a few budget-friendly changes.

Custom Kitchens: Why Invest In One?

An important aspect of owning a home is working towards getting the largest return on your investment. Home renovations are an incredibly effective way to do so. They will raise the overall value of your home when you’re ready to sell it. Any real estate expert will tell you that the one upgrade with the largest return is the kitchen. Changes as simple as re-painting the walls and updating a few appliances can increase the overall value of your home. If you’re not planning on selling your home, you should still consider renovating your kitchen. Creating a fresh, new space in one of the rooms Americans value the most can transform your space into one you’ve always dreamed of. If you’re interested in learning more about changes you can do to renovate your kitchen without breaking the bank, follow along!

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Renovations

1. Paint

Painting and staining are your best friends. These are, by far, the most affordable changes one can do to renovate a kitchen. Painting the walls with a fresh, bright neutral color will not only open up space but make it look more clean and polished. Staining or painting your countertops is also a great idea. If you want to save the extra cash, do it yourself! The process is not complicated and shouldn’t take too long. Don’t be afraid to experiment with some distressed staining on wood cabinets or doors! If you’re sticking to a minimalist, neutral color palette, try adding a pop of color with some accent furniture. Painting your kitchen stools a bright red-orange or cobalt blue color can add a fun, modern touch to your space.

Tip: If you can’t commit to a single color, try including accent colors in your towels. Those can be easily switched out as the seasons change.

2. Install New Lighting

Sometimes, kitchens look dingy and boring simply because they are not well lit. Adding pendant lighting over a kitchen island or adding under-cabinet lights can instantly transform your kitchen. Chandeliers have become a popular trend in kitchen lighting as well. This small lighting change will not break the bank. There are tons of affordable light fixtures on the market, and installing them yourself will save a few extra bucks.

3. Adding Decorative Elements

While it might seem a bit odd to decorate a kitchen, this is actually a great way to bring in a bit of personality into the space. The most popular kitchen decorations include wall art, plants, and cookbook displays. You can also create your own decorations for little to no cost, depending on what you already have at home. Decorative vegetable jars are incredibly easy to make and look great displayed on kitchen counters or an island. They instantly add a pop of color and an air of sophistication to the space.

4. Add A Backsplash

Backsplashes are sometimes the best trick in the book of custom kitchens. They require some effort and an eye for color coordination, but if done right, they can look classy and clean. Going the neutral route is always a safe bet. Alternating soft gray tiles with off-white ones can achieve the minimalist look many homeowners look for in a kitchen. However, backsplashes can be a great way to add a bit of your own flair to the room. Picking a bright blue color, for instance, can make your kitchen look magazine-worthy. If you’re coming close to being over budget at this point, get creative! Backsplashes don’t always have to be made out of tiles. Wallpapers and stenciled drawings can actually make for very cool backsplashes.

5. Update Your Countertops

If you’re planning on renovating your kitchen and don’t have a huge budget to work with, it’s important to think about what you’re willing to invest in. Countertops are definitely an area in which splurging is a great idea when it comes to kitchen renovations. Great countertops can instantly increase the value of your home significantly since they make up a huge chunk of the real estate of your kitchen. With so many to choose from, there is bound to be one that exactly matches the existing color scheme of your kitchen. Marble countertops work great with minimalist, neutral kitchens. If you want the white countertop look but marble is slightly out of your budget, consider quartz countertops. Annica Cambria Quartz is a great alternative to a white marble countertop. Don’t be afraid to spice things up with the edges too. Taking into account every detail, like the edges of your countertops is what sets custom kitchens apart from the rest. Beveled edges can add a classy touch, while chiseled edges can add a rough, industrial look to any countertop.

Wrapping Up

Custom kitchens don’t have to be a scary, expensive experience. Many homeowners have found success in investing a bit of time and elbow grease performing small but transformative changes to their kitchens. Something as simple as taking an afternoon to paint some walls or stain your cabinets can make your kitchen feel like a completely new and different space. Many have also found that spending an extra bit of cash on some new countertops has brought them the largest return on their investment. This is especially useful for fixer-uppers. Removing that old 80’s wallpaper and picking a great neutral countertop can add the modern touch a kitchen might desperately need. So, if you’ve been considering a kitchen renovation for some time, what are you waiting for? With these budget-friendly tips, there’s no excuse not to spruce up your new space.

If you’re looking for the best countertops in town, don’t hesitate to contact us! We’d be happy to transform your space into the kitchen of your dreams.

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