Updating your kitchen on a budget

We all want the finer things in life, but while many of us have expensive tastes, we don’t always have such lavish budgets. And, when it comes to updating the kitchen, many items can have large price tags that we won’t be able to recoup. Luckily, in today’s market, with a little creativity you can achieve a cost-conscious kitchen remodel that
achieves maximum enjoyment on a minimal budget.

Finished Look for Less

Does your kitchen have shiny brass light fixtures? If so, updating these can instantly make your home look more current and stylish. Home improvement retailers offer a wide variety of stylish and affordable choices in popular finishes, such as stainless steel or old world bronze. Or, for an even more economical choice, turn your current lighting fixtures
from brass to beautiful by spray painting them with a new contemporary finish.

Fashionable, Functional Focal Point

Most kitchens have a basic faucet – but as the focal point and most-used item in the kitchen, updating this mainstay can create a functional and fashionable change that everyone will take notice. When selecting a new kitchen faucet, look for models that feature a single-handle pullout design. The multi-function wand offers both a fast-fill stream for filling pots, as well as two eco-performance sprays that conserve water while allowing you to complete everyday tasks such as washing dishes or preparing foods.

Sensational Shelves

Nothing can make a kitchen look worse than cluttered countertops. But when it comes to storing necessities or displaying decorative items – there often is no other spot. While adding new cabinetry can solve your storage issues, it can be costly. Instead, build exposed shelves to give your kitchen a more updated look and an open, airy feel. Home improvement retailers offer a variety of pre-made wood shelving in many materials and finishes, or if you are handy, you can build your own to save even more. Once they’re complete, utilize them for a mix of decorative and functional kitchen items and be sure to keep everything neat and clean for a polished look.

Breathtaking Backsplash

Adding ceramic tile in your kitchen can add colour, texture and a high-end appearance, but upgrading your entire floor or countertops can be very pricey. Instead, adding a tile backsplash can make a dramatic change – with minimal cost and effort. Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or not, there are many online step by step guides or classes at home improvement retailers to learn how to complete this simple project. And, in no time at all you’ll have beautiful tile masterpiece that will accent – and protect – your walls.

With a few updates, your kitchen will look great and be more functional… all without breaking the bank.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.