5 Tips For Updating Your Kitchen On A Budget

We spend a lot of time in our kitchens, whether we’re cooking, eating, sharing a cocktail or enjoying family time, so it’s no wonder we get bored with its design. However, updating your kitchen every few months or even once a year can be a time-consuming and costly project.

ESTATENVY sat down with Showhomes Chicago Owner Janine Callahan who shared inspiration on how to freshen up different elements of your kitchen without breaking the bank.

Paint the Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are one of the first things to become most damaged in the room, and Callahan said you don’t have to completely switch out drawers for a new look. “Painting your cabinets is a great way to make an impactful design change in the kitchen without having to spend a lot of money,” said Callahan. “Dove white adds a pretty, classic finish, and replacing a few of your doors with glass panels can add an extra layer of spark.”

Switch Up Your Lighting Fixtures

Adjusting the lights in your kitchen easily transforms the tone or atmosphere of the room. Callahan suggests adding pivot lights over your countertop or island. “Pivot lighting is an inexpensive option for updating the lighting in your kitchen and the style looks great with Edison bulbs, which are very much on-trend right now,” said Callahan.

Affordable Change for Countertops

While renovating your countertops seems like a pricey, long-term project, installing a backsplash of granite or tile in your kitchen is much less grueling and adds a layer of dimension. “Remnants of granite can be found for the price of a slab, and either a shop can cut and install it as a backsplash for you or you can make it a DIY project for yourself,” said Callahan. “Tile also looks great for a more straight-lined style. You really can create your own look in this process.”

Personalize Your Kitchen Sink & Faucet

When it comes to switching up your kitchen sink and faucet, Callahan suggests choosing a layout that is practical to your meal preparation and cooking habits. “Think practical when updating your kitchen sink or faucet,” said Callahan. “If you spend a lot of time cooking from scratch, for example, consider installing a double bowl sink so you have more room to cook and clean after meals.” Sink and faucet updates tend to be relatively cheap with the right material and installation.

Get Funky with Decor

Freshening up any area of your home can be quick and cost-efficient by adding unique pieces of decor and furniture. However, Callahan warns that if you’re looking to sell your home, make sure not to distract potential buyers with large, eccentric furniture from the interior parts of your home. “You can find really pretty, interesting stools, kitchen tables and other decor at consignment shops or even garage sales,” said Callahan. “If your house is up for sale, make sure the furniture is rather plain so that it doesn’t take away from the interesting parts of your home, like a beautiful kitchen countertop or sink.” Janine also suggests utilizing cooking products like olive oils and salt shakers and arranging them on top of a tray so that they look intentionally decorative and organized.

Finding the time and effort to revamp your kitchen might seem like an effort, but with these helpful, affordable tips from Callahan, your kitchen can be effortlessly transformed.