Who doesn’t love a good kitchen renovation?
For homeowners, a nice kitchen upgrade can make your home feel brand new. Cooking is always more enjoyable in a kitchen that is both pleasing to look at and functional.
Meanwhile, for real estate investors, a kitchen renovation can dramatically increase the desirability and potential value of your property.
That’s all well and good, especially if money were no object. But in reality, kitchen renovations can quickly get expensive if you don’t exercise caution.
But here are a few kitchen renovation ideas that won’t break the bank.
1. A Fresh Coat of Paint
Painting is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to make a dramatic difference in the look of your kitchen.
A new colour scheme can go a long way in changing how the space feels. Try a brighter, neutral palette for a fresh and airy feel, especially for smaller kitchens. Or you can add a splash of bold colour with an accent wall.
Of course, this isn’t just limited to walls – consider repainting your cabinets as well if you want a new look. This is something that you can DIY, but you’ll want to make sure the proper prep work is done to get your existing cabinet surfaces ready for painting, and that the right kinds of paint are used for these high-touch areas.
Of course, if you want to ensure a high-quality and durable finish then it would be worth it to work with a professional; they will know the ins and outs of the process, from product selection and surface prep methods.
2. Upgrading Your Cabinetry
Since we’re on the subject of cabinets: why not consider a redesign of your cabinetry?
Redesigning your cabinets can allow you to make the most of your space, and can make your kitchen more efficient to use. Nifty upgrades like pull-out shelves and rotating racks can make daily tasks go more smoothly.
A tip for homeowners: as you plan your kitchen renovation, take the time to study how you typically use your kitchen cabinets, and make notes for what works, what doesn’t, and what you need. Have plenty of unused space in shelves that are too deep? Want more easily-accessible storage for your baking tools? Design with those things in mind.
With these custom cabinets that we built for our client, their kitchen is not only more organised, but also better tailored to their needs and habits.
3. Adding an Island
If you’ve got some space to play with, adding a kitchen island can add a lot of functionality to your kitchen.
If you’re an avid cook or baker, having the additional space to work on can be a game changer, not to mention the extra storage space that you can build into the island.
Deep shelves built into the island for pots and pans, or small appliances that you don’t want constantly taking up space on your countertops. You can build a spice rack into it, shelving for your cookbooks, a wine rack… the list goes on.
Of course, there’s also the option of adding seating for breakfast or entertaining.
4. Updating Lighting
Good lighting can easily transform any space, making it more inviting. They can also be one of the least expensive aspects of your kitchen renovation.
The choice of fixtures can complement your kitchen’s overall look. Sleek, minimalist pendant lights can be a great addition to a contemporary kitchen; on the other hand fixtures that incorporate materials such as wood, wrought iron or brass can add a more rustic feel.
Apart from aesthetic changes, also consider functional additions such as accent and task lights, to make food preparation easier.
5. Installing a Backsplash
A new backsplash can add personality and style to your kitchen without a massive investment. There are numerous materials to choose from, including tiles, glass, and even peel-and-stick options that mimic the look of more expensive materials.
Subway tiles are a classic choice and often reasonably priced. For a more modern look, consider a sleek glass backsplash.
6. Upgrading benchtops
Kitchen benchtops aren’t exactly inexpensive, especially if you opt for stone, but the impact they make on a kitchen can make them easily worth it. A new benchtop can drastically change the look and feel of a kitchen.
Stone benchtops are not only beautiful but also highly durable, holding up not only to rigorous wear and tear, heat, and moisture. This makes them a popular choice despite the relatively high price tag (marble, for instance, can cost around $1,000-$2,000 and up per square metre). They can also add to the value of a home, making them an attractive option if you’re looking to sell.
Another benchtop option, popular because of its lower cost, is laminate.
Consider mixing materials to save costs while still achieving a high-end look. For instance, you could install granite on the island and a less expensive laminate on the main benchtops.
7. Replacing Cabinet Hardware
Compared to benchtops and appliances, kitchen cabinet hardware might seem like an inconsequential detail, but you’d be surprised how much they can add to – or detract from – the look of the kitchen.
You might already like the current finish on your cabinets, but have you thought about what they might look like with some new knobs? Much like the role of accessories in fashion, kitchen hardware can be the finishing touch that really makes things look put together.
In this project for one of our clients, the benchtops, lighting fixtures, and cabinetry all work together to create a sleek, modern feel. Kitchen prices can vary based on electrical and plumbing and choice of products.
8. Adding Greenery
If you can maintain them, small plants can be an inexpensive way to beautify a kitchen and make it feel more lively and fresh.
If you have a green thumb and your kitchen has the sunlight for it, you can even grow herbs like basil, parsley, and mint so you never have to buy them from the supermarket.
Note: Certain houseplants can be toxic to pets, so if you have any, make sure to do your research first before bringing a plant into your home.
Ready to plan your kitchen renovation?
Changing the look and feel of your kitchen doesn’t have to cost a fortune, as long as you’re not set on ripping everything out and rebuilding all at once. You’d be surprised how a few small changes here and there can make a significant difference.
If you’re thinking about a kitchen renovation, get in touch. We do everything from planning the layout, custom joinery, painting, plumbing, electrical – you name it. Click here to learn more about our services and request a quote. You can also call us at 1300 627 397.