A kitchen remodeling project can be a valuable home improvement project. If you have been dreaming of a new kitchen, but have a small budget, consider these tips for a fast, easy, and best of all affordable new kitchen design.
Redesigning an entire kitchen can a very intimidating project. However, redesigning the kitchen does not have to involve a complete floor to ceiling makeover. In fact sometimes even the smallest of changes can yield big results.
Consider re-facing your existing kitchen cabinets. If your existing cabinets are still in good working order, refinishing or painting the cabinets is a great option and is much less expensive than replacing all the cabinets. Simply changing out the kitchen cabinet hardware can give your cabinets a brand new look. New kitchen hardware is fairly inexpensive and easy to install.
If you decide you do not want to keep your existing cabinets, pre-manufactured kitchen cabinets versus custom kitchen cabinets can help to save you money. Be sure to research all your options for pre-manufactured kitchen cabinets to determine options that work best for your established budget.
Another simple upgrade to your kitchen that can dramatically change the look is new lighting fixtures. Again, the installation of lighting fixtures is generally inexpensive project, but one that can provide major results.
A new coat of paint always gives a kitchen new life. If the kitchen seems small and dark, a fresh coat of lighter color paint will make the space appear larger and more inviting. Add a few accent pictures to the wall to help create a more inviting look. A fresh coat of paint and a few new pictures for your walls and inexpensive and really create a whole new feel to your kitchen!
Kitchen islands are very popular in kitchen redesign and remodeling projects, but built-in kitchen islands can be too expensive for many homeowners. In addition, built-in kitchen islands usually require moving plumbing and electrical fixtures, or adding new ones.
For kitchen remodelers on a budget, you may want to consider a freestanding kitchen island. Freestanding kitchen islands provide many of the benefits of built-in kitchen islands including greater convenience and more efficient use of space, but without the hassle of installation.
You may want to consider upgrading your kitchen countertops. Natural stone, such as granite and limestone, are very popular options. However, natural stone countertops really take a large portion of your budget. Ceramic tile is a great option for kitchen remodelers on a budget.
Ceramic tile comes in a huge variety of sizes and colors to suit any taste. Best of all, you can install the tile yourself to save money. Another relatively inexpensive option is laminate countertop. The cost for laminate countertops is about the same as ceramic tile, but generally shows more wear than ceramic tile.
Consider if your kitchen remodel requires a new kitchen sink and faucets. Again, an upgraded kitchen sink and a new faucet can really freshen up a kitchen. Stainless steel remains the most popular choice in kitchen sinks and provides a good value for your money. Another great value option is a cast-iron sink if you want to shy away from the metallic look.
When choosing a new faucet, the options are endless and costs vary greatly. To help contain the cost of a faucet, choose a basic style and a common finish. This ensures the look will not be outdated in a year.
Another item to consider is new kitchen flooring. Again, you need to consider your budget and the state of your existing flooring. Solid wood flooring is a popular choice, but is not the most economical. It also is not the most wear resistant in kitchen flooring options. Engineered work or bamboo flooring is generally easy to install and still creates the warm look of a natural wood floor.
It is also less expensive than a natural wood floor. Ceramic tile is another option and is very resistant to scratches, stains, and dents. Consider shopping for tile at a tile liquidator store or buy a discontinued style to help lower the cost. Although tile installation is time consuming, laying the tile yourself makes this an affordable option.
With some creativity and common sense, it is possible to get the kitchen of your dreams at a fraction of the price of a major redesign.