Do you find yourself looking at breathtaking kitchen designs on Instagram and getting sad that it feels unattainable to create such a kitchen for yourself? Oof, we know the pain! Those enormous and trendy kitchens posted online are the dream of every cooking enthusiast – but for most people, they remain just that: a dream. That’s because designing such a kitchen can be incredibly expensive – and let’s be honest, most people can’t commit to such an investment, as they need the money for other living expenses.
So, does this mean you should just accept the sad fate of your kitchen? Absolutely not! If you’re smart about the process, you can learn a lot from all those kitchens on Instagram. You can apply the same rules in your own modest space and achieve a result that will wow your guests – and you don’t have to break the bank for it! Fascinating, isn’t it? So, if you’re ready to discover our secrets to making your kitchen look stunning on a budget, grab a cup of tea, and keep reading!
Upgrade your cabinets first
Kitchen cabinets are the most essential elements in the space – both in terms of function and aesthetics. Unfortunately, they are also the most expensive. They can cost around $4,000 to $13,000, and such investments are not possible for many homeowners. If you’re one of them, don’t despair! There’s good news for you: spending big bucks on kitchen cabinets is unnecessary: as long as you know some tricks, you can achieve a stunning result.
One of the simplest ways to refresh your cabinets is to repaint them. This is a small DIY project you can take on, as it can be done in just a few steps. You know how adding a fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room – well, why wouldn’t this work on your cabinets, too? You may have fallen in love with your dark wood cabinet at first, but after seeing so many stunning contemporary designs online, you may want your cabinets to evoke the same brightness. Don’t worry- it’s natural to get bored with a style in time, and as you can see, you don’t even need to make a big investment to make a change! An alternative to painting your cabinets is to opt for replacement kitchen doors – many options are available for you, so you can browse them all and stick to the one that you love the most! Now that you know this trick, you can cheer up – you are not doomed to cook in a kitchen you don’t enjoy.
Replace countertops
If your cabinets are in good shape, you may want to keep them and replace your countertops instead. No one enjoys having old or damaged countertops in their kitchen, so if this is what your current situation looks like, well… it’s time for a change. Just keep in mind to choose wisely – not all stone fabricators provide the quality your countertops need to last for decades.
We recommend choosing granite or quartz, as they are homeowners’ favourites and will work wonders in your kitchen. Granite comes in a range of colours, and is a hard natural stone, while quartz blends natural crushed stone with synthetic materials, creating a hard surface resistant to stains. Choosing one of these two materials will breathe new life into your kitchen, so go to a showroom and decide which is the best option to create your culinary haven.
Change the colour of the walls
Don’t underestimate the power of painting your walls! This simple upgrade can greatly impact your kitchen, making it look – and feel- brand new. The best part is that this upgrade can be done in just one day, saving you a lot of time on your kitchen remodel. If you want to achieve a truly stylish kitchen, make sure to consider the most popular colours for 2024.
Blue shades are having a moment this year, but warm neutrals are also trending. But don’t be afraid to get creative, and use contrasting colours, or make an accent. If the results don’t satisfy you, don’t forget that you can always repaint the walls! After all, it’s such an inexpensive option, so why not take advantage of it?
Consider lighting
The kitchen can benefit from many lighting options, and that’s just another wonderful thing about this room! You can opt for recessed lighting fixtures to improve functionality by illuminating different essential areas, like the floors, walkways, and table. Moreover, task lighting is an excellent option to consider, as it will make it easier to prepare food.
But keep in mind that lightning doesn’t only have to be functional – you can also use it to boost the kitchen’s aesthetics. For example, pendant lighting can help set an ambience in the room and transform it into a more enjoyable space where you can relax and make memories with your loved ones. As you can see, plenty of options are available, and lighting installation is truly cost-effective, so consider giving your kitchen this upgrade!
Display stunning artwork
Finally, consider displaying art pieces in your kitchen, as this can transform your kitchen into a livelier space. Shop for artwork that will help you create a specific mood in the room – it can be a picture of flowers, vegetables, fruits, and more.
Or, if you feel bold and have a bit of talent, consider creating some artwork yourself. Use paint, coloured pencils, or charcoal to create designs that align with your kitchen’s colour palette. Once your masterpiece is completed, you can hang it in the kitchen and rejoice in the new, stunning appearance.
The bottom line
It’s wonderful how easy it is to change the impossible into possible! And when it comes to the design of your kitchen, it’s all about knowing the “secrets”. If you have a limited budget, it may feel like you’ll have no choice but be stuck with a kitchen you don’t like, but that’s not true. You can create the kitchen of your dreams, and we hope these tips have inspired you to take action and see the magic unfold.
