15 kitchen updates that won't hurt your hip pocket

Country Kitchen by Boor Bridges Architecture
Author: Laura Gaskill

Whether you are planning to invest your own sweat equity in a complete kitchen renovation or simply hope to make a few quick changes over the weekend, when every penny counts it’s important to choose projects that will make a big impact for the lowest price possible. Stay focused on the results you are after (put on blinders when you walk past those $1,000 light fixtures) and be willing to get your hands a bit paint splattered, and you can certainly achieve beautiful results on any budget.

From paint and hardware to DIY projects and sources for budget materials, these 15 ideas will help you plan your kitchen update.

1. Swap lighting
Stylish new pendant lights can easily become the new focal point of the room. The hand-blown glass pendants shown in the above kitchen are a beautiful, versatile choice and won’t break the bank.

2. Add new hardware
Classic hardware is a worthwhile upgrade, subtly enhancing the look and feel of the entire space. Just keep an eye on the price per piece when shopping, because it adds up fast – especially if you have a large kitchen with lots of cabinets.

Count the number of pulls and knobs in your kitchen so you can quickly determine if the hardware you have your eye on will fit your budget – with plenty of beautiful pieces available for $10 and under, there is no need to blow the budget.

3. Upgrade accessories
With limited opportunities for decoration, it’s important to make the most of the little things. Corral frequently used items on a woven tray, prop up a few wooden boards on your benchtop and display pantry items with pretty packaging.

4. Repaint cabinets
If your kitchen cabinets have a dated finish or you want a more personal touch than standard-issue white cabinets, think about adding colour. Try pale sage green, as shown here, duck egg blue or warm putty – all versatile choices that go with many different materials and finishes.

5. Paint half the cabinets for a high-contrast look
A palette of black and white with timber and metal accents looks sleek and modern in the kitchen. Get the look by painting only the bottom cabinets and the base of your kitchen island black, leaving the upper cabinets white.

Browse a wide selection of kitchen cabinets

6. Add sconces
Swing-arm sconces above open shelving provide lovely ambient light and offer more personality than standard recessed or track lighting. Ideally, an electrician would install them with the cords hidden, though it may be possible to use plug-in versions with cord covers concealing the dangling cords.

7. Work in rustic elements
Country accents instantly add warmth and character to a bland kitchen. Replace the kitchen or pantry door with a sliding barn door, hang copper pots from a ceiling rack or bring in a timeworn antique wooden stool.

8. Add storage with simple shelves
Lacking upper cabinets? Rustic timber shelves on metal brackets are easily (and cheaply) installed, and provide functional display space for everyday dishes.

Shop for wall shelves online

9. Use Roman shades for a finished look
Roman shades add an elegant note to any room and look especially at home in the kitchen, where any softness is most welcome. Have matching shades made for any glass doors in the same room for a cohesive look.

10. Paint the floor
If your timber floors are not in the best shape and you want to avoid professional refinishing, try painting them instead. White is chic but will show every dropped crumb; pale grey and blue are also classic choices. If you want to get creative, try stencilling a design onto the painted floors.

11. Search online for budget-friendly building materials
If you’ve been using the internet only to search for second-hand furniture, you are missing out. San Diego designer Stephanie Norris and her daughter tapped their local area (try Gumtree or eBay) to source materials (such as the tile splashback and travertine flooring shown here) for this budget kitchen renovation.

See more of this kitchen

12. Remove upper cabinet doors
If glass door fronts are out of the budget but you want to open up a bit of space, try simply removing the doors to your upper kitchen cabinets. It’s an easy change to make (just unscrew the doors and fill and paint the holes) that can add a sense of spaciousness to a small kitchen.

13. Treat yourself to new dishes
Open shelving and benchtops are a great opportunity to practise the art of display. You can’t go wrong with classic white dishes and clear glass, but fun mismatched flea market finds would work equally well if that’s your style.

14. Spice up an outdated fridge with chalkboard paint
No cash to trade in that old beige fridge? Try covering it in chalkboard paint instead for a fun, creative look. The chalkboard surface will keep kids busy while you cook, or use it to keep a running grocery list, menu ideas or inspiring quotes and doodles.

15. Make your own pine lining fridge cover
Homeowner Jennifer Grey has undertaken some amazing DIY projects while transforming her fixer-upper cottage, which had been vacant for seven months and was desperately in need of some TLC. One project that turned out especially well was the DIY fridge cover she made from timber panelling, barn hinges and hot glue – you can read the full DIY on Grey’s blog, The Old Painted Cottage.

View popular kitchen photos on Houzz