How to Remodel a Kitchen on a Budget

How to Remodel a Kitchen on a Budget

Many people dream of redoing their kitchen, but they never begin simply because they don't have a clue how to remodel a kitchen on a budget. You may be intimidated because you've already spent hours pouring over the glossy pages of home and garden magazines. You've dreamed of the magazine-worthy kitchens that gleam up at you with their shiny new appliances and Italian tiled floors.

What stops you? Maybe it's money…or the lack of it. Those shiny new appliances can cost a pretty penny, and the Italian tiled floors aren't cheap either. Take heart, however, because you can remodel your kitchen, and you can do it without breaking the bank.

Add Some Color

If you've watched any home and garden shows, you've already witnessed the magic that a coat of paint can wield. There are so many gorgeous colors and paint styles that you really have no excuse not to transform those dull walls into something breathtaking.

• Choose your color. Sometimes it's easiest to pull a color or colors from a particular object, like a decorative plate, basket, painting, dishes, etc. Take a look at what you have, or take a shopping trip to choose the accessories you love, then pick a color from something you have.
• Consider a faux finish. Take a look at all the faux finishes available today. You can buy kits that offer step-by-step instructions.
• Don't be afraid of color. You spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so don't be afraid of colors that pop!
• Alternate walls. Have you found two colors you love that work well together? If so, why not alternate colors on opposite walls?

Fabrics are Fantastic

Once you've painted, it's time to add some extra wow to your kitchen. Visit your local fabric store and check out the bargain tables. Choose fabrics that coordinate for curtains and chair coverings. Create no-sew curtains using a glue gun or stitch witchery.

Use a staple gun to recover kitchen chairs. Simply remove the seat, cut the material large enough to wrap around the seat, then staple to the back. Screw the seat back onto the chair, and voila! You have an almost new chair! For additional flair, create a matching table cloth or runner for the kitchen table.

Flooring

If your old kitchen floor has seen better days, you can replace or enhance it without spending a fortune.

• Check out flooring sales. If you don't have a very big kitchen, you may be able to find leftover flooring from bigger jobs at your local home improvement store. There are so many flooring options available, so take a look at what's out there. Laminate floors are very affordable and come in a wonderful array of colors and styles.
• Rugs add character. Don’t want to go to the expense of laying a new floor? Why not find a beautiful rug that picks up the colors you've used on the walls? A larger rug is a great way to cover that not-so-beautiful floor until you're ready for a more permanent solution.

Accessories Enhance

Once you've discovered how to remodel a kitchen on a budget, you may become a bit obsessed with your project. That's OK, just as long as you remember the accessories. Again, you don't have to go overboard and drain your bank account, especially if you are a savvy shopper. Check out stores like Hobby Lobby. This store frequently runs 50 percent off sales, and you can pick up beautiful knick-knacks for very little money.

Finally, have fun decorating. And remember that if you don't spend a lot of money, you can redecorate again in a year or two!