11 Tips for Remodeling Your Kitchen on a Budget (guest post)

Welcome Heather from Shutterfly! Thanks for hanging out at the S Club. While I'm hanging out with my mom and sisters at the College World Series, enjoy her vision for Kitchen Remodeling!

It seems everyone is on the do it yourself (DIY) kick lately, thanks to home remodeling television shows and social networking sites such as Pinterest. Why not jump on the bandwagon and remodel your kitchen? The kitchen is a central gathering place in the home, where food brings people together. But remodels are hefty in price, right? Not necessarily. 

In fact, it’s completely possible to do a budget-friendly kitchen remodel, but you need to set the highest amount of money you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Make sacrifices in certain areas and prioritize what you really want the most. For example, are granite countertops most important to you? Get those and buy blank appliances instead of the typically-more-expensive stainless steel. If something is really essential, splurge if you can, or wait until you can afford it. 

Here are some other tips for remodeling your kitchen: 

• Paint the walls. Possibly one of the cheapest improvements you can make, painting can change the entire look and feel of your kitchen. Be sure to use a semi-gloss latex paint, which allows you to easily wipe off food splashes.

• Refinish or paint the cabinets. Sprucing up the cabinets you already have is much cheaper than putting in new cabinets. 

• Create a theme. Think of any crafty ways you can incorporate a certain theme. For instance, if your theme is European, consider buying personalized photo cups with pictures of your trip to different European landmarks.

• Clean or replace hardware. If your cabinet and drawer handles are still in good shape, give them a good shine by buffing with a clear wax. On the other hand, if they’re outdated, replace them with more modern pieces. It’ll do wonders for updating the look of your kitchen.

• Consider the counters. Have worn countertops? Think about switching them out for a new laminate. If you can afford a more upgraded look, consider granite tiles.

• Upgrade the sink. Oftentimes the sink becomes a focal point for a kitchen. Draw eyes to your new stainless steel sink instead of the old, chipped one that’s there now.

• Get organized. One of the cheapest ways to give your kitchen a new look is to buy organizers, including lid holders, pot racks, drawer organizers and pullout trays, and utensil crocks.

• Accessorize. Purchase new plates, tablecloths, and placemats to accentuate the new wall or cabinet colors in your kitchen.

• Go vinyl. If your floors need an inexpensive upgrade, look into vinyl flooring. It’s not only affordable, but also comfortable to walk on, easy to clean, and simple to install.

• Upgrade the appliances. Replacing that old green refrigerator with nice white or black appliances can do wonders for stylizing your kitchen. 

• Light it up. You can change the whole feel of your kitchen by using halogen flood lights instead of the conventional dim CFL floods. Also consider replacing light fixtures if applicable.

Author Bio: Heather Hewitt is a seasoned writer and guest author who enjoys connecting people with thoughtful products, services and ideas as they relate to crafting, photography, gift giving and personal expression.

If you are looking for ways to upgrade your kitchen without breaking the bank, consider doing most of the work yourself. If you are reluctant to dig in and get dirty, that’s okay too—so long as you have money to hire someone to do it for you. Depending on your priorities, it doesn’t take all that much to spruce up your kitchen and make it your own style. Be sure to take a picture before the remodel so you can compare the change and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.