If you’ve got $80,000 lying around, you could buy a luxury SUV. You could pay for a year at Harvard. Or you could remodel your kitchen. Yup. It typically costs that much, according to the National Association of REALTORS® “Remodeling Impact Report.”
But unlike fancy new cars and Ivy League experiences, you can opt out of the full retail price of a kitchen remodel. Here are five low-cost ideas so you can remodel your kitchen on a budget.
Top Budget Kitchen Remodel Ideas
With these key money-saving tips you can have a whole kitchen makeover on a budget.
#1 Keep the Kitchen Cabinets But Change the Doors
New cabinets are a big chunk of the average kitchen remodel cost (30% to 35%). But most of the time, only the fronts need updating.
A great low-hassle way to save on pricey new cabinets is to buy only the fronts from a manufacturer, like these gorgeous blue ones that were installed on existing cabinets.
Or, if you’re into DIY, save even more, possibly spending only a few hundred dollars by:
- Repainting or staining
- Adding new trim or molding
- Removing doors for an open-shelf look
Don’t forget new kitchen hardware, a tiny, affordable change — even if you don’t change your cabinet fronts.
#2 Stencil Outdated Kitchen Backsplash Tile Instead of Replacing It
Tearing out old tile and replacing it with new can get expensive. To free up some serious room in your budget, just paint it.
Tile stencils are easy to find online, and you need to do only a little prep work to get your tiles ready. You’ll be done in less time than it would take to pry half the old tiles off the wall.
#3 Use DIY Kits to Update the Kitchen Lighting
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to update your kitchen is to use a recessed lighting conversion kit — no electrician required.
The kits cost only $15 to $20 each and are a cinch to install, even for DIY newbies. The parts screw right into the recessed light, a brace holds the new light fixture in place, and a decorative cover hides the recessed light.
In about 15 minutes, you’ve got dramatic new kitchen lighting.
#4 Paint the Floor Instead of Replacing
If you have an old wood floor or have pulled up your old flooring only to find subflooring (rather than the beautiful hardwoods you were hoping for), try painting for a kitchen remodel on a budget .
It might seem a shame to paint wood floors. But professional refinishing can cost as much as $2,000, while painting costs $200 — or less, depending on the size of your floor. That makes it one of the most budget-friendly kitchen updates you can do .
For the most durable results, use polyurethane-based porch and floor enamel.
#5 Keep the Footprint, But Change the Look
Send a dingy or dated kitchen down the disposal with two updates that make a big impact: a new backsplash and countertop.
Together, they cover an awful lot of surface area, setting the stage for a totally new kitchen look.
A little paint on those cabinets, and the kitchen is like brand new.
The countertop pictured is quartz, a timeless choice, but if it’s not in your budget, there are plenty of DIY countertop options, too.
Budget Kitchen Remodel Ideas for the Win!
It’s possible to complete a kitchen remodel on a budget. And just because you don’t have piles of cash ready for an entire kitchen renovation doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a simple kitchen makeover. Modernize your space and give it a completely new look without the excessive expense, with a little paint, and a DIY mindset.
Related: What To Do About Dinner When Your Kitchen’s Being Remodeled