Top 5 Budget Friendly Kitchen Upgrades

The kitchen is the heart and soul of any living area. It’s where most conversation is had, the universal gathering space where memories are created and laughter is shared. Not surprisingly it’s the main upgrade that will increase your home’s value. If you’ve been dreaming of giving your kitchen a makeover, but worry about the costs involved, fear not! Dominique Rowland, Compass Realtor is here. Seriously though, upgrading your kitchen on a budget is entirely possible with a little creativity. Enhancement efforts for investment property I found myself involved in always centered around the kitchen.

1. Give Cabinets a Makeover: During the lockdowns, the price of lumber skyrocketed. Instead of replacing entire cabinets, consider giving them a fresh coat of paint. A new color can work wonders, brightening up the space and making it look brand new. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out trendy two-tone cabinets by painting the upper and lower cabinets in different shades. For some strange reason the white and grey combo is all the rage. After that, update the handles and knobs. It creates a whole new look.
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2. Revamp Countertops: Replacing countertops can be even more expensive than cabinets, but you have options. Consider using peel-and-stick adhesive vinyl or laminate sheets that resemble granite or marble. These cost-effective solutions can provide an instant facelift to your kitchen without breaking the bank. If you need the real thing, check out local stone remnant stores, where you might find discounted pieces. Usually this works best for smaller areas like islands or breakfast bars, but you never know.
   
   
3. Atmospheric Lighting: Updating the kitchen’s lighting can make a significant impact. Look for affordable pendant lights or chandeliers online or at thrift stores. Good lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, giving your kitchen a fresh and modern feel. I myself am a big fan of the LEDs. They last a long time and can be set to different hues. I’ve found it’s best to have an electrician install them, but some people just have what it takes. Pointing out where they should be is my specialty.
   
   
4. Add a Backsplash: Even a simple backsplash can transform the look of your kitchen almost immediately. It lets people know some thought went into designing the place. There are peel-and-stick backsplash tiles which will do the trick quite nicely. When you have to size them up in awkward corners it’s a lot easier to do one, than it is to pre-fit a monolithic piece. Make sure it matches the paint PLEASE, or I’ll be forced to visit and make you start over. This is non-negotiable.
   
   
5. Open Shelves & Dish Windows: I could have mentioned this with number one, but it deserves its own list item. Open shelves (not inside a cabinet) can add charm and quite a bit of character, but what is a dish window? Cabinets with glass facing just might make buyers fall in love with your property. Please understand I would hire someone to do this, but carefully cut the front panel out of a cabinet and replace that with glass. Then repurposing the wood, buy a few planks or inexpensive brackets. Afterwards repaint it.
   

That’s my top 5. Runners up included changing out the faucets, going THRIFTING for gently-used appliances and perhaps installing a water filter. The sky is always the limit when you want to upgrade. If it’s for a property you intend to sell, remember to watch the market. Just because you paid a lot for the upgrades, it doesn’t mean the final selling price will reflect that. So use your imagination and keep things cost-effective. Above all though, make sure to put safety first!

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