6 Low Budget Kitchen Ideas That Look Expensive

Who says renovating your kitchen has to break the bank? You can upgrade your kitchen to a stunning, functional space without a large budget. The key is choosing the right upgrades that look expensive but don’t cost major dollars. But which low budget kitchen ideas will make your kitchen look trendy and lavish?

How to Get a Luxury Kitchen on a Budget

Certain parts of a kitchen renovation are more pricey than others. For example, changing the layout of your kitchen and moving plumbing or electrical will use up a huge chunk of the remodeling budget (or all of it if your budget is small). As long as you’re sticking with your existing kitchen layout, plumbing and electrical, you can make other changes that take your kitchen to the next level. Think about trying the following low-budget ideas to create the kitchen of your dreams!

1. Reface Your Cabinets

What should you do if your cabinets are outdated and they’re bringing the entire look of your kitchen down? Consider refacing.

Kitchen cabinet refacing is usually about a 30% to 50% lower cost than replacing custom or semi-custom cabinets. Compared to installing new cabinets, you’ll save money if you opt to reface. Instead of totally demolishing your existing kitchen cabinets, refacing only involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawers, adding veneer to the cabinet boxes, and updating hardware.

One of the main reasons people choose to reface their cabinets instead of totally replacing them is cost. If your budget doesn’t allow for a full kitchen remodel, refacing could be a happy medium.

2. Add a Backsplash

If your existing kitchen doesn’t have a backsplash, adding one is the perfect way to make the space look more expensive. Custom kitchen backsplashes are a relatively low-cost renovation that will make a huge statement. Let your creativity shine as you choose the type of backsplash material and pattern that best suits your space. From subway or mosaic tile to stacked stone or exposed brick — all are beautiful, budget-friendly ways to add more personality to your kitchen.

3. Upgrade Your Hardware

Sometimes all it takes to make a kitchen look fresh and new is a change of hardware. If the doors and knobs on your cabinets are old and outdated, it’s time to replace them with something trendy. Here are a few options we recommend:

• Sleek, modern knobs and pulls in chrome or brushed nickel
• Black knobs and pulls in satin or matte
• Brass knobs and pulls in brushed or polished

Depending on the size of your kitchen and how many cabinets you have, you can upgrade your hardware for under $100.

4. Refresh Your Lighting

Are the light fixtures in your kitchen more than 10 years old? It might be time to replace them with something that’s more in style. Interior design trends change quickly, and what was stylish 10 years ago is already outdated today.

Consider adding unique lighting to take your kitchen to the next level. Both under cabinet lighting and toe kick lighting are tangible options that will make your kitchen look more expensive than it really is.

5. Declutter and Decant

Another low-cost idea to make your kitchen look glamorous is to use aesthetically-pleasing jars for storage and decor. Choose jars of varying sizes for kitchen essentials like coffee grounds, flour, sugar, or tea bags. Display them on your countertop or open shelving (if you have it). Instead of cluttering your countertops with those items in their branded containers, decant them into jars to display. It’s an easy, low-cost way to add elegance and organization to your central gathering space.

6. Upgrade Your Faucet

Do you have a builder-grade, standard kitchen faucet? Switch it out with something more extravagant and unique. Manufacturers have come a long way with faucet designs, and there’s so much to choose from. Pick one that matches your kitchen hardware or has a decorative finish. For a couple hundred dollars or less, you can add a stunning and functional piece to your kitchen.

It’s time to ditch the notion that you need a massive budget to bring your kitchen into this century. Using small, affordable upgrades, you can give your kitchen an elegant, expensive look without the high price tag.

Discover More Low Budget Kitchen Ideas

Every home deserves a kitchen that’s beautiful, welcoming, and functional — designed for the way you live. Established by two long-time central Ohio homebuilders and craftsmen, The Creative Kitchen Co. offers customized kitchen remodeling and refacing solutions that fit your budget. Get in touch to learn more!