5 Budget-Friendly Kitchen Renovation Ideas

A home's kitchen is often a central gathering place where family comes to prepare and enjoy meals and have conversation. If you're thinking about a kitchen upgrade, remember that it doesn't have to be expensive to be meaningful to your space. Small changes can make a big difference.

This May Also Interest You: What’s a Home Improvement Loan and How Do You Get One?

Kitchen Reno Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Regardless of the project, one of the easiest ways to save money on a kitchen update is to do the work yourself. Any professional you hire is going to cost extra money in labor, and going the DIY route can also bring a sense of satisfying accomplishment.

It's important to choose projects you feel confident about doing. Otherwise, you may end up hiring a pro, after all, to get what you want. But if you can handle some paint, screwdrivers and other simple tools, most jobs are relatively easy to complete.

Keeping the existing kitchen layout also helps keep costs down because you don't have to move sinks or relocate hookups for appliances. Check out some affordable kitchen renovation ideas below that make small changes for big impact.

1. Swap Out Appliances

Getting a new fridge, range or dishwasher can help transform the look of your kitchen. Swapping them out doesn't usually require a professional, but it might if your dishwasher needs new hoses or connections — a plumber can help with that, but you shouldn't have to pay too much in labor because it's a simple job.

To keep your budget in check, start small and replace one appliance at a time.

2. Add or Change Light Fixtures

If you want to swap out hardwired light fixtures, you might need to hire a professional to make sure everything is hooked up properly. Depending on how many lights you're adding or replacing, the cost of hiring an electrician for a small job is $150 to $600 (CAD 206 to CAD 823).

Home improvement stores have many light fixtures on display that come in a variety of finishes. For example, you can transform the look of a kitchen island by adding a new linear light with multiple bulbs.

For lighting projects that are more DIY, you can add undercabinet lights to improve visibility in food prep areas. Many models are able to be plugged into existing outlets, so you can save on the cost of hiring an electrician to hardwire them.

3. Swap Out Cabinet Hardware

Changing the handles and knobs on your cabinets to a different finish or style can transform how your kitchen looks. When you pick a dark finish that contrasts with light-colored cabinets, for example, it gives a fresh look to your kitchen's appearance.

If you're swapping them yourself with just a screwdriver, you can choose the same style of knob or pull you already have to prevent having to drill new holes for longer hardware. For example, if you currently have round cabinet knobs that require only one screw, it's harder to replace that with a bar-style handle that needs two holes.

Bar-style cabinet pulls come in a variety of shapes, styles and finishes and can be bought at your local home improvement store.

More Related Articles:

• How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Bathroom?

• How Much Value Does a Kitchen Remodel Add Value to Your Home?

• How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost?

• Should You Remodel or Move? Here’s How to Decide

• 5 Finished Basement Ideas for Your Home

4. Paint or Reface Cabinets

Another inexpensive kitchen remodel idea is to paint cabinets a different color. It does involve some DIY work with sanding, priming and painting, but it's affordable and can make your kitchen look completely different. If you're willing to invest the time and create a slightly challenging kitchen storage situation while you complete the project, it can be worth it.

Refacing cabinets involves adding a new veneer to the outside of the cabinet boxes and replacing doors and door fronts. This type of cabinet facelift isn't a DIY project, but it's considerably less expensive than purchasing all-new cabinets.

5. Paint Walls or Add a Backsplash

If your kitchen paint is looking worn or tired, changing the color of your kitchen walls is a great way to add new life. Darker paint colors in a kitchen tend to make it look smaller, while lighter, neutral colors can make it feel bigger and brighter.

Putting up a new backsplash under cabinets is another inexpensive kitchen update you can do yourself. You can find peel-and-stick tile that's easy to apply, and it's available in myriad colors and patterns to suit your preference.