Redecorating Your Kitchen on a Budget

While renovating your entire kitchen every few years may be entirely out of the question, it is not unrealistic to freshen up your tired, old kitchen with a mini makeover. Take a critical look at your kitchen, and then focus on that portion of the room the needs the most improvement. Whether it is the cabinets or counter-tops, frequently you will find that you can afford to change an element in your room, even if you cannot afford a full renovation.

Counter-tops - Many of the new faux finishes that painting offers today can make an old formica or laminate counter-top rival granite. To paint your counters first clean them really well removing any greasy residue. Then prime them with a good quality primer and begin applying your faux technique. Your local hardware or paint store is a fantastic resource for making sure that you are using the right product and the right technique for the job.

Windows - Check your window treatments to make sure that they do not look dingy or worn. Also consider the color palette or your window treatments. If ten years has slipped by since they were new, the colors are probably looking very dated. Choose new window treatments that allow lots of natural light into the room in a light color and fabric. You may also want to consider wooden blinds for an updated look.

Walls - You would be amazed at the difference a new coat of paint makes. Choose a modern color that compliments window treatments, counters and cabinets. If your walls have recently been painted then turn your attention to your back-splash and add a painted design and seal with polyurethane.

Fixtures - Switch out your cabinet hardware. This change is easy and inexpensive and really packs a punch. Replace your cabinet knobs and drawer pulls with new knobs found at any home improvement store. Updating your faucet can also give your counter landscape a new look.

Accessories - If your counter accessories are just tired, replace them with new ones. You can either opt for modern and sleek, or you may want to choose a theme like vineyard or industrial to pull together the look of your accessories. From cookie jars to cutting boards, accessories can define the tone for a kitchen.

Area Rug - Look at your floor, and if that little area carpet is much the worse for wear find a new washable throw rug to freshen up the room. A soft carpet, in colors that compliment your decor, can make your feet and your eyes happy.

Cabinets - While it is a big job, painting your cabinets is not a terribly expensive upgrade. Installing new cabinets is very expensive, and if your existing cabinets are structurally sound, you can simply apply a coat of paint for a fresh, new look. Remove cabinet doors and paint them flat in a well-ventilated area. Just like the counter-top, they should be thoroughly cleaned and sanded, and then painted with a sprayer or roller.

Shelves - If your kitchen is purely functional consider adding a little display shelf to your kitchen. You can easily do this by simply removing the doors on one section of cabinets. Then simply paint or line the back of the shelf in wallpaper to match your kitchen, and you have a stylish new place to display your culinary treasures.