Kitchen remodel on a budget – Kitchen remodel ideas

The kitchen is a feel-good place in the house. Here we not only take care of our physical well-being, but also let our creativity live out in a cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re cooking in peace for yourself or your family or having a dinner party with friends, you want to feel comfortable in the kitchen.  

Would you now like to see your kitchen in a new light? A new kitchen is too expensive or too complicated or your kitchen is still functional but you want a new look? Here we give you creative ideas to make your kitchen a paradise again with little effort and a small budget.  

Before and After of kitchen renovation
Source: The Creative Kitchen Co.

Kitchen remodel: what does it actually entail? 

On average, you can spend between 4,000 and 10,000 dollars for kitchen remodel from scratch. For this reason, many people decide to renovate the kitchen that is still functional.  

In order to keep the renovation time as short as possible, we recommend that you create a plan beforehand as to what your work of art should look like in the end. This saves you the time of having to think about it while you already have the brush in your hand. When you’re done planning, you can start. Now it depends on how much time you have. A kitchen remodel can take 1-6 weeks.  Of course, when changing the kitchen, you have to pay attention to the rules that apply to a rented apartment. Tenancy law defines that a kitchen, if it already exists, is subject to the usual maintenance rules.

This means that the landlord is responsible for repairs and the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property in good condition. When renovating, it should be noted that structural changes or kitchen layout are usually impossible, unless agreed with the landlord. 

If you want to renovate your existing kitchen, you can proceed in different ways. If you discuss the changes with the landlord and they agree, you should still get written approval to avoid later problems. If you don’t do this and renovate the kitchen on your own, you have to keep in mind that the condition of the kitchen usually has to be left as it was originally when you move out.  

Now it’s time to renovate 

If you have now decided to carry out the renovation in your own house or rented apartment, there are various areas and aspects that you can change:  

The walls 

With a new coat of paint the whole room changes. And all without much effort! But which colors are ideal for your kitchen? To find the right kitchen color for your living style, you can take a look at the trend colors of the year , which we presented in a previous post. Of course, not only these colors come into question. Any color, with the right combinations, can create a cozy atmosphere:

Red Kitchen – A matte or glossy red combined with black or white tones gives your kitchen a modern look. The only thing that matters here is not to overdo it. Red is a strong color that can be overwhelming in large quantities.

Blue kitchen – For example, sky blue is a strong, vibrant color. This can bring freshness and lightness to your kitchen. It gives a touch of spring. A deep dark blue, on the other hand, is reminiscent of the ocean and its vast freedom.

Yellow Kitchen – The sun color brightens your kitchen with a lively light. It gives you a feeling of warmth, optimism and joy of life even in the winter months. This makes the room appear more inviting and the time you spend here is friendlier.

Green kitchen – With green you can bring a tropical flair to your room. A velvety green creates calm, while a bright emerald green brings energy and life to your kitchen. Green is a color that promotes creativity, giving you a sense of achievement in the kitchen.

Black kitchen – Black is a color that is not suitable for every room and not for every kitchen. The darkness can make it seem slightly oppressive. However, when used correctly, this color can create a modern, highlighted image.

Brown kitchen – A brown tone made of copper and wood speaks of elegance and high quality. It’s a daring color because you should combine it with the right neutral colors, but if you succeed, you get a classy overall look.

Gray kitchen – Understated and subtle, a gray tone strongly highlights the accents of the other colors in the room. A light shade of gray can create a warm and cozy atmosphere, adding subtle elegance.

Kitchen wall renovation
Source: Model Remodel

However, not only color is a solution for boring walls. Self-adhesive kitchen backsplash also give your kitchen a fresh touch. With these modern adhesive films you can create a feel-good atmosphere in the kitchen. A new ambience with a unique design can be created in no time. Not only that, the kitchen backsplash also protect the wall from water and grease splashes and thanks to the self-adhesive properties, they are easy to attach and easy to remove. It can be removed without leaving any residue if you subsequently decide on a different design. 

With kitchen backsplash there are no limits to your creativity. From dreamlike landscapes to interesting color gradients to inspiring motifs, with kitchen backsplash you can give your kitchen any look you want.  

The fronts 

You can also have fun with the kitchen furniture to achieve a new look. But what is the best solution here? Of course you can replace the fronts with new ones and thereby create a different look. However, this is often expensive and time-consuming. The wide selection in the hardware store is nice, but if you want to change all the fronts, the costs and work effort become greater and greater.  .  

If you can get around this, paint is another cost-effective method that requires a little more time. It’s a good idea to get a suitable paint that can withstand work in the kitchen and is suitable for the respective front. The easiest way to do this is to get advice from a hardware store or a specialist. Once you’ve done this or chosen the colors yourself, you can start giving your kitchen a fresh coat of paint. It is important to note that not everything should be colorful and full of patterns, whether walls, countertops , kitchen cabinets or fronts. A proper harmony between the different surfaces is important so that the room does not appear too overwhelming.  

Extra Touch 

Now that you’re done with major renovations, little extras can give your new kitchen that final refreshing touch to inspire your creativity.  

New door handles, new faucets, new lights – Replacing the handles instantly brings a new look to the room with a small screw or two. Wood, ceramic or steel can modernize your kitchen. A new faucet gives your sink a modern touch to refresh your entire cooking experience and new lamps provide new light in your comfort area.

Crockery – fresh, colorful crockery, or bring what you already have to the fore. On open shelves or behind glass doors, you can display your dishes and let them amaze you.

Textiles – choose your favorite designs and brighten up the room with fresh tea towels, pot holders and napkins. With a little creativity, you can add a colorful touch to your kitchen on a budget.

Mini garden – with their vibrant, green colors, herb plants not only bring light into the kitchen. They’re also perfect for refreshing your cooking. They appeal to your senses with their scent and can spice up the room.

Renovated Kitchen
Source: IKEA

6 effective tips for kitchen renovation on a budget

What is the current condition of your kitchen? Do you want to renovate one or two things in your kitchen and bring them into shape? Very good, because the demands we place on a modern kitchen have become ever greater in recent years. In many kitchens we currently find great kitchen islands, kitchen fronts, countertop, floor and impressive stove surfaces. There are numerous opportunities to upgrade your own kitchen. If you integrate your stove or sink into a kitchen island, you can access these areas from different sides. You can also choose larger cabinets to create additional drawers and thus storage space. This way you can quickly tidy up your kitchen and always keep it tidy. When it comes to the design of modern kitchens, you can also choose between many different models: Choose a design that you personally like best.

Renew kitchen fronts or cover them with foil

If you want new kitchen fronts, you can either completely replace the fronts or cover them with an opaque film. The film is of course a much cheaper solution to give your kitchen a new look. By sticking the film on, an optically perfect surface is created. A stretchy film is particularly easy to apply.

Renew or enlarge worktops

You can also permanently change and enhance the look of your kitchen with a new worktop. Depending on the material, you can buy a new worktop quite cheaply at a hardware store. Depending on what you have in mind, you can build a new worktop in your kitchen for little money.

Replacing appliances in the kitchen

If individual electrical appliances need to be replaced during your kitchen renovation, this is usually possible without any problems due to the standardized size of installation shafts. Built-in appliances always fit into the standardized appliances – so you can replace the oven, dishwasher, etc. and upgrade your kitchen in this way without spending a fortune. Contact an electrician if connections are not available.

Renew wall tiles and wall coverings

Renewing the tile backsplash is not that easy, but there is a solution: If you no longer like the tiled back wall of the kitchen unit, you can paint over the tiles. The tile paint is easy to apply and your kitchen will look like new in no time!

Lighting in the kitchen

New lighting in the kitchen creates a new flair! Even a new lighting concept can make your kitchen look completely different. Think about the possibility of installing ceiling spotlights, indirect lighting, lighting above the dining area or bar and much more.

Rearrange furniture and change room layout

This tip doesn’t cost anything: move furniture and change the layout of the room. By rearranging your furniture, you can create a new look in your kitchen without spending a single euro. Try it out with rearranged furniture and be amazed by the effect!

FAQs

1. How can I remodel my kitchen on a tight budget?

  • Focus on cost-effective updates such as painting cabinets, updating hardware, and replacing fixtures rather than a full-scale renovation. Consider DIY projects to save on labor costs.

2. What are some inexpensive ways to update kitchen cabinets?

  • Painting cabinets is a budget-friendly option that can dramatically transform the look of your kitchen. You can also consider replacing cabinet doors or hardware for a fresh look without replacing the entire cabinet.

3. How can I save money on kitchen countertops?

  • Opt for affordable countertop materials such as laminate or butcher block. Look for remnants or discounted slabs to save on material costs, and consider DIY installation to save on labor.

4. What flooring options are budget-friendly for a kitchen remodel?

  • Vinyl flooring is a cost-effective option that comes in a variety of styles and is easy to install. Laminate and engineered wood flooring are also affordable alternatives to hardwood.

5. How can I maximize storage space in a small kitchen without breaking the bank?

  • Utilize vertical space with shelves or hanging storage racks. Consider adding pull-out organizers or baskets to maximize cabinet space. Decluttering and organizing existing storage can also help create more space.

6. What are some budget-friendly lighting options for a kitchen remodel?

  • LED lighting fixtures are energy-efficient and come in a range of styles at affordable prices. Consider under-cabinet lighting or pendant lights to add ambiance without breaking the budget.

7. Can I update my kitchen appliances without spending a fortune?

  • Look for sales, clearance items, or gently used appliances to save on costs. Consider energy-efficient appliances that may qualify for rebates or incentives.

8. How can I create a modern look in my kitchen on a budget?

  • Focus on simple updates such as painting walls in a modern color palette, updating hardware and fixtures, and adding contemporary accessories like pendant lights or bar stools.

9. Should I hire a professional for my budget kitchen remodel, or can I DIY?

  • It depends on the scope of the project and your skill level. DIY projects can save on labor costs but may require more time and effort. Consider hiring professionals for tasks that require specialized skills or equipment.

10. What are some ways to add personality to my kitchen remodel without spending a lot of money?

– Add personal touches such as artwork, decorative tiles, or a colorful backsplash. Consider open shelving to display favorite dishes or cookware, or add plants for a touch of greenery.

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