A small upgrade to your kitchen can add new life and appeal without costing you a fortune. Lost cost items such as paint, tiles, cushions, table linens and other design efforts can provide you with an instant way to upgrade a tired kitchen into a vibrant new space. Here are ten of my favourite low cost ways to upgrade your kitchen.
Most people think of painting the external cabinet doors for instant impact, but also consider painting the cabinet interiors a contrasting colour for a greater effect. Install a single glass shelf under wall cabinets to hold cups, mugs and pretty glass objects. Consider displaying colour coordinated pretty pottery or serving ware that usually resides in kitchen cupboards. Cover a worn unattractive floor with self adhering vinyl tiles that are easy to handle and lay. Choose from a myriad of colours and designs to suit your decor. You can even choose a stone or timber parquet look making them a great low cost alternative for your kitchen. Update the look of your kitchen sink with a stylish new faucet set. Paint the seats of wooden kitchen stools or chairs to match or contrast your kitchen's colour scheme. Replace your cabinet hardware such as knobs, handles and pulls. Your local hardware store should have a range of low cost alternatives to choose from. Turn an unused wooden table into a kitchen island complete with marble or granite slab to add usability. Apply chalkboard paint to a section of your kitchen wall and use this area as a communication point for your family. If a chalkboard is not to your taste, then use colourful letter transfers to spell out favourite foods or record a traditional family recipe on the wall. Remove some cabinet doors and create open shelving areas, or replace with clear or frosted glass to create a feeling of openness without having to display all of your kitchen wares.