How to Get an Expensive-Looking

Kitchen on a BudgetEugene Chrinian

Dreaming of an expensive kitchen upgrade but can’t afford one on your current budget? Not to worry. You can take advantage of these simple DIY tips and tricks in a weekend, and take your kitchen from basic to upscale without spending a fortune. It’s all about paying attention to the little details.

Choose a lighter paint color.A new coat of paint is a quick and affordable way to completely update the look of a room, and light colors are an excellent choice for kitchens. Not only do light colors reflect light and make spaces look and feel larger and brighter, but they are also better than darker colors at concealing the scratches, scrapes, and dents that tend to accumulate on kitchen walls and cabinets.

Update your hardware.You may not be able to completely redo all your cabinets, but simply changing your hardware can have a big impact. Replacing worn out or nondescript drawer pulls and cabinet handles with elegant, eye-catching fixtures (which can be obtained easily and inexpensively from your local hardware store) creates an instantly updated look in a matter of minutes.

Replace cabinet doors.To further upgrade the look of your kitchen, think about replacing or refurbishing your cabinet doors. It’s a step up from replacing your hardware, but it is still a relatively easy task. Go for new doors if you have the budget, or else give your current doors a fresh new look by sanding and refinishing them with stain, paint, or even wallpaper. You can also create open-concept shelving by completely removing the doors from some cabinets, and using the exposed shelves to show off pretty or colorful dishes and glassware.

Change your light fixtures.Even if you’re a renter, don’t feel you have to stick with the uniform light fixtures that come standard in most kitchens. Swapping an ordinary overhead fixture with a chandelier or a pendant adds a great touch of personality and luxury, in addition to making the kitchen brighter.

Hang artwork.An eye-catching work of art raises the glamour level in any room. Why not try it in your kitchen? Don’t be afraid to choose one or two pieces that are big and bold, as this will help give the illusion of more space. Artwork is an especially useful option for renters, who may not be able to make more permanent changes like painting or altering cabinets.

Use stainless steel paint for your appliances.

Getting the high-end look of stainless steel appliances is easy: all it takes is a coat of paint. Available at your local hardware store, stainless steel finishes are an excellent option if your appliances are still in good working condition but are starting to look dated. Be sure to carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and test the paint on a small section before using on your appliance, as not all liquid stainless steel finishes are the same. It’s also important to choose a product that is appropriate for the type of appliance you want to paint. Not all finishes work for stoves, for example.

Install window treatments.Dressing up bare windows will instantly make a kitchen feel more welcoming and elegant. Sleek and easy-to-install blinds and shades are a readily available option. Another popular choice for kitchens is café-style curtains: curtains cover the bottom half of the window while the top half is left exposed, giving you privacy and style while still letting in plenty of natural light.

Style your breakfast nook.If your kitchen contains a breakfast nook or an eat-in area with a table and chairs, you should include this space in your styling plans. Add some colorful throw pillows to your breakfast nook or some slim upholstered cushions to your chairs, and place a centerpiece or fresh flowers on the table. You can also easily make a table runner by hemming the ends and edges of a long piece of fabric. Small touches like these will help make this part of your kitchen feel far more inviting.

Don’t sacrifice style for function.

Plenty of items in your kitchen are there for purely practical reasons, but this doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish as well. Look around your kitchen for functional pieces that you could upgrade. Replace the plain jug holding all your wooden spoons with a lovely colored glass vase. Swap your old fruit bowl for an elegant lacquered tray.

Hide small appliances.This tip is one of the most dramatic ways to change your kitchen, and it won’t cost you a penny. Most kitchens are overcrowded with small appliances that jostle for space on countertops and other surfaces. Clear away the clutter by storing these pieces in cabinets out of sight. The appliances will still be easily accessible when you need them, and your kitchen will look much sleeker.