What could you do with $40,000?
Pay for a year at college? Yes.
Buy a luxury car? Possibly.
Renovate your kitchen? Just about.
As crucial as kitchens are to your home, sprucing them up can get expensive. In fact, the national average for a mid range kitchen renovation is over $80,000.
But unlike fancy cars and new college experiences, you can opt out of paying full price for a new kitchen. And if you’re already working with limited square footage, you’re in luck! Although small kitchens get a bad rep, there’s plenty you can do with them if you plan right.
It’ll only take some old-fashioned brainstorming to figure out how to give your small kitchen a makeover without breaking the bank. In this post, we’ll share some tips to get you started.
10 Budget-Friendly Kitchen Remodeling Ideas You Must Know
If you’re on a shoestring budget but still gunning for a more modern kitchen space, here are ten clever, easy, and affordable kitchen renovation ideas to try.
1. Take Out a Wall
Hear us out. Small kitchens often feel incredibly claustrophobic, and a great way to fix that is to combine the kitchen and dining room area by removing the wall in between. Not only does this make things feel less choppy, but also:
- Allows more light and air into the space
- Ensures easier access between the two rooms
- Lets people participate in dining room conversation
- Updates the space
However, most homes in Utah have a load-bearing wall between their kitchen and living space. And while it’s not impossible to knock those down, you must replace them with proper supports to maintain the building’s structural integrity. Let a kitchen wall removal specialist like Load Bearing Pros take on the job!
If you’re stressed about the kitchen wall removal cost, don’t worry. We’ll assess your kitchen and give you a free estimate before you sign the dotted line.
2. Replace the Countertops
Another way to redo a kitchen without overhauling the whole room is to replace the countertops. Pick a new set of trendy counters for your kitchen to light up the space. Feel free to experiment with patterns, colors, and designs that complement the rest of your décor.
However, remember that kitchen countertops see a ton of action, meaning it’s best to go with a durable, stain-resistant material, like quartz or granite. Talk to a kitchen remodeling contractor to understand your options better.
3. Pump Up Storage with Open Shelves
Open, floating shelves are all the rage nowadays, and with good reason. They help add visual interest to small kitchens and utilize vertical space. It’s a win-win scenario!
Suspend open shelves from a ceiling or hang a wall rack to create the illusion of more space. Use it to stow away extra spice bottles, wine glasses, or anything that’s increasing the clutter on your counters.
4. Refurbish Cabinet Doors
Usually, a fresh coat of paint can salvage outdated cabinet doors. But if yours are beyond help, consider replacing them altogether. Brand new cabinet doors with snazzy hardware can transform your kitchen in the blink of an eye. Plus, they cost a fraction of the money it would take to install new cabinets.
5. Get a Bar Cabinet
Tired of wasting precious cabinet space on wine bottles? Get yourself a small bar cabinet to create separation in a small space. You can also use it to store anything you don’t need too often, such as fancy china, crystal, or an unread stash of recipe books.
You can go for a freestanding or fitted bar cabinet based on how much space you’re working with. Hanging cabinets save space in a small kitchen, whereas freestanding ones are easier to move.
6. Leverage the Corners
Most kitchens have an awkward nook that seems impractical to use. However, when it comes to updating small kitchens, you must learn to capitalize on every corner. For example, you can fix a few open shelves in the space between two cabinets. Use it to store candles, potted plants, or small art pieces to boost storage and visual appeal.
7. Light it Up
Getting better lighting is a smart move for any kitchen renovation. Try and hang well-designed pendants for style and overhead task lights for function. Make sure the task lighting is bright and concentrated in areas where you’ll be working. And if you have some money to spare, go for some undercabinet lights for a bigger impact.
We’d recommend you find sconces in the same finish as the rest of the kitchen’s hardware. It’ll help maintain consistency and ensure the room flows evenly.
8. Don’t Stress About Flooring
Sure, floors can make a big difference to your kitchen space. But when you’re working on a tight budget, you have bigger fish to fry.
It pays to just refinish your hardwood floors, even if you’re knocking down a wall during your kitchen renovation. Your kitchen remodel contractor can sand any existing and new pieces and stain them together.
In case you have your heart set on new floors, try less expensive options like sealed cork. They’re affordable, eye-catching, and easier on the feet than hard tiles or wood.
9. Include Contrast in Moderation
Mixing too many colors can create a sense of chaos in a small space. Keep the walls, ceiling, and cabinets the same color, then incorporate contrasting accents like colored pendant lights, a patterned island, or intricately designed doorknobs. The possibilities are endless.
10. Work with a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor
Hiring kitchen remodeling contractors in Utah might seem like a pricey move, but it is money well spent. Chalking out a remodel plan with a professional can help ensure your design, budget, and timeline are realistic. Plus, with a professional taking the reins, there’s far less room for expensive mistakes. Get in touch with a kitchen remodeler in Salt Lake City if you haven’t already- you won’t regret it.
The Bottom Line
There you have it, 10 cost-effective ways to transform a small kitchen on a budget. Remember, this post is just a blueprint, it’s ultimately up to you to keep kitchen renovation costs manageable. Tailor these tips to suit your own preferences, and you should have no trouble creating the small kitchen of your dreams!
At Load Bearing Pros, we’re a team of experienced professionals specializing in load-bearing wall removals around Utah. We have helped countless clients achieve the open space of their dreams, and we can help you too. Get in touch with us for a free quote today!
