Guest Blogger: 5 Low-Cost Ways to Customize Your Kitchen

As you are probably aware, kitchen renovations often come with a hefty price tag. This is likely because most of the products in your kitchen are so expensive, from cabinets and counters to appliances. The upside, of course, is that kitchen remodeling tends to show better return on investment than just about any other type of home upgrade. But still, if you don’t have $20K or more to drop on an overhaul you might not think you can get the kitchen you want. The good news is that if your cabinets are sturdy and your tile is intact, you can save some money and still update your kitchen to create the custom space you’re craving. With a few inexpensive DIY projects you can perform a kitchen exorcism that rids you of the awful decor of yesteryear and delivers a modern room that you can really enjoy. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Tips to help you customize your kitchen

Image via: Kim Duffin for Sublime Architectural Interiors

1. Paint.

Is there any easier way to spruce up an interior space than by slapping on a fresh coat of paint? It’s not only inexpensive, but anyone can do it. And by choosing a bright, modern color you can totally transform the look and feel of your kitchen, creating a room that not only belongs in this decade, but also making the space appear larger, depending on the hue you choose.

2. Reface cabinets.

Replacing your cabinetry could cost you upwards of $10,000 (and that’s on the low end). Even replacing cabinet doors could run into the low thousands. But refacing your cabinets will only cost you a fraction of what replacing them will, and it can totally change the appearance of your kitchen. Of course, you might also paint or stain them on your own at slightly less expense. But refacing is an affordable option that will save you some work and deliver more dramatic results.

3. Install a new backsplash.

You might be surprised by how easy it is to get rid of your outdated backsplash and replace it with modern stone or tile that better suits your taste. You can start by taking a class at Home Depot, finding an online video tutorial, or simply picking up a home repair guide. Then it’s just a matter of purchasing materials (mortar, trowel, tile sheets, etc.) and getting to work.

Traditional two story kitchen remodel

Image via: Renaissance Kitchen and Home

4. Update fixtures.

Whether you find yourself bemoaning the scuffed faucet or the ugly, fluorescent fixture overhead, you’ll find that it’s not all that difficult to replace these items with some help from online tutorials, a handful of tools, and of course, the modern fixtures you’ve been eyeing down at the hardware or home goods store.

5. Add storage solutions.

Technically, this won’t make your kitchen more cosmetically appealing. But it will help to make your space more functional. This can improve your life while you’re in the house, but once you start checking out fsbo website reviews in preparation to sell, you’ll no doubt discover that buyers find this extra attractive. And it won’t cost you that much to add drawer organizers and install lazy Susans and pull-out shelves that make it easier to get at the items in the back of your cupboards.

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