Kitchen upgrades can be expensive, but with some creativity and elbow grease, you can customize your kitchen on a budget. Here are 28 ways to personalize your kitchen without breaking the bank.
Refresh the Paint
A new coat of paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform the look of your kitchen. Go for a crisp white to make the space feel fresh and bright. Or opt for a moody shade like navy blue for a more dramatic vibe. For variation, paint the upper cabinets a different color than the lowers.
Update the Hardware
Replacing dated hardware with modern handles and knobs is a simple switch that can give your kitchen an instant facelift. Opt for brass for a traditional look or sleek black for contemporary style. Mix and match finishes for an eclectic aesthetic.
Display Your Dishware
Take rarely used cabinet space and turn it into functional art by displaying your favorite dishes. Install glass-front cabinets or open shelving to show off your best china, colored glassware or unique platters. Not only does this allow you to appreciate items you love, it also adds personality to your decor.
Hang a Statement Light
Don’t overlook the power of lighting. A large, eye-catching pendant adds character and dimension to your kitchen. Search for an affordable find at flea markets, antique stores or online auctions. Or DIY your own personalized pendant using supplies from a craft store.
Add Textured Tiles
Tile can transform a backsplash or floor, but it often comes with a high price tag. Save money by tiling a smaller area or using textured varieties like subway tile or mini hexagons, which pack visual punch without requiring as much material. You can also opt for peel-and-stick tile panels, which are easy to install.
Display Collections
Turn open shelves or a glass-front cabinet into a place to exhibit beloved collections for an easy way to infuse personality. Display vintage pottery, colorful glassware or your stash of cookbooks. Keep the vignettes small and well-curated for the best effect.
Paint the Cabinets
Tired wood cabinets are easily revived with a coat of paint. White is the most popular option because it looks fresh and clean. For a little more character, consider a hue like sage green, pale blue or antique gray. Be sure to properly prep and use paint formulated for cabinets.
Update Handles and Knobs
An easy upgrade is replacing outdated hardware on drawers and cabinets. Swapping in more modern handles and knobs will give your kitchen an instant facelift. Sleek stainless steel and nickel finishes work well for a contemporary look, while brass offers a traditional vibe.
Display Vintage Finds
Give your kitchen a charming cottage feel by decorating with vintage pieces. Scour flea markets and antique shops for items like painted china, ceramic canisters, rolling pins and cast iron cookware. Arrange your treasures on open shelves or in glass-front cabinets.
Add Architectural Details
Affordable products like molding, trim and corbels let you add character with architectural elements. Use crown molding to give your cabinets a built-in look. Install decorative brackets under shelves for support and style. Turn a plain island into a statement with chunky corbels.
Install Subway Tile
Subway tile offers an affordable, classic look for kitchens. The rectangular ceramic tiles are sold inexpensively by the case at home improvement stores. Their small uniform shape allows for easy DIY installation. Use white for a clean look or go bold with black, blue or gray tiles.
Paint the Island
Set your island apart by giving it a bold color. Navy blue adds dramatic contrast to white cabinets, while pale green creates a cheerful accent. For cottage charm, paint the island cabinet a pale hue like mint or lemon chiffon. Top it off with natural wood or marble.
Display Cookbooks
Make frequently used cookbooks readily accessible and part of your decor by arranging them on open shelves. Organize by color for a eye-catching effect. For extra flair, intersperse your books with decorative accents like vases or candlesticks.
Incorporate Baskets
Inexpensive baskets are a multipurpose item that can be used for storage and style. Use white or neutral baskets for an airy feel or bold patterns and colors for fun. Fill baskets with fruits and vegetables and display on counters and open shelves.
Add Glass-Front Cabinet Doors
Swapping out solid cabinet doors for glass-front ones instantly livens up heavy wood cabinets and makes the space feel more open. The transparent look allows you to display dishes and decor behind the glass. For easy cleaning, opt for frosted glass.
Use Removable Wallpaper
Temporary wallpaper allows you to quickly and affordably change up your backsplash as often as you like. Peel-and-stick styles go up in a snap and come down just as easily. Opt for tile-look prints, dramatic florals or graphic geometrics to transform the room.
Install Shelf Liners
Shelf liners provide color and pattern inside cabinets easily and affordably. Use them on shelves, drawers or the back of open cabinetry. Self-adhesive liners stick on and peel off whenever you want to swap them out. Change them seasonally for a fun pop of color.
Add Floating Shelves
Work around a lack of cabinet space by incorporating wall-mounted floating shelves. They provide a place for displaying pretty dishware, cookbooks or small appliances. Floating shelves come in various materials like wood, metal or glass. Style them with art or plants.
Update Countertops
Replacing worn laminate countertops can help freshen up your kitchen. Affordable options like butcher block, tile, quartz and concrete lookalikes offer the look of higher end materials on a budget. Add an accent by using a different material just for the island.
Add Under Cabinet Lighting
Installing lights underneath your upper cabinets will illuminate countertops for safer food prep and give your kitchen a modern vibe. LED strip lighting kits are available in a variety of colors. Go for a bright white for task lighting or soft hues to set a mood.
Use Chalkboard Paint
Make the most out of blank surfaces by painting them with chalkboard paint. It can be used to label jars in the pantry, make menu boards, create an area for family messages or give kids their own drawing space. Use chalk to create weekly inspiration boards.
Install a Backsplash
An affordable backsplash transforms the look and feel of the kitchen by protecting the walls and adding visual appeal. Subway tile, beadboard, or faux tin panels are budget-friendly options. Choose a material that complements your counter and cabinet colors.
Style with Plants
No need for a green thumb! Adding houseplants is an easy way to spruce up your kitchen’s decor. Place low-maintenance varieties like succulents, snake plants or pothos in wooden boxes on windowsills, shelves and countertops. The greenery livens up the room instantly.
Change Cabinet Hardware
Replacing outdated hardware is one of the easiest ways to update your kitchen’s look. Swap plain old pulls for eye-catching black iron handles or dainty glass knobs. Match hardware finishes for a cohesive look. Mismatched metals create an eclectic vibe.
Add Architectural Interest
Plain cabinetry gets a custom look with just a few strategic additions. Install crown molding along the top for built-in appeal. Add chunky corbels beneath wall cabinets for support and style. Place decorative end panels on peninsula cabinets for dimension.
Display Meaningful Dishware
Transform open cabinets or a glass-front hutch into a place to showcase dishware with sentimental value. Display your wedding china, heirloom pottery passed down from grandparents or vintage finds from flea markets. This adds warmth and personality.
Update Sinks and Faucets
Replacing worn out sinks and faucets improves function and aesthetics. Choose affordable stainless steel or porcelain sinks. For the faucet, look for a high-arching style in brushed nickel or chrome for a modern accent. Add a trendy black fixture for drama.
Add Accent Tile
Full tile backsplashes can be pricey, but small bursts of pattern tile add big style at a fraction of the cost. Use colorful or ornate tile behind the range or around the window over the sink. Contrast with neutral subway tile for the rest of the backsplash.
Display Vintage China
Vintage china infuses old-world charm into modern kitchens. Display plates, cups and saucers in open cabinets or hutch interiors. Opt for classic patterns like blue willow or floral designs. Mix and match for an eclectic gallery wall effect.
Paint Inside Cabinets
Want to hide scuffs or brighten dreary cabinets without the hassle of painting the exteriors? Try freshening up the inside surfaces with paint instead. Opt for a glossy bright white to maximized illumination inside those dark corners. Use chalk paint for a matte finish.
Add Molding
Installation trim and molding upgrades the look of your cabinets for a custom built-in effect. Add crown molding along the top of the upper cabinets. Use decorative brackets or corbels below wall cabinets. Place trim around glass cabinet doors for definition.
Display Cookbooks
Give frequently used cookbooks a prominent spot by arranging them attractively on open shelves. Organize by color or decoratively stack. Intersperse books with accents like candles or pottery for additional flair. Keep special antique cookbooks visible rather than stashing away.
Incorporate Baskets
Inexpensive baskets have a variety of uses for storage and style. Stash fruits and vegetables in neutral baskets on countertops. Use colorful or patterned baskets for utensils, cookware lids or sponges to add a fun accent. Let your personality shine.
Change Up Cafe Curtains
Cafe curtains bring color, pattern and privacy to kitchen windows for not much money. Choose gingham or floral prints in cheerful hues. Hang them high and wide to let in light. Change frequently to alter the look of your kitchen.
Add an Accent Mirror
Strategically hung mirrors visually double the size of a small kitchen. Look for an oval, rectangular or octagonal mirror with an interesting frame that complements your decor. Anchor it to a wall or the back of a cabinet door for functional flair.
Update Cabinet Pulls
Replacing dated cabinet hardware is a simple DIY upgrade for your kitchen. Ditch old rounded pulls for flat bar handles in satin brass, sleek black, or stainless steel. Change all handles to one matching finish or mix metals for an eclectic look.
Incorporate Rugs
Rugs aren’t just for living rooms! Use a patterned runner or brightly hued rug to define your work area. Place it in front of the sink, range or refrigerator. Choose a low pile rug or use a non-slip pad so it stays put when walked on. Change it out seasonally.
DIY Concrete Countertops
Concrete delivers the look of stone for less money. With some DIY elbow grease, you can build your own concrete countertop forms secured over existing counters. Stain or stamp the concrete for different looks. Seal properly for food safe installation.
Install Open Shelving
Open shelving offers a place to display favorite dishware within easy reach. The airy, furniture-like look fits both modern and cottage kitchens well. Opt for shelf brackets and boards in natural wood tones or sleek metal piping. Style shelves with plants and decor.
Incorporate Small Appliances
Display your colorful stand mixer, toaster or blender to infuse personality. Coordinate small appliances in one color for a uniform look. Or embrace the retro vibe and mix different eras and styles. Keep countertop appliances you use often plugged in.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
Painting cabinets, walls and trim is a budget friendly kitchen refresh. Crisp white, light gray, pale blue and sage green are popular choices. Paint upper and lower cabinets in different hues. Use molding or removable wallpaper to add interest.
Style with Meaningful Pieces
Decorate open shelves and countertops with items that make you happy or reflect your personality. Display cherished wedding gifts, favorite cookbooks, antique cake stands passed down from grandma or travel mementos. Let your style shine through.
Incorporate Peel-and-Stick Tile
Peel-and-stick tile allows you to transform surfaces with no mess, no adhesive and no construction skills required. Use it to create a quick backsplash behind a stove or sink. Go for tile patterns or solid colors to match your decor. Removes easily.
Dress Windows with Cafe Curtains
Cafe curtains add privacy along with brightening up bare windows. Hang them high and wide to maximize light. Choose embroidered sheers or patterned fabric in cheerful colors and prints that coordinate with your decor. Change with the seasons.
Add Colorful Accessories
Punch up a neutral kitchen with fun pops of color in the accessories. Display a bowl of lemons or limes on the counter for a cheerful citrus burst. Choose appliances like a stand mixer in a colorful hue. Add whimsical knobs to play up your style.
Install Board & Batten
Board & batten paneling offers an affordable, design-savvy way to transform walls. Use it to add contrast and texture in a neutral kitchen. Paint or stain battens in a darker shade than boards for dramatic interest. Great behind a stove, sink, or on an accent wall.
Display Pretty Dishware
Transform boring corner cabinets or glass-front hutches by displaying your prettiest dishware. Opt for stacks of colorful pottery, ironstone platters, or your wedding china. Intersperse with decorative plates and trays for a gallery wall effect.
Add Washi Tape Accents
Inexpensive washi tape allows you to quickly add pops of color and personality. Use it to label glass jars of dry goods in the pantry. Create geometric designs on cabinet doors. Use it to edge floating shelves or a bulletin board. Simply remove and replace.
Embrace the Chalkboard
Chalkboard paint allows you to create accent walls, menu areas, leaving family messages, labeling jars and more. Use large squares behind sinks or install a chalkboard cabinet front. Frame it out with trim to mimic a real chalkboard for educational flair.
Incorporate Wallpaper
Wallpaper offers a quick, affordable way to transform the look of your kitchen. Use removable, peel-and-stick styles to cover a small section, like behind a stove, sink or drink station. Opt for dramatic patterns and colors suited for backgrounds.
Display Collections
Give collections prominence by displaying them in cabinets accented with lighting. Show off stacks of festive dishware, antique pottery passed down from grandparents or colorful glassware. Collections infuse personality and fond memories.
Add Dramatic Lighting
Big pendants instantly amp up kitchen style. Search for affordable statement lighting at thrift stores, antique shops or online auctions. For an extra large scale, hang two pendants instead of one. Choose polished metals, natural materials, or something colorful.
Embrace Contrast
Adding high contrast is a design trick that packs a graphic punch. Try pairing bold black and white checkerboard tile with gleaming white cabinets and countertops. Or use navy blue on an island for dramatic contrast to pale cabinetry.
Add Furniture Touches
Kitchen islands, carts and custom built-ins offer opportunities to integrate furniture elements. Include legs and feet, drawer pulls, side panels, molding and hardware. Opt for slim turned legs, chunky supports or industrial piping to support and stylize.
Show Off Collections
Open shelving offers great spots to display treasured collections. Show off stacks of colorful vintage tins, botanical inspired pottery, gleaming glassware or neatly organized cooking gadgets. This adds a personalized touch.
Paint Inside Cabinets
Want to brighten up dreary cabinets without the hassle of painting exteriors? Freshen interiors with white or vibrant matte paint instead. Gloss shows scuffs, so opt for a soft chalk paint or matte finish. Bright interiors increase visibility.
Embrace Your Style
The beauty of designing on a budget is that you can take risks! Go bold with an adventurous color palette or choose a daring tile pattern. Pick eclectic, vintage accessories that showcase your personality. Have fun and embrace your style.
Incorporate Meaningful Accessories
Infuse tradition by displaying treasured items given to you by loved ones. Show off handmade pottery gifted from children, grandmother’s antique rolling pin or a cakestand inherited from mom. These special touches add warmth.
Update Cabinet Hardware
Replacing outdated hardware packs a visual punch. Swap plain old knobs and pulls for updated brushed nickel handles and sleek backiron pulls. Stick with one universal finish or mismatches metals for eclectic flair.
Add Architectural Interest
Strategically placed trim and molding gives plain cabinetry a custom look on a budget. Frame cabinets with chunky trim and corbels or install a trim header panel. Add elegance with crown molding and trim around glass cabinet doors.
Upgrade Sinks and Faucets
Replacing worn out sinks and faucets improves function and style. Look for affordable enamel, stainless steel or porcelain sinks. For the faucet, pick a high-arching style in brushed nickel or chrome to match your hardware.
Embrace Texture
Incorporate natural and tactile textures for low-cost, high-impact style. Use open wood shelving, woven baskets, granite and marble remnants for countertops, concrete floors, unfinished terracotta pots, galvanized metal, and wire storage.
Style with Houseplants
Plants bring life to kitchens without requiring any green thumb skills. Place low-maintenance houseplants like snake plants, ferns and succulents in wooden boxes, planters and pots. The greenery softens hard surfaces and livens up the room.
Paint the Island
Painting just the island a bold color adds drama without the commitment of painting all cabinets. Try moody navy blue or soft green. For cottage flair, use a pale vintage hue like mint or butter yellow. Top with marble or butcher block.
Update Countertops
Countertops make a huge impact on a room’s aesthetic