7 affordable DIY kitchen upgrades

Are you tired of your kitchen and eager for change, but your bank account is telling you otherwise? There are ways to update with a nominal outlay of cash. We’ve listed seven DIY kitchen upgrades that you as well as your pocketbook will absolutely love!

1) Paint is your friend

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Adding a fresh coat of paint to your walls can make a major impact on your kitchen, and any room for that matter. Painting your outdated cabinets will bring a whole new life to your space. If you have the time and skill to do the painting yourself, this is a sure-fire way to improve the look and feel of your kitchen. Some people don’t feel right about painting wood but my take is that if the cabinets look old and tired you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

2) Be unpredictable

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Predictability can be boring. When taking on a DIY project consider decorating outside the norm! Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Try incorporating new colors to create a space that is uniquely yours. Painting different shades or choosing a wood base cabinet and painted upper cabinet is an unconventional and refreshing twist on the standard painted cabinets.

Tip: Adding the lighter colour on the upper cabinets will help reflect natural light and create the illusion of having a larger kitchen.

3) Change your outdated hardware

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It is incredible to see what a difference something as simple as changing out the hardware on your cabinets can make! The hardware on a cabinet door or drawer is like the jewelry on an outfit. It can completely transform the style of your kitchen. Dictate the direction of a space with your hardware selection to make it traditional, modern, farmhouse chic, transitional, etc. The possibilities are endless.

Tip: Choose pulls over knobs to be on trend for 2017.

4) Say goodbye to your old countertops

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The options available on the market for affordable and beautiful countertop materials is growing. If granite or quartz is not ideal for your kitchen makeover budget, there are other options.

Butcher-block is a good looking material that is increasing in popularity, and with the proper sealants is relatively durable. With improvements over the years, plastic laminate is also a consideration. There are many brands to choose from with lots of design options. And if you are really handy you may want to consider installing a concrete or tile countertop.

Tip: Add a wood nosing to tile or laminate for a custom look.

5) Remove those bulky upper cabinets

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Open shelving is on trend right now. There are a couple ways you can accomplish this DIY improvement. One is to simply remove the doors to your upper cabinets. Fill in any holes from the hardware and paint as required. Then add decorative accessories or baskets. The other option is to remove the upper cabinets altogether and add shelves to match or coordinate with your décor.

6) Add an island

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If you have a large kitchen you may be able to add a portable island to increase your workspace and add some panache to your kitchen. Consider buying a ready-made version, or purchasing some base cabinets and adding a countertop, or even repurposing a furniture piece such as a kitchen table.

7) Add or change your backsplash

A kitchen backsplash provides function by allowing you to wipe down spills easily. It also adds character to your cabinets and can unify the look by bringing together hues throughout the kitchen. A white subway tile is a classic look that marries well in most designs. Metal tile can complete the overall look when coupled with brushed nickel cabinet hardware and stainless appliances.

Hopefully these low budget ideas have inspired you to take on a new kitchen upgrade! If you need further inspiration check out our Pinterest board.

Jo-Ann Capelaci is president and principal interior designer of Colours & Concepts Inc. The award winning company specializes in model homes and colour and upgrade selections for builders. They have been helping new home buyers choose finishes for their homes for over 20 years. Jo-Ann is dedicated to helping new home buyers create a model home feeling in their new home. Look for future articles on other topics to assist in decorating and designing your new home.