Kitchen upgrades add a lot of value to a house, both to the current residents and when it’s time to sell. Unfortunately, kitchen upgrades also tend to be the most expensive due to the large appliances, plumbing considerations, and cabinetry.
Fortunately, there are several upgrades homeowners can make without breaking the bank. Here are six budget-friendly kitchen upgrades to add value to your home.
Choose RTA Over Custom
If your cabinets are overdue for an upgrade, consider purchasing ready-to-assemble (RTA) over pre-fab or custom. You can get solid wood RTA cabinets at a fraction of the cost of pre-fab or custom cabinets, as labor and assembly are taken out of the equation. Furthermore, RTA cabinets ship in convenient flat packs rather than taking up an entire truck for one kitchen, offering further savings.
One of the most common misconceptions about RTA cabinets is that they’re of lesser quality than their pre-fabricated counterparts. However, there are several high-end manufacturers offering solid wood construction that’s built to last.
Install a Basic Backsplash
A simple backsplash can transform the look and feel of a kitchen. This installation also helps keep the kitchen clean and can make it feel more spacious through intentional light reflection.
Install a basic tile backsplash underneath the cabinets to revitalize the room. Consider white or light colors to contribute to better light distribution. If you have an outdated backsplash in place, consider using tile paint and glaze to paint over it rather than replacing it entirely.
Look for Last Year’s Lighting and Fixtures
Upgrading the lighting and hardware is an easy, powerful way to refresh an outdated kitchen. Lighting is considered the new statement piece in kitchen design and can set the tone for the room.
Lighting and fixtures can be costly to replace, which makes this upgrade unattainable for some budget-conscious decorators. Instead of seeing this as a barrier, look at it as an opportunity to be thrifty and resourceful. Many home improvement stores offer deep discounts on discontinued fixtures from the previous year. These upgrades are still fresh and new, but with the benefit of being more budget-friendly. Unless one of your friends is a professional interior designer, they’re never going to know or care that you have last year’s model in your kitchen.
Add Open Shelving
Adding open shelving adds a few benefits to a kitchen. For one, it’s a simple upgrade that you can accomplish with a quick trip to the store or by refreshing your existing cabinets. Second, having a few open shelves to offset the cabinets adds texture and dimension to the room. Finally, this simple upgrade can make your kitchen look bigger as it removes some of the boxy, often overwhelming, closed cupboards.
Be intentional when installing open shelving and determine what utensils or appliances are best suited for display. Many designers use open shelving as a functional art installation, carefully arranging brightly colored dishes and utensils. The key is to keep this area organized and clutter-free.
Add a Portable Island
Kitchen islands have come in and out of fashion over the decades. Rather than making a semi-permanent and costly installation with a built-in island, consider purchasing a portable island. You can upcycle an old butcher block table or purchase a portable bar cart for this purpose.
The benefit of a portable island is that it will increase the useable surface area in your kitchen without being in the way. If you need more floor space or no longer like this affordable upgrade, you can move it aside.
Install an Indoor Herb Garden
Finally, elevate your kitchen with an indoor herb garden on your window sill. This affordable upgrade will fuel your culinary creations while adding a touch of vibrance to your kitchen. Plants are considered one of the most versatile home decor pieces and offer mood-boosting benefits. Thanks to the warmth and humidity, many plants thrive in a kitchen environment.
With these budget-friendly upgrades, you can upgrade your kitchen without breaking the bank.
