With a few simple improvements, you can make a dramatic difference in the functionality and appearance of your kitchen. We've listed several kitchen improvements that cost under $50 each. No matter what your budget, you can finally get that new kitchen you've always wanted with these affordable kitchen makeover ideas. Can't afford to spend a lot of money at one time? No problem! Each payday, finish one or two of the ideas we've provided, and in no time at all you'll have a new kitchen you can feel proud of.
Give your appliances a new look - If your appliances are in good working order, but aren't that attractive to look at, you can cover them with stainless steel adhesive sheets to give the illusion of brand new fixtures. Having all your kitchen appliances in the same finish will help streamline the look of the room. The sheets are fairly easy to use, stay in place for years, and provide a new look to your refrigerator, dishwasher, and so on. Total cost - Under $50, depending on the size sheet you need.
Under-cabinet lighting - Give your kitchen a completely new look at night with attractive under-cabinet lighting. There's no wiring required, and the light is just the right brightness to serve as the main ambient lighting in the room. Install the lights beneath the upper cabinet space, so that it illuminates the countertop below. If you're really tight on money, you can use "tap" lights that cost $1 to $2 a piece! Otherwise… Total cost - $15 to $45, depending on style.
Cabinet organization - Keep pots and pans, lids, plastic storage containers, and miscellaneous items organized and neat with in-cabinet organization. These kitchen improvements are inexpensive to buy, easy to use, and can be bought one item at a time. Turntables, roll out trays, lid organizers, revolving shelf cabinets, and so on, help manage cabinet space and make life easier. Total cost - $10 to $50, depending on the item.
Countertop organization - Without available storage options, kitchen countertops can become quickly overrun with clutter. Keep them decluttered with wall-mounted spice racks, under counter hooks, baskets and canisters, or convenient shelving. Total cost - $10 to $30.
Block out the sun - How many times have you been blinded by the sun while in the kitchen? The intense glare of the sun is not only a nuisance, it makes the room uncomfortably warm, too. Block out the sun, and dress up the window in the process, with attractive window tint. This is NOT the window tinting your mother used! It's now available in attractive colors that mimic stained glass, and is very simple to apply yourself. Best of all, because the kitchen window is relatively small in size, you won't have to spend a lot of money on this inexpensive home improvement. Total cost - $30 or less.
Small appliances - By updating your small appliances, you'll give your kitchen a brand new, streamlined look. One at a time, buy a new toaster, can opener, coffee maker, blender, and so on, all in the same finish, and you'll have a better looking, and better functioning, space. (Hint - The newest trend in small appliances is bright, bold colors!) Total cost - $20 to $40 for each appliance.
New cabinet hardware - By adding brand new hardware and hinges to your cabinets, you'll get an instant kitchen makeover. This simple kitchen improvement makes such a difference, most people will automatically assume you've purchased new cabinetry! You can purchase new knobs and drawer pulls for a steal, usually just $1 or less a piece, so depending on the size of your kitchen, you won't need to a lot of money to give your room a brand new look. Total cost - $20 to $50, depending on style of hardware and quantity needed.
More from Jennifer Wagner:
10 Tips to Make Your Kitchen Appear Bigger
Space Saving Cabinet Accessories
8 Must-Have Cabinet Accessories for the Kitchen
SOURCE:
Personal experience
Jennifer Wagner - Yahoo! Contributor Network
