By Suzanne Morrissey
Photo courtesy of iStockphoto
Giving the kitchen or bath a lift doesn't have to shrink your wallet. Try one or two of these easy ideas to upgrade the hardest-working spaces in the house.
For the Kitchen:
1. Small Change
Instead of everything but the kitchen sink, how about just the kitchen sink? Replacing a dated faucet does wonders for overall style.
2. Surface Value
The whole kitchen will get a lift if you fit the island with a new marble or granite top. It's far less expensive than refurbishing all the countertops, but adds a very high-end element to the kitchen.
3. Less Is More
Tiling an entire wall or backsplash can be a dollar-draining proposition. Instead, create a fancy medallion with clearance tiles that will pop on the existing wall color.
4. Soft Touch
Cover kitchen windows with basic cafe curtains instead of pricier blinds or layered treatments. A flounce or a valance up top and a half-curtain hung at the middle of the window frame is just enough for a kitchen.
5. Lighten Up
Adding new fixtures above an island or counter not only adds style, it improves lighting over key prep areas. Don't be afraid to mix and match; just keep pieces unified with one consistent element, like a color or finish.
6. Quick Contemporary
Fake a modern makeover in three steps: Strip down old window treatments and leave windows bare, paint walls and woodwork a fresh trendy hue, and ditch stained wood barstools for plastic or metal seating.
7. Splash of Color
Try a focal wall painted in an unexpected hue to add a modern touch for under $20-you'll only need a quart of paint! No-cost idea: Ask friends or neighbors if you can dip into their stashes of leftovers from their recent projects.
8. Bits & Pieces
Add color and texture with high-impact accessories. A new table runner, fruit bowl or set of countertop storage canisters can be an instant, low-commitment update.
For the Bathroom:
9. Fresh Look
A classic footed tub gets new life when professionally refinished and fitted with new fixtures, and it's cheaper than replacing it altogether.
10. Whole New Hue
Sand and refinish or paint bath cabinets for an upgrade in less than a weekend. Consider asking the folks at the home center if they have any gallons or quarts of paint that other customers did not want-you may find the perfect color!
11. Hang Tough
Removable adhesive hooks have come a long way, with new finishes (such as brushed aluminum) and higher weight limits. So tack a row of these very inexpensive bath helpers on a wall or door and hang the thickest towels without fear.
12. Say "Aah"
Replace dated fabric window treatments and use glass brick or frosted glass to cover a small window where privacy is needed. With a few matching accessories near the sink, the look will go from blah to spa.
13. Loosen Up
Small baths look more spacious when a petite pedestal sink replaces a bulky cabinet-style version. To make up for lost storage, tuck a tall, slender basket under the new wash-up area. Another idea: Remove the doors from a cabinet sink, patch holes from the hinges, sand the remaining surfaces and apply a fresh coat of paint. Then use baskets or other storage containers in appealing colors and textures to hold rolled towels and other bath-time necessities.
14. Smart Switch
For less than $25, you can replace and coordinate bath drawer knobs, door handles and switchplate covers for a small upgrade that makes a big difference.
15. Fluff Up
Brighten a tired bath with a new set of towels, bath mat and coordinating shower curtain. Still need to trim the budget? Replace the hand towels or washcloths only, and add the more expensive bath sheets down the road. Shopping tip: Check the child and teen decor sections of your favorite stores for bright colors and patterns that wake up a sleepy bath.
16. Color Underfoot
A new tile floor can require hefty material and labor costs, so consider painting a wood one instead. A chalk line, a straightedge and painter's tape are all you need. Be sure to choose paint made for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas.
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