13 Smart Kitchen Upgrades That Won’t Break the Bank

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Everyone knows that the kitchen is one of the most important features for buyers when looking for a new home. An updated kitchen can increase the value of your home. We completely remodeled our kitchen, including removing a wall. Such projects can be pretty expensive. However, it’s good to know there are many ways to upgrade your kitchen that cost less. Here are 13 affordable ideas to help you create a beautiful kitchen without spending a fortune.

Backsplash

Kitchen sink, gold faucet and gray and white tile backsplash.
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A new backsplash can completely refresh the appearance of a room. It’s a transformative addition that adds personality to your kitchen. You can also paint your current backsplash with a fresh, eye-catching color. This DIY approach offers a cost-effective alternative while still achieving a stylish upgrade.

Hardware

holding screwdriver and kitchen cabinet pull.
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Kitchen cabinet knobs and pulls are the finishing touches, the jewelry for the kitchen. Changing them out can give a fresh look at a low cost. With so many options, you can easily personalize your kitchen’s style with these small but impactful details.

Lighting

Several styles of pendant lights in catalog style.
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Swap out old fixtures for more stylish and energy-efficient options, such as pendant lights for a trendy focal point and added task lighting. Consider recessed lights for a modern look and under-cabinet lighting for practicality and ambiance. Remember small kitchen counter lamps to add warmth and charm.

Under Cabinet Lighting

A photo showing a countertop and lighting under the cabinet above it.
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Under-cabinet lighting is a subtle yet highly effective way to enhance your kitchen’s appearance and functionality. Installing energy-efficient LED strips beneath your cabinets adds ambiance and improves lighting for your countertop workspaces.

Faucet

White minimalist kitchen and gold faucet.
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Upgrading to a new faucet is a simple yet impactful way to elevate your kitchen’s aesthetics and functionality. You can pick a design you love that complements your kitchen’s cabinets and overall theme.

Countertop Decor

A white and cozy accessorized kitchen.
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Try adding some functional decor to your countertop. You can use cutting boards, olive oil bottles, and decorative canisters to make it look nice and help you find what you need quickly. This will make your kitchen look more organized and welcoming.

Rugs

A person changing the kitchen rugs.
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Adding new rugs to your kitchen is an easy way to make it cozier and more stylish. You can choose colorful or patterned rugs that match your decor or choose neutral ones that fit well. Rugs also protect your floor, feel soft under your feet, and add warmth to your kitchen.

Pull Out Trays

Kitchen cabinet pull out trays.
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You can update your kitchen’s functionality by installing pull-out trays in your cabinets. These ingenious additions provide accessible storage, making organizing and retrieving items in your kitchen easier. Pull-out trays, from pots and pans to pantry goods, help maximize space and keep everything neatly arranged.

Plants and Flowers

A cozy white kitchen decorated with a lot of green plants.
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A great way to enhance the overall vibe of your kitchen is by adding some lively green plants and colorful flowers. Not only will this improve the aesthetics of your space, but it will also make it feel more inviting and fresh.

Paint Cabinets

a hand holing a paint brush, brushing white paint on a dark wood cabinet door.
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Paint the cabinets to give your kitchen a fresh look. A new coat of paint can work wonders, whether you want to brighten up the space with a crisp white or add depth with a bold color choice. Cabinet painting is a lower-cost way to rejuvenate your kitchen and make it feel like an entirely new room.

Organize Pantry

Organized pantry, jars with labels.
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Revamp your kitchen affordably by organizing your pantry. A well-organized pantry is a game changer, giving easier access to ingredients and creating a clutter-free space. Use clear containers, labels, and adjustable shelving to optimize your pantry’s storage potential, making meal preparation and cooking more efficient.

Floating Shelves

A modern kitchen and countertop with floating shelves.
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Where space allows, consider adding floating shelves to your kitchen. Floating shelves are stylish and budget-friendly, creating an open and airy atmosphere. These shelves provide a perfect space to display dishes, glassware, and essentials while personalizing your kitchen.

Wall Art

Kitchen Wall art, the framed art reads, Good morning.
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Personalize your space with artwork or wall decor, such as paintings, prints, or decorative signs, that match your kitchen’s style, whether modern, vintage, or eclectic.

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Author: Natasha Newton (Natasha's Southern Flavor)
Natasha is the founder of Natasha’s Southern Flavor. She has a passion for sharing delicious family friendly low-carb recipes that are easy to make and use readily accessible ingredients. Natasha has published three bestselling cookbooks. Her books and recipes have been featured by CNET, Delish, Mindbodygreen, Parade and Women’s Health. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, two adult children, and three furbabies.
Read more about Natasha here.

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