Transform Your Kitchen On A Budget

SF Girl

Oh the kitchen, the heartbeat of the home; it's the space where we lean in, mid-conversation, sip our coffee, nibble our toast, and share our dreams. Some of us live in a space that doesn't allow any updates while some of us have the ultimate freedom of remodeling. Either way, with a few weekends dedicated, there are a handful of things we can all do to refresh this cozy space where the cookies burn, and where the dishes pile up. If you’re still up to making a few changes, you can transform your kitchen even on the tiniest budget. 

From Moon to Moon

Evaluate

While renovating your kitchen seems like a dream that will never come true, loving your space can become a possibility. It all begins with a thoughtful evaluation. Clear away the clutter, shove away all of the knick knacks and dishes. that are covering your countertops. Take in the bones of the space. If you're not able to change anything cosmetically you can definitely change what's out in the open. If you can make cosmetic changes, list the ones that you'd like to make. Ultimately you'll want to look for the value and the beauty that your kitchen already has to offer. 

Apartment Therapy

When you can't make cosmetic changes:

1. Remove a cabinet door to create a feature cabinet for your most beautiful coffee cups (store the door under your bed and attach it before you move out)

2. Purchase a plant that looks lovely in your kitchen: hanging plants, a small "by the sink" plant, or a plant to display in the window. 

3. Add a pretty rug

4. Reorganize your cabinets to create a habit of less clutter on the countertops. 

5. Display your favorite kitchen pieces, like the vase your grandmother gave you. Add a fresh bouquet of flowers as often as possible

6. Consider hanging artwork in your kitchen, or leaning a few pieces against the hideous backsplash that you loathe, or put up a feature wall if your kitchen has plentiful wall space.

7. If the lighting is poor consider using a lamp in your kitchen, or twinkle lights. 

8. Keep it clean 

Sannehop

When you can make cosmetic changes:

1. Remove a few cabinets and install shelving instead
2. Update your appliances
3. Update the cabinet hardware (this can transform the kitchen immensely)
4. Change the light fixtures
5. Purchase paint cans from the hardware store and paint your cabinets. (This is actually quite a lot to do on your own, cabinets require sanding, and you'll want to use oil-based paint, and seal it as well. Do your research before jumping in too quickly.)

Bigger projects like backsplash, countertops, and new cabinets require a larger budget. Remember, if you can love your kitchen before spending too much, you'll likely make better decisions regarding the more expensive changes. 

*This is a collaborative post.