There’s been a major increase in home renovations since the pandemic sent everyone indoors. With people spending more time than ever inside their residences, all those unfinished and procrastinated projects are finally getting tackled. The kitchen is where most of this action is taking place, seeing as that dining out all the time has become a thing of the past. And with the current economic state of the world DIY is the way to go! So here are several ideas to upgrade your kitchen without breaking the bank!
Recycle as Much as You Can
The best budget-friendly renovations always involve reusing as much of the original materials as possible! Any wood, cabinet doors, handles, or shelving that is salvageable and can be repurposed will save you a ton of money! You can always clean and treat any old materials transforming them into whatever design you like. Old wood can be used to make new shelves or cabinet doors or even countertops! Accent walls made from wood pallets are also very popular these days! Doing your own sanding and priming will save you as well and it’s not like we don’t have the time these days. You may also want to consider having an open cabinet kitchen design to cut costs and open up the space a bit more.
Buy Second-Hand First
Another big money-saving tip is buying used or second-hand appliances. Of course, you should try to repair your goods first before throwing them out. If that’s not an option then try visiting the “scratch and dent” section of your local appliance store. Usually, the items work like new but can’t be sold at the original price due to small marks or cracks. This also applies to finding discounted paints. Oftentimes paints are returned for not being the right color and then sold for less. As long as paint doesn’t freeze it can last a long time so don’t hesitate when you see a deal for good paints! This will save you a lot. Craigslist and Facebook markets are also a great place to find deals on homeware!
DIY Flooring
And how about the floors? Diy plywood flooring is now easier than ever and thanks to youtube you can learn how to do pretty much anything. If your floors are cement you can also paint or stencil them to look like any design you like. Penny floors have also become popular and while it would take the most time to design and layout each penny the final result is truly impressive. Laminate flooring is also a cheaper option but usually doesn’t hold up as well as other materials for a high-traffic place like the kitchen. Maybe it’s better to consider another option. Another money-saving tip is to use the floor molding for the ceiling as well since it is usually cheaper and looks just as good.
Lighting
Then comes the more intimate details like lighting which can be another costly part of the project if buying new. Mason jars have become a huge hit in the DIY lighting world and add an industrial homely touch to any space. Antique plumbing parts for things like faucets and fixtures are also a fun way to add flair for cheap to your newly renovated kitchen.
Opening up the Space
If your kitchen is small, there are a few tricks to help make the space seem bigger and more open. Sleek appliances and anything mirrored will give the illusion of more space than there is. Elevated ceilings are also an easy way to make more space but not always a logical move financially. Windows may be an easier option. Building your appliances into the walls is also another way to save the coveted counter space. Maybe consider building your own spice rack to help the clutter. Remember, consolidation is key so try to keep smaller appliances stored away when you’re not using them.