Easy Kitchen Upgrades

Whether you plan to move soon or you’d prefer to stay in your current home for a while, if you’re considering a change-up in your kitchen but can’t (or simply don’t want to) spend a fortune, tackling a slight kitchen update on a small budget could be a worthwhile choice to consider, especially if you’re not afraid of a little DIY. 

A mini-makeover that doesn’t max out the pocketbook? Consider us sold!

Here are 7 do-able ways to upgrade your kitchen without blowing your budget. Each of these ideas can be accomplished for well under $1,000.

  1. Change out the countertops. 
    • Maybe a quartz or granite do-over isn’t in the cards right now, but a few options are still available to keep it budget-friendly and completely change the look. Try adding a new laminate surface — which could potentially buy you some time to see how a new surface or different color feels in the light and layout of your room, before you invest in a stone surface. Another option, although rather time-consuming, is to give dark granite stone an epoxy resurface paint. Instructions for that process abound online, or give this technique a try.
  2. Repurpose a rug. 
    • Use an existing rug from another part of the house to transform the colors and pattern, or go thrift-store shopping for an inexpensive alternative to change up the look of your flooring and create a new vibe in the room — whether you’ve got hardwood floors, tile, or carpet.
  3. Put a “Tuxedo” on your cabinets.
    • One hot trend in kitchen décor right now is a “tuxedo” which means light paint on the top cabinets, paired with a darker paint on the lower cabinets. In other words, for less than $50 in most kitchens, you can freshen the paint on the lower cabinets to completely spruce up the look. 
  4. For Art’s sake.
    • Adding a new piece of artwork can change the overall feel of your kitchen without adding a ton of work. Find a bright or splashy piece of wall art from Etsy or Goodwill, or use a photo company to make a large canvas print from a favorite family pic or special outdoor scenery shots. 
  5. Throw some shade.
    • Affordable window treatments like bamboo shades or a solid-color drapery can enhance both privacy and style in your kitchen. You could also add a valance. Even if you have no sewing skills whatsoever, a pop of color or seasonal whimsy can brighten your kitchen window(s) and create a brand-new look. Inexpensive valances are available at big box and department stores, online, or at your local home improvement store.
  6. Change your faucet.
    • Maybe it seems rather insignificant, but updating your faucet can have a big impact on the entire kitchen. Smart faucets using motion sensors to turn on the faucet or connect to in-home Smart devices are on-trend, too.
  7. Update the hardware.
    • For a bold new look, consider swapping out your hardware to a fun shape or color (for example, change out a nickel finish to flat matte black) or add a bold accent color on the knobs and pulls. 

If you need to find movers or relocation services in any pocket of Pittsburgh, southwestern Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia or eastern Ohio, we’d love to talk! We offer free estimates — whether you’d like in-person or virtual, depending on your schedule. Just visit our website, or give us a call today at 800-810-2635.