4 inexpensive yet statement-making kitchen fixes

A few months ago I put my foot down and decided that it was time—time for me to have my dream kitchen. As a work from home/stay at home mom, I spend quite a bit of time cooking, working, tutoring my kids from my kitchen, so I figured it was about time to give my dingy walls and lackluster floor a facelift.

Image credit: www.stambuilders.com 

Now I envisioned my dream kitchen with all sleek, stainless steel appliances, a cork backsplash and a heated matching floor, and new cabinetry all around! However, my budget told a different story. If I wanted my dream kitchen, I was going to have to stay in budget.

So I decided to have my cake and eat it too (a little kitchen humor) by making a compromise that would make me and my bank account happy. I planned to make minor rather than extravagant kitchen renovations that would breathe new life into my kitchen without the price tag of a complete remodel. Instead, I focused on the important stuff—such as new wall color, upgraded cabinets, swapping out old appliances with the energy efficient variety (which actually saves me money over the long-term).

Here are my four quick and inexpensive DIY kitchen fixes from this frugal mom to you.

1. Update your cabinets on a dime

Now I knew full well that remodeling my kitchen with all new cabinets would be an expense that I just couldn’t justify. So instead of spending my kids’ college funds on all new kitchen cabinets to the tune of 10 to 20-thousand dollars, I decided just to get new kitchen cabinet doors. Think about it this way; the doors are what folks see first. Plus, this way I can save and get the rest of the cabinets done when I can afford it. This quick and inexpensive and quick update gave my whole kitchen a new, cleaner look instantly.

2. Give your kitchen a fresh canvas

The walls of any room really set the background for the feeling of the room. My lackluster yellow kitchen walls said “tired and boring”. However, paint it rather inexpensive, so what I decided to refresh the room with a new coat of paint, I was pleasantly surprised by the result. Not only was paining extremely inexpensive—it gave my kitchen new life. A few cans of semi-gloss paint were really inexpensive, and now I can wash the walls and keep it clean of future stains and cooking splats.

3. Swap old for energy efficient appliances

A worthwhile refresh to your kitchen can be easily had by updating the appliances. Not only will this save you money over the long term if you swap that old energy-sucking oven, fridge, an updated water purification system, or dishwasher with energy efficient models—you will notice the savings on your utility bills very quickly.

4. Take flooring from outdated to outstanding

Replacing your outdated kitchen floors will make a statement quite inexpensively if you are willing to compromise slightly. For instance, instead of that $2 per square foot ceramic tile that I had in mind; I choose a lovely linoleum tile that resembled ceramic tile (so much so my guests cannot tell the difference). If you have hard wood, you also have the option of re-sanding and re-finishing in a fresh, new stain.

About The Author: Tina Jacobs is a registered nurse and DIY home improvement maven who has written and blogger for DIY Mother as well as numerous print and online publications ranging in topics from education to health and from home renovations to interior decorating.