Thinking about remodeling your kitchen but, like, worried about how much it’s gonna cost? Yeah, it’s a lot. Kitchens aren’t cheap—everyone knows that. But also, isn’t it kinda worth it? It’s, like, the place where everything happens. Cooking, chatting, awkwardly standing around during parties.
I can understand!
But here is the good news – it is totally possible to update your kitchen within a small budget.
For example – you can use ready to assemble cabinets to save on installation costs.
As someone who’s done my fair share of budget-friendly kitchen makeovers – I am excited to share some practical ideas with you.
Paint your cabinets
Painting your cabinets? Honestly, it’s probably one of the easiest ways to make your kitchen feel totally new. Like, if the cabinets are still in good shape but just look kinda old or outdated, a little paint can seriously do wonders. It’s simple, not crazy expensive, and makes such a difference.
Here is a tip –
Choose a neutral color like-
-white,
-gray, or
-navy
To make the space feel modern and fresh. Just make sure to prep the surface well for a smooth finish.
For a more budget-friendly approach – you could even do this yourself. I recently painted my kitchen cabinets – and it was surprisingly easy! With some sandpaper, primer, and the right paint – my kitchen looked like it had a complete overhaul for under $100.
Install ready to assemble cabinets
Another thing you can do is use – ready to assemble cabinets. These cabinets come in a flat-pack form – and you assemble them yourself. And guess what? RTA cabinets cost a fraction of what custom or pre-assembled cabinets might – but they still look great.
In my own kitchen, I actually went with RTA cabinets—and let me tell you, they saved me a ton. The best part? Ready-to-assemble cabinets come in all kinds of styles, colors, finishes, you name it. You can really find something that fits your look without spending a fortune.
Also, assembling them yourself gives you more flexibility with the layout and design. It allows you to really personalize your space. If you’re looking to save money without sacrificing style – RTA cabinets are a perfect choice.
Upgrade your backsplash
Sometimes, just changing up a wall can totally boost your kitchen’s look. And honestly, you don’t need to blow your budget on fancy tiles. Those peel-and-stick wall tiles? They’re a great option too, super easy, and they look pretty good without costing a ton. These cost less than regular tiles and are easier to put down. That was easy! I used peel-and-stick subway tiles to make my kitchen look new and clean.
Change the lighting
In order to create the ideal ambiance in your kitchen, lighting is crucial. If your kitchen feels dark and outdated. Then, you must swap out old light fixtures for something modern that can completely change the vibe. Look for affordable pendant lights or under-cabinet lighting. These small changes can make a big impact. I swapped out my old ceiling fixture for a set of trendy pendant lights – and it brightened up the whole space.
Add open shelving
Open shelving? It’s super trendy right now and, honestly, pretty easy on the budget too. Plus, it’s a great way to show off if you have beautiful-
-plates,
-bowls, or
-vintage mugs
Consider using open shelves to showcase them. Not only does this look great – but it also saves you money on cabinet doors and hardware. I installed a few floating shelves in my kitchen. And guess what? They made the space feel bigger and more open.
Redo your countertops
Kitchen countertops—people notice those right away, don’t they? If yours are looking a little tired, you don’t necessarily need to replace them completely. There are countertop restoration kits you can use that are way cheaper than a full remodel.
I actually tried one of those granite kits myself. Took me a bit longer than I thought it would, but honestly, it turned out really nice. And way less expensive than putting in a whole new countertop. You could also go for something like plywood or butcher block if granite or marble isn’t in the budget. Just depends on the look you’re after.
Reface your cabinets
If you are not into painting your cabinets, consider cabinet refacing. This entails changing just the doors and drawer fronts while leaving the cabinet boxes intact. You can find refacing kits at home improvement stores.
And many of them allow you to update the style of your cabinets without spending a fortune. I know a friend who did this – and her kitchen looks like it was completely redone – yet she spent way less than replacing the cabinets altogether.
Install a new faucet
A minor alteration, such as a new faucet, could have a significant impact. A high-end model does not have to be very expensive. There are lots of inexpensive ones that get the perfect modern look. Additionally, replacing an old faucet is a fast and simple task. I replaced mine with a pull-down model. And it instantly made the space look better.
Update your hardware
Replacing old cabinet knobs and drawer pulls with newer models is an easy and affordable fix. Choose hardware that complements the design of your kitchen, such as-
-matte black,
-stainless steel, or
-antique brass.
I swapped my pulls for a modern design – and it made the cabinets feel new – without the expense of replacing them all.
Declutter and organize
Honestly, one of the best ways to freshen up your kitchen? Just declutter and rearrange. It doesn’t even have to be anything big—just go through your cupboards and drawers, move things around, and ditch stuff you never use. Makes a surprising difference, and you’ll have way more space to work with. To keep things tidy and accessible, spend some money on inexpensive organizing supplies like-
-pull-out shelves,
-drawer dividers, or
-transparent bins.
Why choose ready to assemble cabinets?
When you are on a limited budget – RTA cabinets are an excellent way to update your kitchen. These cabinets provide an economical way to get the high-quality appearance of bespoke cabinetry without the exorbitant price tag.
What I like about RTA cabinets is that you can customize the-
-style,
-finish, and
-size
To ensure that they fit precisely in your kitchen. Furthermore, they are simple to build, allowing you to save even more by eliminating installation expenditures.