15 kitchen upgrades for under $100

paint the cabinets

Repainting your entire cabinets is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to transform your kitchen. This is true whether you are simply updating an existing color or choosing a new hue.

“Bright white is definitely appealing, but incorporating color can really enhance the feel of your kitchen,” says interior designer Audrey Scheck. “Look for muted greens, muddy browns, or ivories to contrast with white or off-white walls.”

Upgrade your lighting fixtures

You can replace it with a new pendant light on the island, or replace the chandelier or attached fixtures. This inexpensive project takes less than an hour or two, and you'll be amazed at what a difference it makes to the overall feel and appeal of your kitchen. If you want to save even more money, consider removing your old lights and refreshing them with paint or a new finish before reinstalling them.

Add an assertive task lamp

If you're not into electrical work, change up the lighting in your kitchen by incorporating statement task lamps. This interior design trend is gaining momentum and is an easy way to make your space feel cozy while adding some personality. Save on unique designs or get something new that fits your style.

lay a new rug

Replacing your kitchen floor completely can be expensive, but you can recreate the look of new flooring with just a new rug or two. KozyKasa's interior designer Kristin Marino says this will add warmth and comfort to your kitchen while preventing leg fatigue. “Decorate with colors and patterns depending on the season,” says Marino. “Also, put a quality rug underneath to prevent slipping.”

replace with new hardware

In addition to (or instead of) painting your kitchen cabinets, replace existing hardware with new ones for a modern, updated look. Alternatively, polish or freshly paint the knobs on your existing cabinets.

“Cabinet hardware is similar to most tile and plumbing in that it starts to look outdated after about 20 years,” Scheck says. “Our general rule of thumb is to limit metal to no more than two in any space. For example, if your kitchen plumbing is chrome, use brass or black cabinet hardware to add visual interest to the space. Please try to bring some fun.”

Recycle and upcycle furniture

If you look often and find them quickly, you can find furniture for under $100 and give it a nice makeover. For example, you can repurpose a vintage work table as a kitchen island or turn a simple dresser into a sideboard. Of course, you can always breathe new life into traditional kitchen furniture like hutches and Hoosier cabinets.

designer trash can springs

Every kitchen needs a trash can, but if your kitchen has been feeling a little run down lately, you can level up your space with a simple switch. Cameron Johnson, founder of Nickson Living, says you should choose a modern designer trash can that combines both form and function. “This allows you to hide the trash can in plain sight while adding accent to your kitchen design,” he says.

Create a sophisticated gallery wall

A gallery wall does not need to be left in the living room and can be used in the kitchen as well. Kitchen gallery wall ideas include everything from a collection of framed art (keep it on theme by featuring still life oil paintings of food) to a display of beautiful plates, cutting boards, and baskets. It will be.

hang new window treatments

New window treatments are a super easy way to add a fresh look to your space. “Choose light fabrics like linen to keep the space light and airy,” says Marino. “Be sure to use a liner to prevent fading due to sun exposure.”

organize

A cluttered kitchen doesn't just look bad, it also reduces efficiency. Spend a weekend organizing everything from your countertops to your cupboards to create a space that makes you look forward to working. Get rid of everything you don't use, put away infrequently used appliances, and utilize storage and organization solutions whenever possible.

Decide on the style of your countertop

While your kitchen certainly needs to be functional, it's also important to find ways to add personality and charm to the space.

“Try mixing vertical and horizontal stacks of cookbooks across your kitchen countertop to vary the height,” says Scheck. “I also love layering small pieces of art to add pops of color and fill in negative spaces.”

Place a solid wood cutting board on the stove.

Solid wood cutting boards show off the wood's natural grain and add a beautiful, natural and functional item to your kitchen, says Johnson. Additionally, it can be used as a serving platter, workstation, charcuterie platter, or even a drinks tray. “Put a cutting board above the stove when it's not in use to make the space more functional and upgrade the industrial look,” says Johnson.

refresh the grout

Dirty grout may seem like a small thing, but you'd be surprised how quickly it can make a space feel filthy. Updating the grout is also one of the kitchen upgrades that is virtually free, but can make a huge difference.

Installation of under cabinet lighting

Install LED undercabinet lighting to improve both the efficiency and aesthetics of your kitchen. “It adds a modern touch while providing practical task lighting,” says Marino. “If you see a motion sensor light, select it. This will help illuminate the space during midnight snack raids.”

replace faucet

Once you complete the task, you'll be surprised at how satisfying this easy and affordable kitchen upgrade will be. Simply remove your old faucet (especially if it looks tired, outdated, or just isn't working properly) and replace it with a modern faucet that matches your aesthetic. Turn off the water supply first and carefully follow the instructions for a seamless installation.