Your kitchen may be ready for a refresh, but you don’t have to bust your budget to give your space a makeover.
There are some great options you can try that make a big difference for a small price. If your budget is less than $2,000, try some of these smart money moves to change up your space.
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Buy appliances during a holiday sale
Changing up your appliances can make a noticeable difference if you’re trying to modernize your kitchen, but they can also be expensive.
Try buying appliances during holiday sales when you can find discounts on the pieces you may need, or pick up a home-appliance package for a lower price than if you bought each one individually.
Refinish kitchen cabinets
Custom-made cabinets can be a budget buster and sometimes a refresh is all you need.
Check how much it would cost to have your cabinets painted instead, or find out if you can get custom cabinet doors while still keeping the frames in place.
Do the work yourself
There are some things you should probably hire a contract to help you with to get the kitchen you want, but you may want to take on other tasks yourself.
For example, consider picking up a paintbrush to paint your walls or cabinets yourself, or think about replacing hardware on cabinets on your own to cut down on costs.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
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Keep the current layout
Your kitchen may have a good start to it when it comes to the layout and flow of the space. Use that as a starting point to refresh your space.
Plumbing, electrical, and other systems that are already in place when you build around them can help you cut down on costs.
Find unique design elements
One reason you might want to toss your current kitchen is because it just looks bland.
Think outside the box and find some vibrant, new options like wallpaper or a bright wall color that can make a statement without busting your wallet.
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Buy an island
Kitchen islands are a great addition to any kitchen when it comes to adding extra storage space or creating more prep space for meals.
You can get a small island that might fit along a wall or a bigger one to take advantage of additional interior space in your kitchen that isn’t being utilized to its fullest.
Rethink your counters
Countertops can be expensive if you need to replace them, but you do have several options.
Look into different counter options that can make your counters stand out without spending much, and consider affordable alternatives to granite countertops that still look sleek.
Add decor
You can add accent pieces, art, and other decor to spruce up your space and give it some eye-catching accents.
Expand your decor ideas beyond a living room or dining room to find ways you can incorporate the design esthetics there into your kitchen as well.
Upgrade your light fixtures
Light fixtures can be a good way to brighten up your space and add some extra design elements.
You can bring in modern lights over a counter space or add extra lighting over workspaces like the sink or stove.
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With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
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Add storage
One issue you might have with your kitchen is all the clutter on your countertops.
Instead of spending money on things you can see, spend it on storage so you can hide that clutter or get more space for big food items and small appliances.
Add a backsplash
A backsplash can protect your walls from damage while also adding a unique design element to your space.
You can try different styles, shapes, and colors to match your space and give it an extra wow factor without hurting your wallet.
Get a contractor when you need one
It’s OK to set aside some money in your budget for a contractor if they can save you cash in the long run.
Cover talents you don’t have like hanging cabinets or installing appliances. It’s better to pay a little bit for an expert to do it now than pay a lot for an expert to fix your novice mistakes later.
Buy your furniture used
Furniture like bar stools for a countertop or a kitchen table and chairs can get pricey, but you can find great deals online or in person on second-hand furniture.
Check around for furniture on online retail sites and garage sales. Try to see the potential in pieces, especially older ones that could be spectacular in your space with a new coat of paint or wood stain.
Bottom line
A kitchen remodel can be a daunting task, but you can find ways to save money and make it work.
Find ways to save extra money like signing up for a loyalty program at your nearby home improvement store or buying supplies with the best rewards credit cards you have to earn extra points and perks on big-ticket kitchen refresh items.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
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Annual Fee
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Drawbacks
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- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
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