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13 Super Cheap Ways to Redo Your Kitchen for Under $2K

Spruce up your kitchen space without emptying your wallet.

retired woman relaxing in open kitchen
Updated Nov. 14, 2024
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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

bnenin/Adobe Woman buying washing machine at store

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

aetb/Adobe focused Woman Painting 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

kerkezz/Adobe Couple reviewing color swatches for kitchen renovation

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.

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Try it

Keep the current layout

Andy Dean/Adobe Hands Framing Gradated Custom Kitchen Design

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

FollowTheFlow/Adobe dinning room interior with glass table

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.

Buy an island

bmak/Adobe modern white kitchen with dark accents

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

bmak/Adobe open luxurious kitchen

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

ImageFlow/Adobe kitchen interior with pink blue accents

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

slavun/Adobe kitchen with open terrace and pool

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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Add storage

mitev/Adobe open kitchen cabinet with cans

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

ImageFlow/Adobe Modern beige kitchen with open shelf

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

Nomad_Soul/Adobe male plumber with female customer

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

JackF/Adobe vintage furniture for sale at shop

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

Rawpixel.com/Adobe happy senior couple cooking in kitchen

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

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details


Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.