Evaluate Your Needs & Prioritize

Before diving into any type of house project, you should always take some time to evaluate your needs and prioritize. Figure out which aspects of your kitchen require attention—it could be outdated cabinets, worn-out countertops, or a lack of storage space. Understanding your priorities can help you allocate your budget wisely and make sure you focus on the areas that will make the most impact on your daily function in the space.

Full Remodel on a Budget

DIY Painting

Paint might seem like all too simple of an upgrade, but it can make a world of difference in a space. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and the cabinets can be one of the most budget-friendly ways to give your kitchen a fresh look. Choose light, neutral colors to create a spacious and inviting atmosphere. Do your research on tips and tricks when painting cabinetry as it can be a little bit of a chore but can easily be done on a weekend if you’re focused. This weekend project can transform your kitchen almost instantly.

Affordable Countertops

Just because your countertops might be worn our and dated, doesn’t mean you need to splurge on an expensive replacement like granite or quartz. Consider more affordable options like laminate or butcher block. These options can provide a stylish, fresh look without the hefty price tag. This allows you to use your budget on other essential upgrades instead of spending most of it on your countertop.

Update Lighting Fixtures

A simple swap of outdated lighting fixtures for new, modern, energy-efficient ones is another way to enhance your kitchen aesthetic quickly. Typically, lighting fixtures aren’t too expensive either and can make a huge difference in the space. Consider pendant lights over your island, or under-cabinet LED strips can add style, ambiance, and functionality too.

Cabinet Refacing

New Doors and Hardware

If your current cabinets are structurally sound but just visually outdated, you could reface them by simply replacing the doors and hardware. This can give your kitchen a contemporary facelift without the large expense of entirely new cabinetry.

Laminate or Veneer Overhaul

If you’re looking for a new appearance for your cabinets, you can apply a laminate or veneer to the cabinet box surfaces for a sleek and polished look. Not only does this cover up imperfections, but it also provides a new durable, and easy-to-clean surface. This cost-effective option is a way to achieve a high-end look on a budget.

Open Shelving

By simply removing the doors on a few of your cabinets you can embrace the open shelving trend. This would not only save you the cost of replacing those doors but creates a modern and airy feel for your kitchen. Homeowners choose to display stylish dishware or decorative items to further personalize their kitchen as it can be a little harder to add personal decorations in this space.

Smart Storage Solutions

Pull-Out Shelves and Drawers

Incorporating pull-out shelves and drawers can instantly enhance functionality in your kitchen. These types of storage solutions can be installed in existing cabinets to maximize the space you already have while making items more accessible and increasing the overall function of the space.

DIY Organization

You don’t necessarily need new gadgets and large pull-out shelves or drawers to organize your space. DIY organizing solutions can make just as big of an effect on the function of your space. Taking advantage of unused vertical space with hooks utensils or tension rods for pot lids can ensure that there are designated zones for specific items. Clever organization can make a huge difference in any space, but especially in a space that is so heavily used like the kitchen. Taking the time to really think through how the space functions and what you need in what places can make you kitchen feel brand new.

Upgrading your kitchen on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t truly upgrade the style and function of the space. Whether you choose a full remodel or the more budget-friendly cabinet refacing, these tips can help you attain a fresh and inviting space without breaking the bank. A little creativity and strategic planning can go a long way in transforming your kitchen into a place where you love to cook, entertain, or just be. If creativity and strategic planning aren’t your strong suits, Kitchen Solvers is here to help. We specialize in making your kitchen dreams come true—no matter what your budget is. Give us a call today to set up a free in-home consultation to start dreaming today.

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Beyond the function of the space though, it is important to create a beautiful, warm, inviting, and unique space. Ultimately, it should be a place you enjoy being and that you want to show off to your friends and guests. It’s important to think about how you’ll add character and personality to your new space. How will you make it your own and make it feel like your family? Here are just a few ways you can consider adding character to your kitchen:

Wood Elements

All-white kitchens are a staple in kitchen design right now and they don’t seem to be going anywhere. However, choosing all white everything can quickly look sterile and boring. Consider adding some wood elements into the space to add warmth and depth. Gone are the days of having to match all the wood stains and types in a space too. Feel free to mix multiple wood tones in the space. Maybe instead of white cabinetry on the island you opt for a white pine or even a dark walnut. This will become the focal point of the space and add warmth and color to make sure the space doesn’t become too monotone. If you are married to the all-white cabinetry idea, consider painting one of the walls a darker color or adding a fun wood accent wall with shiplap or wooden slats.

Fun Lighting

The main goal of your lighting in the kitchen should be to light your workspaces. This can be done best with can or task lighting above your most used spaces. However, adding additional lighting fixtures that add visual interest and decorative elements to your space can make a huge difference. Add a chandelier above your eat-in kitchen for extra flair. Or consider adding hanging pendants or lanterns above your island to create more of a wow factor. Also, adding underlit cabinets can instantly make the space feel warm, cozy, and charming.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is making a comeback! We have been seeing more and more homes add wallpaper to accent walls or even to entire rooms. Wallpaper is an easy way to add trendy character and life into your cooking space. With so many different options, you can really go any direction you want with it. Choose from brick or stone-inspired wallpapers. Or go bolder with a colorful floral pattern. You can find designs that are big and bold, or even small and dainty. The options are practically limitless so you’re sure to find something that fits your style.

Open Shelving

Another easy way to add character and depth to your space is by adding open shelving in some areas. This breaks up the upper cabinetry and adds visual appeal. Floating shelves are a popular modern look and can be decorated with lots of color by adding fun cups, mugs, plates, bowls, or plants too! This is where you can get really creative and swap out some of those decorative pieces with the seasons. This allows your personality to shine through and your space will feel different with each little change you make.

We hope these ideas got your creative juices flowing and you have a better understanding of how to add character and personality to your space. If you’re just looking to add some flair via a simple DIY, these are some great options. Or if you’re ready to dive into a kitchen remodel we’d be happy to chat with you about your options and how we can help you along the way. Reach out to your local Kitchen Solvers today to get a free in-home consultation scheduled!

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While it may seem like a small issue, your lighting can actually play a big role in the look and feel of your kitchen, which is why you need to give your lights the attention they deserve. Here are some signs that you should update kitchen lighting and some ideas for improving the lighting and overall style of your kitchen.

Your Table Isn’t Lit

In many homes, the kitchen is the place where meals are both prepared and eaten, which means that every inch of the room needs to be lit properly. If the dining area of your kitchen is too dark, then it’s time to start thinking about a lighting upgrade.

While you don’t want your dining area to be so bright that it feels antiseptic, you do want enough illumination so that everyone can see their meal. You should choose a lighting fixture for your dining room table that offers warm lighting that will make meals more enjoyable. If you want this area of your kitchen to be more stylish, you can add a pendant lighting or a chandelier.

Brighten Up Your Sink

Your main goal in choosing kitchen lighting should be making it easier to use this essential space. If you think it’s time to update kitchen lighting in your home, take a walk around the room to see how well-lit the most-used areas are, taking particular care to examine the lighting above your sink.

The area around your sink will probably get the most use in your kitchen, which means it needs to be the brightest area of the room. You can install task lighting directly above your sink to make sure that you can always see when you’re preparing food or doing the dishes.

Boost Style With Accent Lighting

If you’ve been thinking about giving your kitchen a new look, adding new lighting is the easy and affordable solution for achieving your style goals. Simply adding some accent lighting to a few strategic areas of your kitchen can make it look like a completely new room without having to engage in a full renovation.

For instance, you can use a spotlight to highlight the biggest style points of your kitchen, and under-counter or in-cabinet lighting can add a little more warmth to the room. With the right accent lighting, you can transform your kitchen to the most attractive room in your home.

Get Help With Your Lighting

If you notice signs that it’s time to update your kitchen lighting, you can get assistance from Kitchen Solvers to keep your kitchen looking fresh. Our team is your top resource when you want to redesign your kitchen, and we can help you with everything from lighting updates to full remodels.

Be sure to check out Kitchen Lighting Designs – Transform the Feel of Your Kitchen! and Kitchen Lighting Trends to Brighten up Your Kitchen for more information on lighting options for your kitchen.  And be sure to research Kitchen Remodeling Costs: Get a Return on Your investment if you may be considering a remodeling project as part of your overall kitchen lighting design decisions. Stop by a Kitchen Solvers location near you to learn more about our services.

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If you’ve been thinking about renovating your kitchen, then it’s important that you choose the most effective tasks possible. While you’re probably thinking about big changes, such as installing new cabinets or purchasing new appliances, small tweaks can be just as useful, and this includes installing under cabinet lighting.

You might be surprised to learn that adding under cabinet lighting can benefit your kitchen in several ways, meaning you need to learn more about this kitchen feature. Here are a few of the best reasons to install under cabinet lighting in your kitchen that you should consider before your remodeling project.

Save Big Money

Although there are several factors to consider when choosing tasks for your remodeling projects, cost is usually the biggest issue, and in this regard, there is almost no better choice than installing under cabinet lighting.

Depending on the style of under cabinet light you choose, whether it’s strip or light bars, puck lights, tape lights or rope lights, your material costs can be fairly low, which is important when remodeling on a budget. In addition, under cabinet lighting, particularly LED lighting, can help you save money on your energy bill because you will no longer have to turn on all the lights in your kitchen to see into your cabinet. If you want to keep money in your pocket during your kitchen remodel, choose under cabinet lighting.

Ease of Installation

A concern of many people planning a kitchen remodel is the potential to have their everyday lives disrupted. This means that you want to target remodeling tasks that can be completed quickly and easily, which is another big benefit of installing under cabinet lighting.

Unlike other types of lighting you could install, including recessed lighting or pendant lighting, configuring and installing under cabinet lighting takes almost no time at all. Installing under cabinet lighting is so easy, in fact, that you don’t even need to wait for a major remodeling project to add this feature to your home.

Form and Function

The ideal remodeling tasks will be functional and will improve the appearance of your kitchen, and as you might expect, this is another advantage of adding under cabinet lighting to your kitchen.

First, under cabinet lighting can give your kitchen a signature look that both you and your guests will be sure to love. Second, under cabinet lighting can help to brighten your kitchen, reducing shadows and making it much easier to see when you’re preparing meals. Adding under cabinet lighting to your kitchen can make this room much more useful and more attractive, which is exactly what you should look for in your next remodeling project.

Install Under Cabinet Lighting

As you can see, there’s almost no better task you could choose for your next kitchen remodel than installing under cabinet lighting, which can boost the appearance of your kitchen while helping you save money. If you’re ready to install under cabinet lighting in your kitchen, you should get in touch with the experts at Kitchen Solvers.

Kitchen Solvers can handle remodeling projects both large and small, and we can help you quickly install under cabinet lighting and any other tasks that you might want or need. And for more information on additional lighting options, see our article Kitchen Lighting Trends to Brighten up your Kitchen.

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