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20 Affordable Ways To Make Your Kitchen Look More Expensive


20 Affordable Ways To Make Your Kitchen Look More Expensive


One Luxurious Kitchen Coming Up

Who said that kitchen upgrades had to cost an arm and a leg? Forget about shady contractors and don’t even think about touching your savings account—we have a few affordable ways to make your space pretty as a picture. 

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1. Upgrade Your Hardware

They say the devil’s in the details, and the same goes for kitchen upgrades. Those simple touches make all the difference in your home; swapping out old handles for pulls or knobs can give cabinets the refresh they deserve. 

white ceramic mug on white ceramic saucer on white wooden cabinetKam Idris on Unsplash

2. A Cabinet Facelift

Don’t worry—you don’t need to redo the whole kitchen for new cabinets! Sometimes, the best facelift for them is a fresh coat of paint. You’ll need a little elbow grease to sand them down before slapping on the prettiest coat, but it’s a great way to give your kitchen a new life. 

a kitchen with blue cabinets and a black refrigeratorLotus Design N Print on Unsplash

3. New Light Fixtures

Lighting fixtures aren’t as daunting as they seem. They are, however, one of the best ways to breathe new life into dull kitchens. You have dozens of options to choose from, which gives you complete control over how modern or chic you want that space to look. 

white and black kitchen counterLotus Design N Print on Unsplash

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4. Invest in Stools

Islands are just begging for a good stool, so why not indulge them? The best thing about them is that they won’t set you back very much either, providing you with a wide range of options. Stools add layers to your decor and can also be a great display of personality! 

brown kitchen cabinet with kitchen islandFrancesca Tosolini on Unsplash

5. DIY Faucets

Faucet installation isn’t the headache you think it is—it’s a relatively simple DIY project that refreshes the whole room. You can pick a faucet that matches your needs and design, all without spending much time or money. 

yellow banana fruit on white ceramic bowlGareth Hubbard on Unsplash

6. Open Shelving

Open shelving isn’t for everyone, but consider your options before slamming the cabinet door completely. Open shelves free countertops of clutter, look far more modern, and let you display your favorite items. 

Tony SmithTony Smith on Pexels

7. Add a Backsplash

If an authentic backsplash isn’t the cards, you can always opt for the peel-and-stick kind that looks just as good. Whether it’s a modern marble or a patterned tile, backsplashes add a mesmerizing focal point to your kitchen. 

dining set photographyLotus Design N Print on Unsplash

8. Contrasting Colors

Out with the uniformity, in with the chic contrast! While neutral tones are nice, they’re not the only option—painting the island a bold color lets your personality shine through without breaking the bank. 

white wooden kitchen cabinet with sink and cabinetLotus Design N Print on Unsplash

9. Lights Over the Island

Does your kitchen feel a little dull? Let there be light with incredible fixtures over your island! They serve as a focal point for the kitchen, can make the ceilings look taller, and give an affordable, artistic flair. 

white wooden table with chairsLotus Design N Print on Unsplash

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10. Marble Accents

From marble countertops to marble backsplashes, this choice never goes out of style. You have a few ways to slip it into your kitchen without going overboard, and small marble accents can provide the luxurious touch you’re after.

Max VakhtbovycnMax Vakhtbovycn on Pexels

11. Toss in Some Plants

Calling all plant parents! Greenery does more for your kitchen than you think; a small island succulent or fresh herbs on the windowsill add pops of personality on a budget. Those amped up aesthetics make your space look lived in and well cared for. 

green leafed plant at daytimeAl Kawasa on Unsplash

12. Create the Illusion of High Ceilings

If island lighting isn’t your thing, you can still create the illusion of high ceilings with the right window treatments. Hang your curtains a little closer to the ceiling to give the effect of high windows. You can also introduce fabric curtains for a timeless look. 

Max VakhtbovycnMax Vakhtbovycn on Pexels

13. Look at Pot Racks

The right pot and pan storage goes a long way—and you have several creative solutions to indulge in. It could be a pot rack over the island. It might be a pot rack wall display. You could even arrange pots and pans over an archway. Get creative with your design and your use of the space!

Ron LachRon Lach on Pexels

14. DIY Shelving

You only need basic handyman skills and a can-do attitude to get this job done, so don’t sell your abilities short. Consider options like floating shelves or DIY shelving over cabinets. Either will open the space without emptying your wallet. 

Andrea DavisAndrea Davis on Pexels

15. Consider Tile Accents

Tile accents are just as effective as marble, and they’re a bolder way to show off that personality. It’s a simple, affordable way to refresh the entire room, so look into options like patterned backsplashes or subway tile for a truly elegant look.

person pressing white wallcharlesdeluvio on Unsplash

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16. Properly Clean the Space

Do you know what really revamps a kitchen? A thorough clean! We’re not just talking about clutter either—we’re talking about the nitty gritty stuff like scrubbing grout, dusting the cabinets, and polishing the sink. A deep clean makes your space worthy of a magazine cover.

Tima MiroshnichenkoTima Miroshnichenko on Pexels

17. Hang Some Artwork

Artwork doesn’t just belong in the bedroom. The right touch can capture people’s attention and tie the whole room together, so invest in standout pieces. Try and ditch the classic fruit bowl portraits, too—this is your chance to bring in some real personality. 

Sirli JungSirli Jung on Pexels

18. Modern Storage

Storage can make or break your kitchen. You won’t have to spend much on glass jars for your pantry or a simple spice rack to freshen up your countertops. Those little touches also add a good, modern pop. 

a shelf filled with lots of different types of spicesHeather McKean on Unsplash

19. Add an Island

We know what you’re thinking: wouldn’t an island cost a fortune? Not necessarily! You don’t need to install traditional islands for the right look; rolling islands give you the space the freedom to completely transform your kitchen. Some even come with additional cabinetry, which also helps with organization.  

kitchen island near gas range beside base cabinetsAndré François McKenzie on Unsplash

20. Add a Centerpiece

Did you know that something as simple as fresh flowers can brighten up a whole kitchen? It’s true, and it’s an affordable way to make your space look more luxurious! You can also invest in a cute vase for a centerpiece that wows top to bottom. 

yellow tulip flowers in white ceramic vaseAmber Turner on Unsplash