AMBER ULMER VIA ABEAUTIFULMESS.COM
The average kitchen remodel costs a staggering $21,751 — and high-end ones average nearly $50,909. No bones about it: That’s a whole lotta cash.
But you don’t need to shell out big bucks to make a big impact in an outdated kitchen. Whether you’ve lived in your house for years or you just got the keys, here are some cheap and easy ways to update any kitchen:
Bring in pattern.
A vintage-inspired rug or lush floral wallpaper adds tons of personality to even the smallest of kitchens. If you want try both at the same time, just look for patterns that have a linking color between them.
Brian Woodcock
Hang floating shelves.
We could all use more storage, right? Take a cue from McGee & Co. and position some rustic ledges over the sink to stack dishes, glasses, and even some leaned artwork.
CALLIE HOBBS
Add color with stools.
Metal stools like these are notoriously inexpensive, and often sold in sets. For extra cuteness in an all-white kitchen, try creating a rainbow effect with a different color on every stool.
Gridley + Graves Photographers
Use plates as wall decor.
Simply stick them to the wall with removable strips, or hang them with plate hangers. Look into your china hutch for a treasured heirloom, or scoop up a few colorful and cheap ones from a yard sale.
Lara Robby/Studio D
Think of them as the jewelry for your kitchen — the right ones can tie the whole room together or stand out to make a statement.
Francesco Lagnese
Go monochrome.
Nothing changes a room like a paint job. With teal covering walls and cabinets, there’s no need to pile on more hues — the unique shade alone keeps it interesting.
Miki Duisterhof
Bring in an inexpensive dining table.
Designer Jenn Feldman plopped down an IKEA dining table next to a kitchen island (yes, they can touch!) to make dinnertime easier for a family with children.
AMY BARTLAM
Show off your goods.
Try removing a cabinet’s front and arrange glassware and colorful bowls to create an eye-catching focal point. Bonus: add little hooks beneath a shelf to hold teacups!
Laura Resen
Set up snack drawers.
Stow prepackaged healthy foods in low drawers and baskets kids can reach when they need an after-school snack.
Aaron Colussi
Enhance your appliances.
Did you know you can recolor your appliances with vinyl? We didn’t either until A Beautiful Mess shared with us how they covered their basic stainless steel stove with the prettiest shade of mint. Genius!
Amber Ulmer via abeautifulmess.com
