7 Money Saving Tips To Get A New Looking Kitchen For Less

by MoneyNing · 3 comments

This is a guest post from Simon Philips, a professional writer and DIY enthusiast who wrote this post to share his money saving tips on kitchen renovations.

If you’re saving money by cutting back on eating out in this recession, chances are good that you’ll find yourself spending more time in your kitchen.  They say the kitchen is the heart of any home, but if yours is less than perfect, there are several simple things you can do to spruce it up without spending much cash.

  1. Clear the clutter and reuse what you already have.  Giving your whole kitchen a spring clean and clearing the clutter from your counter tops and cabinets is a good start.  You’ll be able to see what you’ve got and make better use of your storage space.  Place any items you never use in a box  – you can always have a yard sale and sell them for a few dollars!  Any pretty items you find hidden away at the back of a cupboard, such as plates or jugs, can be cleaned up and put on display.
  2. Paint.  Giving the walls a lick of paint is a cheap and easy way to instantly improve the look and feel of a kitchen.  You could also paint your cabinets.  There are primers and paints made especially for kitchen cabinets, so it’s possible to paint even laminated cabinets.  This is a much cheaper option than buying replacement cabinets or doors.
  3. Replace door hardware.  Changing the handles or knobs on your cabinets can completely alter the style of your kitchen.  For example, chunky wooden knobs can give a relaxed, country look, while shiny chrome handles are great for a more contemporary style.  Handles and knobs cost from only a couple of dollars each, so this is an affordable option.
  4. Give your counter stools a makeover.  Smarten up wooden bar stools by sanding them down and painting or staining.  Recover padded seats with hard wearing fabric or vinyl, or add inexpensive tie-on cushions to solid seats to make them more comfortable and inviting.
  5. Hide appliances.  An easy way to hide an aging washing machine or dishwasher is to make a simple curtain to hang from under the counter top.  Not only can you cover up your appliances, the curtain fabric can add a splash of color and softness to your decor.
  6. Add plants or flowers.  Placing a vase of fresh flowers from the garden on the counter top is a frugal and easy way to add life to your decor.  Growing your own plants on the windowsill can brighten up your kitchen – and if you grow edible things like herbs or chili peppers you can save money too!
  7. Add personal touches.  Although kitchens are functional rooms, you can make yours more welcoming and homely by adding personal touches.  For example, buy some cheap frames and hang some family photos on the wall, or maybe you could frame something special such as your grandmother’s fruitcake recipe or your kids’ paintings.

These inexpensive ideas can help you give your kitchen an update and transform it into a homely, inviting retreat where it’ll be a pleasure to spend time – especially when you think of all the money you’ve saved!

Tagged as: DIY, Frugality

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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

the weakonomist March 12, 2009 at 5:58 pm

I like the idea of sprucing up the kitchen a bit. Mine currently has a number of flowers in them from my parents’ backyard. A great kitchen isn’t what is in it, it’s what you make in it.

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Perfect-Money March 13, 2009 at 5:32 am

Other benefit after the kitchen has better look,is <more time will be use to “cook at home and eat at home.it will make cost to go out to restaurant will be reduce and this reduction will add saving and another benefit domino effect will postively change our chain of spending budget

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Play Games Win Prizes March 13, 2009 at 1:45 pm

My wife works at CVS and I was so bored, I decided to read gardening, scrapbooking books to learn how to save money. You would be amazed at what things people come up with! lol

-Mike

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