Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Affordable Kitchen Upgrades

Do you find yourself in the situation where you can't quite afford the next step up in housing (yet) but want the look and feel of a more expensive home?  There are several small (and affordable) things you can do to your home to give it a more luxurious, upscale look.  You'll enjoy all the benefits while you live there, and when you are ready to sell, it will look like an amazing home for the price.

Today, we're focusing on the kitchen.  Maybe you can't afford all new appliances, upgraded cabinets and granite counter tops.  But there are still a lot of things you can do to your kitchen to make it look updated, fresh, and top of the line.

Add A Back Splash:  This look instantly updates your home.  You can go the traditional route with tile and grout.  If you're lacking the DIY gene, they even have peel and stick tiles like the one shown here.

Source:  aspectideas.com

Stainless Steel Look-a-Likes:  Can't quite afford kitchen appliance upgrades? Liquid stainless steel paint and stainless steel contact paper can transform your appliances.


Source:  diynetwork.com

Source:  kaboodle.com


Hide the Outlets:  Yes, it's nice to have a lot of electrical outlets in your kitchen, but they really can ruin the look of a beautiful backsplash.  Install under cabinet outlet strips and have as many as your heart desires.

Source:  Youtube.com


Under Cabinet Lighting:  While you're under there, install some great lighting.


Source:  houzz.com
Change Out the Hardware:  Sometimes the only thing tired looking cabinets need is updated hardware to look new and fresh again.

Source:  gustoandgrace.wordpress.com

Upgrade the Counter Top:  Okay, granite is out.  However, laminates have come a long way.  They mimic the look of granite and other solid surfaces and even allow for under mount sinks.  But if you can't quite manage replacing your counters, consider painting them to look like granite or other solid surface counters.

Yes, these are laminate counter tops!  Source:  homedepot.com

 Painted Counter.  Source: homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com

Paint the Floor:  Got an ugly floor?  Almost any surface can be painted.  All you need is a little creativity and a few meals at a restaurant.

Source:  newyorksocialdiary.com


Source:  gopixpic.com


Source:  viewalongtheway.com

Spruce Up Your Cabinets:  Your cabinets may be perfectly functional but just need some sprucing up.  Sometimes a good cleaning and a new coat of poly are all they need to really shine again.  Or maybe you want to change the color with stain or paint.  There are all kinds of resufacing kits on the market that can completely change your look.  And sometimes taking out a bank of cabinets and replacing with shelving or replacing some cabinet fronts with glass will achieve an updated look.  Finally, you can add crown molding, cornices, and trim pieces to give your cabinets and upgraded feel.  There are lots of options out there.  

Source:  nikly.com


Source:  curbly.com



Source: thisoldhouse.com
Source:  younghouselove.com

Source:  Michelle Schwake for Stafford Family Realtors




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