Kitchen Remodel: Updates on a Budget

Came across a great post for people considering remodeling their homes on a budget. While we recently discussed the importance of trim and fixtures, the greatest kitchens are supported by great accents. The following includes insightful tips for adding accents to a recently completed kitchen upgrade.

Now that you’ve updated the kitchen’s fixtures and finishes, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Most people spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so make it special! Use the remainder of your $3,000 budget to purchase kitchen accessories that will bring personality into the hub of your home.

• Serve up some art. Decorate your kitchen with dishes that play up your new color scheme. Purchase some plate hangers and create an interesting grouping on the wall. Or feature a unique decorative plate on a plate stand in the corner of your countertop or behind a glass-front cabinet.
• Bring in the outdoors. Brighten the kitchen with indoor plantings placed in brightly-colored pots; a sunny window is the perfect spot for an herb garden. Or arrange a bouquet of flowers cut from the garden or purchased in the floral department at the grocery store.
• Fill the fruit bowl. What could be better than decor you can eat? Use one variety of fruit for a stronger punch of color. Limes, lemons, oranges and green apples have natural deodorizing properties too.
• Fill the canisters. Other food items can be layered in clear canisters for an interesting and inexpensive display. Think coffee beans, dried beans and legumes, pasta, or candies.
• Dress the windows. Designer fabrics can be expensive, but window valances don’t require much yardage, and they’re simple to make. Buy a simple rod with matching rings to clip onto the fabric; then all you’ll need to do is hem the bottom and two sides and hang. If you don’t sew, use iron-on hem tape to finish the edges.
• Dress the table. Kitchen linens are another way to add some pattern and color to your space. Pick out some fashionable placements and napkins to perk up your table setting or kitchen island. Don’t forget to buy new dish rags, towels and potholders to go with the new color scheme.

Complete Steps