With so much design inspiration available both online and offline these days and so many cool trends to choose from, no one can blame you for dreaming of a brand-new designer kitchen like the ones you see featured in glossy interior design magazines or eye-catching Instagram posts.
But what can you do when your budget doesn’t support your vision? Kitchen remodels are notoriously expensive, not to mention time-consuming, so it’s not always practical or possible to invest a ton of money into such a large-scale project so you can achieve the deluxe look you’re after.
But the good news is you don’t have to. Cheap kitchens can look just as luxurious and elegant as the high-end kitchens that have everyone green with envy if you only use your creativity and know where to focus your efforts.
You can work with what you already have, or if you’re determined to give your kitchen a makeover, you can create an expensive-looking space without breaking the bank. And if you don’t believe this is possible, check out these tips and do the math yourself.
Home hardware products encompass a wide range of items used in residential settings. These include tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches, as well as fasteners such as nails and screws. Additionally, home hardware products can include door handles, knobs, hinges, locks, electrical fixtures, plumbing supplies, and gardening tools.
Go for a colour scheme that exudes elegance and sophistication
It’s no secret that a fresh coat of paint is the easiest and most affordable way to breathe new life into a room and completely transform its look and feel. But you may not know how to use this trick to your advantage. In the world of design, colours carry meaning and have the power to convey emotions and set moods. If you want to create a space that oozes elegance and opulence, you can’t just choose any random hue and call it a day, or you may end up achieving the exact opposite effect and make your kitchen look like an outdated old den.
So, what are the tones and hues that can bring a touch of luxury and elegance into your kitchen? Options range from lighter colours, like timeless whites or creams, to bolder ones like regal blue, rich burgundy or deep purple. Obviously, you need to consider the size of your room and compatibility with other design elements to ensure an optimum result.
Change the hardware
Luxury is all about attention to detail and meticulosity because it’s often the small touches that lend a space character and create an air of sophistication. So, if you want to achieve a glam look for your kitchen without making a huge investment, you might want to focus on specific design elements that, although small, have the ability to elevate your interior style.
There are certain aspects that people often don’t pay much attention to when designing their kitchens because they don’t realize just how impactful they are and hardware is at the top of the list. Replacing old cabinet and drawer handles is a simple and budget-friendly update that will instantly refine your kitchen’s appearance. And another great thing about changing your current hardware is the countless options you can choose from.
Replace only what’s needed
When kitchens start losing their appeal, people often start thinking about replacing their entire furniture when in fact most pieces are still in good condition except for the fact that they look a bit dull and dated. If that’s the case for you, there’s no reason to throw your money at a brand-new kitchen ensemble when you could in fact only replace bits and parts, as necessary.
The same thing goes for appliances and other kitchen fixtures. If an item is beyond repair or is nearing the end of its life cycle, it makes perfect sense to purchase a replacement. But you can also refurbish certain pieces or update their appearance, as mentioned in the previous sections, and give them a sleek and elegant look. That will save you a lot of trouble and money, and make your kitchen look brand-new.
Show your countertops some love
As the most intensively used surfaces in the kitchen and also the ones that occupy the most real estate, countertops play a key role in designing a luxurious space. Unfortunately, replacing your worktops will cost a lot more than a few dimes if you want something that checks the boxes for quality, functionality and style.
Luckily, you can make your existing countertops look like a million bucks for way less by covering them with vinyl sheets. Vinyl may not have enjoyed the best reputation in the past, but the newer generation of vinyl looks and performs infinitely better than the materials that were once used for cheap home makeovers.
Get smart about organising your space
No matter how glamorous your kitchen looks, no one will get to enjoy its beauty if it’s hidden behind piles of tableware, utensils, appliances, and other items that clutter every nook of the room. Achieving a luxurious look is not just about choosing the right furnishings and fixtures, but also about how you use and organise the space.
That’s why we highly recommend using smart storage solutions that will help you deal with the clutter. That way, you’ll be able to make the most of your space and maintain your kitchen perfectly clean and organised at all times.
Include some art pieces in the mix
Many people aim to create a clean and classic kitchen design and end up with a sterile-looking space. But there’s a very quick fix for this unfortunate mistake: art. Kitchens may serve a practical purpose first and foremost, but that doesn’t mean you should limit yourself to purely functional pieces.
As the hub of the home, kitchens provide the opportunity to showcase your personal style and personality and what better way to do that than by putting some art on display? You can use pieces that you already have in your collection or hunt for some amazing art at thrift stores.
No matter how tight your budget is, you can still bring a sense of luxury and sophistication into your kitchen if you make a bit of an effort. So, feel free to give these tips a try and enjoy the process.