How to Remodel a Kitchen on a Budget

Are you looking to remodel a kitchen on a budget? This is your guide to remodeling your kitchen on a budget!

I am so excited to finally share my entire kitchen remodel which I was able to do a somewhat of a budget and without a complete demolition!

Over the summer, after living in my condo for about 2.5 years I finally was able to move forward with a mini remodel/facelift on my kitchen!

When I moved into my place the entire kitchen looked like it had been remodeled in the early 2000s: there was a granite countertop – you know the kind that is grainy and like a purple, red and brown color…ugh and all the hardware and fixtures were silver (soooooo not in anymore) and the sink was really small with a very limiting faucet. (See before images below)

All the appliances were white – which I think was a big style choice in the mid 90ss and I mainly say this because I have been binge watching Melrose Place and Heather Locklear’s apartment, which was the most chic of them all: had all white appliances. Ha!

In any case, I was ready for a refresh: light and bright quartz counters, a farmhouse sink, gold fixtures, stainless steel appliances, new lighting and a light paint color for my cabinet. (All links below.)

Since I wasn’t in a position to completely demo my kitchen I needed to remodel a kitchen on budget!

I had to work within the confines of how the original kitchen was built. However: I knew I could spruce up the space with these 5 Tips for a kitchen facelift!

I am so happy with the way it turned out – use this guide to remodel a kitchen on a budget!

What countertops to get to remodel a kitchen on a budget?

This was probably the biggest and most needed investment — the old granite countertops had to go! They were downright ugly. They weren’t even stylish for the 2000s. (I am guessing the previous owner went for the cheapest item at the granite store.)

You can still get a more budget friendly countertop – but it will be one of the pricier investments.

Quartz is the most popular countertop application right now (and it’s more expensive than marble) because or it’s durability.

It doesn’t stain and can go up against spills. For a kitchen this is an absolute necessity. If you think you arn’t going to spill in your kitchen – even if you’re Carrie Bradshaw and never cook: you will spill. I spill just walking into my kitchen it seems!

I chose a light quartz that resembled a marble pattern called “Borghini” — it has faint grey lines and areas.

If you’re in the Bay Area – Granite Expo in Emeryville is a good economical choice. It’s pretty “cheap and cheerful” – you do a lot of the legwork yourself but once you decide and pick a day and time: they will install in one day!

I also chose to finish my bar and island with a waterfall finish: which creates a really seamless effect and ups the luxury look.

For the backsplash: I decided to have the entire wall covered with quartz instead of the standard 4″ high. I felt this really tied the entire kitchen together.

Remodel a kitchen on a budget: paint the cabinets:

A great way to save money and give your kitchen a nice new look is by painting them – no need for new cabinets.

My cabinets were just the wood finish and I knew I wanted a light grey that would compliment the new white and grey countertops.

The color I chose sometimes looks almost silver and blue which initially I wasn’t sure matched but once everything came into place the color was perfect.

The color was “Halation” by Behr.

My suggestion is: if you are not splurging for new cabinets paint them with a light paint especially to create a brighter and open look. I also looked into doing a darker color on the bottom cabinets and light on the top (which is a stylish way to paint cabinets right now) but it didn’t work for my overall aesthetic.

Update knobs with gold hardware to update your kitchen:

This is something that will instantly make any area look updated.

Even if you can’t get new countertops or cabinets: updating the hardware will do the trick. I wanted gold round knobs and easily found those on Amazon — knobs range from inexpensive to pricy so there is a lot to choose from that can fit your budget.

Update the sink and faucet without getting a new sink:

Updating my sink was a necessity — the old one wasn’t really functional for someone who uses the sink everyday.

The faucet also didn’t have a detachable top so you can move it around — it was completely stationary. I love the look of a farmhouse sink — and was set on having one.

It makes for such an updated and gorgeous look. It’s my favorite part of my kitchen!

Appliances and lights for a kitchen remodel on a budget:

These are optional especially if you are on a budget. I needed a new microwave and I wanted it to be stainless steel to match my refrigerator and stove – so that was a must.

However, the stove I left and also the dishwasher as both still function well and I figured I would save some money. Those can always be updated later.

The lights in the kitchen were old and terrible so I installed a gorgeous mid modern fixture from West Elm: simple and classic.