DIY Kitchen Upgrades: Update Kitchen with 5 Inexpensive Ideas

DIY kitchen upgrades are a lot of fun, and can add value to your home. The kitchen is where so many family activities take place. Professional kitchen upgrades can be very expensive, and are not affordable by many. DIY kitchen upgrades don't have to break your budget. Here are five easy DIY kitchen upgrades to consider.

DIY Kitchen Upgrades #1: Rolling Island

Installing an island in your kitchen may not be possible. Adding a rolling island to your kitchen is a great way to add additional storage space without having to make a change to your kitchen floor plan. This DIY kitchen upgrade can be as simple as buying a pre-fabricated rolling kitchen island. You can also make your own rolling kitchen island using a bathroom vanity, some rolling wheels, and a new tile countertop. The best thing about this DIY kitchen upgrade is that you will gain more workspace in your kitchen without sacrificing valuable floor space.

DIY Kitchen Upgrades #2: Reface Cabinets

Cabinets are very expensive, yet have a tendency to date quickly. If you want an inexpensive DIY kitchen upgrade, it's time to refinish those cabinets. There are many options on how you can refinish kitchen cabinets. You can take your cabinets down, strip them, sand them, and then restain them with another wood finish.

You can also repaint your cabinets a different color. Consider painting your cabinets an off-white color, then using a darker brown color to add distress marks on the cabinets. Another creative kitchen cabinet upgrade is to take them to a glass store and have them cut out the center of your cabinet doors and add glass panes for a fresh, updated look.

No matter what you choose, it will be a less expensive DIY kitchen upgrade to reface cabinets than it would be to buy new ones.

DIY Kitchen Upgrades #3: Upgrade Lighting

Adding a new light fixture is a simple DIY kitchen upgrade. A tired light fixture can really date a kitchen quickly. Brass light fixtures are totally out of style now, so if you have a brass light fixture you really need to consider this DIY kitchen upgrade.

If you have space, a ceiling fan with a light kit is a great option for lighting in your kitchen. It's very simple and inexpensive to add a light fixture to an existing ceiling fan. If a ceiling fan is out of question, a new light fixture will do just fine.

DIY Kitchen Upgrades #4: Paint the Walls

Painting the walls in your kitchen a warm, inviting color is an easy DIY kitchen upgrade that is relatively inexpensive. There are various paint colors that work very well in kitchens. I personally love a rich cream color with yellow undertones. This really brightens a room and is very neutral and will work with just about any decorating theme.

DIY Kitchen Upgrades #5: Update Countertops

Monochromatic countertops are a thing of the 80s. If you have countertops that match your tile floor, chances are your kitchen is in need of some serious DIY kitchen upgrades. You should consider granite, stainless steel, or butcher block countertops for DIY kitchen upgrades. Another easy way to update countertops is to tile them with marble tile. If you can find some tile on sale this option could save hundreds of dollars off the cost of granite or marble countertops, and give you the same contemporary look.

The kitchen is the heart of your home. Keeping your kitchen updated with DIY kitchen upgrades is one way to save money and keep your home looking fabulous.