How to Makeover Your Kitchen for Under $100

Most professional interior designers will tell you that the kitchen is generally one of the most expensive rooms to redecorate. Homeowners on a shoestring budget oftentimes forget about updating a kitchen because they feel they simply don't have the money. However, there are a multitude of things that can be done to a kitchen for under $100.

Painting is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to change the feel of any room. Even if you choose to keep the kitchen the same color, a fresh coat of paint in the same tint will make a big change. Faux finishes are a great way to dress up a kitchen for less. Faux finishes are achieved through painting processes like sponging or special rollers and oftentimes use more than one color of paint. They may take a little longer to master than regular painting but the results can be spectacular. You may also choose to add a decorative border along the top of the wall or maybe break up the room by placing the border along the middle of the wall instead.

Almost every kitchen has some form of cabinetry and it is usually the first thing that looks outdated. Stripping and re-staining wood cabinets is a nice option or you may want to actually paint them like you would the walls. Before you undergo either task, be sure to remove the knobs and other hardware from the doors and drawer faces. If you decide to keep the existing hardware you don't want it covered in paint or stain or you may opt to replace the hardware. Replacing the hardware can be just what a kitchen needs to really sparkle. Hardware now comes in a variety of materials like ceramic, wood, or glass and there are thousands of designs to choose from. You can go with something novel like a knob with a chicken printed on it or something more classic like a plain brass drawer pull. Either way, it will revitalize your space.

A little wall décor is a cheap way to dress up a room. Many dull kitchens have too much blank wall space that can be used to evoke the mood of the space. If you're artistic, you can cheaply create or paint artwork to hang on your walls. However, most people are artistically challenged and need easier methods. Hanging things on the wall, such as baskets or plates, is a great way to give a kitchen a Tuscan or European feel. Just make sure that you stick with a theme whether it is modern or classical, European or Americana.

Other simple changes can make a big difference within a kitchen. Instead of enduring the cost of replacing an entire kitchen floor, adding an inexpensive area rug can be a great change. Your windows can also change the feel of the room. Replacing curtains with a lighter, more airy style will help use the natural light. As an alternative to mini-blinds that so many homeowners opt for, you may want to consider something different like shutters or a Roman shade. Be sure to watch for sale items at your local home improvement store for great and affordable ideas.