Update Your Kitchen - Even If You Are On A Budget

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house, and one that you may want to redecorate first. If you can't afford new appliances, countertops, fixtures, and floors, don't despair! You can update your kitchen even if you are on a modest budget.

First, give some thought to how your kitchen is used. Do you entertain a lot? Do you need more storage? What is it about your kitchen that you don't like, or that you're uncomfortable with? Do your children use the kitchen to do their homework, or school projects? What color is your kitchen - are you happy with the color? What kind of shape are your cabinets in? Do you need more organization and storage?

Even if you have a living room, great room, and/or a family room, we often find everyone congregating in the kitchen. It tends to e the most important room in the home. The kitchen is the place where food is prepared and shared, an important gathering place for activities and chats, and often the most warm and cozy room in the house.

I once had an apartment in New York City with a very small kitchen - we're talking very, very small. Whenever I had guests over I noticed that everyone would gravitate to the kitchen! There was hardly enough room to turn around - imagine, I was trying to cook or prepare drinks and there would be 6 or more people trying to crowd in! We couldn't move. Something had to give.

After giving it a lot of thought, I had part of the wall between the kitchen and the dining area cut out to create a pass-through. We added a granite counter/ledge to create a bar-like area. After making this simple change, I could banish everyone from the kitchen without anyone feeling "left out".

Here are some other ideas for mixing the old with the new, making the most of limited space, and creating your dream kitchen even if you are on a budget:

1. If your cabinets are in good repair, paint them instead of replacing them. Even old laminate cabinets can be painted. Ask at the hardware or paint store for a good primer that sticks well to laminate surfaces. If your cabinets must be replaced, save money by ordering them unfinished and paint them yourself.
2. Cover imperfections in the floors with a rug. Take a look at Natural Area Rugs you can buy sturdy area rugs direct from the manufacturers and save up to 80%! These type of natural rugs are a good choice for the kitchen, and cost effective. Bamboo or seagrass rugs add warmth, and can be an economical upgrade from a worn vinyl floor.
   
3. If your kitchen has a nice private view, leave the window curtainless to open up the room. When you let in more light, you'll make the space feel less cluttered. Alternatively, use blinds that can be opened completely during the day, and then closed at night when you want more privacy.
   
4. Paint the walls a bright new color. Add some fabric accents in contrasting colors to create a completely new look. Think placemats, napkins, tablecloths, seat cushions, etc.
   
5. Update your lighting, if possible. The more light you bring in, the more cheerful, and welcoming your kitchen will be. You can find great light fixtures online. I like Bellacor.com; they have the largest online source for lighting and home furnishings. Their prices are great, and they offer free shipping. Not to be missed.
   
6. The kitchen is a great space in which to display your collectibles. Do you have a collection of colorful mixing bowls, or glassware? Display them on open shelves to add interest and color. Vintage kitchen linens, old bottles or china make beautiful displays on shelves, or hanging on the walls. Check out the flea markets, and discount stores like TJMaxx or Tuesday Morning for bargains. Alternatively, you can use artwork on the walls to update your kitchen. Did you ever think about framing some of your children's artwork? You can also find nice framed prints at ArtprintCollection.com , or BestArt.com at great prices.