A good change in home atmosphere that can have a significant impact on the aesthetic appeal, overall functionality, and value of your home is a kitchen remodel. But with a typical project of this type costing several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, undertaking it on a limited budget can ultimately be a challenge. With the economic crisis and housing shortage in New York, it’s time to be meticulous with your spending and try to save more. This makes low-cost kitchen upgrades a viable solution, whether you’re in Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, or Long Island.

Here are simple ways and remodeling ideas that, while costing less, can dramatically improve the appearance of the heart of your home:

1. Tile Backsplash

Contrary to the old fashion of decades ago, where backsplashes should easily match the countertop, newer trends dictate a more personalized approach to tile backsplash. This trend has brought a wide range of stylish options when it comes to tile backsplashes for your kitchen.

2. Kitchen Cabinet Renovation or Restoration

Being the basic components of the kitchen, the changes made to the kitchen cabinets would surely be remarkable. Resurfacing or refinishing your kitchen cabinets can do a wonderful job of creating a whole new look, even if only the doors and exterior parts of the cabinets have been changed.

3. Paint, stencil or wallpaper

The walls are one of the elements that greatly affects the environment that is intended in any room. This makes a change in your wall color, whether solid or patterned, add a spark of interest to your kitchen. Paint is especially popular for its cost-effectiveness. Stenciling and wallpapering, which can cost more than a home painting project, is ideal for people who prefer more visually artistic designs injected into the walls.

4. Replacement of lighting fixtures

To set the mood and improve productivity in designated task areas, changing the light fixtures in your kitchen would give your kitchen a whole new look.

5. Kitchen island

For added work and storage space, kitchen islands are popular additions to remodeling projects. But since this can cost a lot, especially if customized, you can opt for inexpensive models with wheels that can be taken out instead or set aside if not needed.

6.Hardware

As they say, it’s all in the details. Simply replacing kitchen fixtures, including existing handles and pulls, can dramatically update the curb appeal of the area. But if you’re really on a budget, you can accentuate the details of your old hardware by covering it with enamel or paint.

7. Countertops

If yours is a butcher block countertop, simply restoring and resealing it would be enough to bring it back to its full glory. Otherwise, opting for a laminate countertop is an inexpensive option that can be just as beautiful as other expensive options. Unless you’re creating an out-of-home restaurant, high-quality laminate can be great when it comes to durability.

8. Complement and update

When adding accessories, choose those that not only make the kitchen look prettier, but also work better. Some practical options include: spice and wine racks, trash cans, drawers and drawer dividers. Also review your list of appliances and determine if your budget can cover additional small appliances like a toaster, blender, coffee maker and/or microwave. This can make meal prep less time consuming and much easier.