If you can't afford a kitchen remodel but want to change the look of it, you have a few options in updating your space. The best part about these projects? Not only are they affordable, but they're quick, so you can implement a budget-friendly makeover in a few hours or a weekend.
Quick Kitchen Projects:
1. Write On The Refrigerator. If you have a dated refrigerator and can't afford to replace it yet, jump on the trend to paint your appliance with chalkboard paint. This hides how old the refrigerator is while giving it a practical, fresh look. You can pick up a quart of chalkboard paint at your local hardware store. Two to three coats create the best chalk writing surface.
2. New Knobs. Hardware is like the jewelry of cabinets. By changing old knobs and pulls with new, stylish ones, you can really impact the look of your space. New hardware can get pricey if you are looking for extra details so if you're on a budget, look for something shiny and sleek.
At this year's Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, Daltile unveiled several new products, including SlimLite Slate and Quartzite, "a line of innovative, thin and lightweight surfacing products," according to the company.
Available later this spring, SlimLite is designed to be installed on various surfaces, including in the kitchen and bathroom, to provide a fresh, new look without the burden of heavy resurfacing materials and expensive alternatives. The natural slate and quartzite material ranges in thickness from .04" to .12", and "brings the beauty of stone applications in a thin, lightweight stone facade surface," according to Daltile.
And in the ultimate test of the material's DIY-friendly application, SlimLite can be cut with scissors, paper cutters or tin snips, the company said.
When you're creating colors for kitchen surfaces, what better inspiration is there than food? DuPont's new color collections in Zodiaq quartz surfaces and Corian solid surfaces are inspired by spices and ingredients, respectively. Think of a kitchen infused with the warmth of chicory, or a fresh burst of cilantro.
Zodiaq Quartz Surfaces
Five new colors are available in the quartz surface, a versatile material that DuPont says "can be used in a variety of residential applications, including kitchen and bathroom countertops, backsplashes, wet bars, fireplace surrounds, tub decks and tub and shower surrounds."
This year's collection, inspired by spices, includes Coarse Pepper, Caraway, Poppy Seed, Chicory and Sage.
"We wanted to capture the spirit of crafting a well-seasoned meal in a finely appointed kitchen, including the anticipation, creativity and satisfaction that naturally emerge," says Lori Alzamora, North American marketing manager for DuPont Building Innovations.
And in response to increased consumer demand for quartz surfaces, three of the collection's most popular colors--Antique Pearl, Vela Brown and Abyss Black--are now available in the lowest Zodiaq price point, making the material an affordable yet stylish option for all.
Meal prep, storage, display area--in a kitchen, the counters are where the action happens. And that's why picking a solid, durable countertop material is so important. Changing the look of your counters can not only alter their performance, but is also a great way to transform the look of your kitchen.
Granite has long been one of the top picks for countertops because it's durable yet beautiful. Considered during past decades as a high-end, luxury material, granite is a bit more affordable now, but can still be a budget-breaker if you need a large amount.
If you crave the look of granite, try a granite overlay. It's like a shell that's installed over your existing countertop, so it's not as thick as a granite slab. One of the biggest advantages to an overlay is that it's much cheaper than a granite slab or even granite tiles.
