It's the hub of your home and since your kitchen sees so much action, you want to give it the look it deserves. That being said, kitchen renovations are the most expensive because items like kitchen cabinets and new benchtops can easily break the bank. However, a kitchen makeover is the ideal budget solution to making use of the space you have to launch a kitchen refresh.
A full renovation can cost as little as $5,000 and as much as $45,000, depending on how much you are upgrading. If you want to rip everything out and start again, you're looking at a serious renovation bill and to get a better idea of costs, our kitchen renovation guide should give you some clarity.
Your kitchen isn't just where cooking takes place, it's where life happens! So, the key to every great kitchen reno is ensuring the layout is functional and the next step is to perfect the look. So, while you decide between a major renovation and a little refresh, check out these five ideas to complete your kitchen renovation on a budget.
Budget Kitchen Renovation Ideas
Need a hand?
Bring your project to life with trusted pros.
Tell us a few details about the job and we'll match you with verified professionals in minutes—any trade, any project.
Stick with the Original Layout
Still deciding?
Ready to compare quotes?
Tell us a few details about the job and we'll match you with verified professionals in minutes—any trade, any project.
As long as your kitchen layout is functional, you can dramatically reduce the costs of a remodel by sticking with the existing layout. When you want to relocate everything, it often requires plumbing work and moving lines, which requires a professional plumber. These types of layout changes also typically require electrical work, which only increases your costs. The only way to install new pipes is to knock through walls, which just adds additional costs to the remodel.
Minimal changes are key and focusing on upgrading select appliances and a few coats of fresh paint can make a major difference.
Need a hand?
Bring your project to life with trusted pros.
Tell us a few details about the job and we'll match you with verified professionals in minutes—any trade, any project.
One of the easiest wins for a budget friendly kitchen makeover is upgrading your floor tiles or painting the existing tiles for a fresh look. It might sound like a small change, but it can make a huge difference in brightening up the space.
Kitchen Renovation Ideas on a Budget: Cabinets and Open Shelving
A Fresh Coat of Paint
Whether you're a fan of crisp white or soft yellow or love the idea of chalk paint, fresh paint is a major win when updating your kitchen on a budget. While the walls are likely first on the list, you can save more money by painting your old cabinets to look like new without the high costs of replacing cabinetry. You can even paint the cabinet interiors to give them a new lease on life. Don't forget to add a fresh coat of paint to the ceiling, doors, walls, and window frames.
If your existing cabinets are so vintage they're heinous and no paint is powerful enough to change it, you have a couple of options. You can either opt for flat pack cabinets, buy new cabinet hardware and paint, or opt for open shelving which is much cheaper than custom cabinetry.
Update Hardware
If you are going to freshen up the existing cabinetry with a fresh coat of paint, then you shouldn’t neglect the hardware too. Never underestimate how much new kitchen cabinet or draw handles can refresh the whole feel of the kitchen. You can also take this opportunity to update the look and style of your kitchen with modern or unique handles. Updating your kitchen tap can also help to refresh a kitchen on a limited budget.
Budget Friendly Options
New Benchtops
From stone benchtops to laminate benchtops, you don't need to spend a lot to make it look like you've given your existing kitchen a complete overhaul. It can be a cost effective way to update your look and though high-quality materials are key, it's still a smart move to update your benchtops. Though you may pay a higher price initially, choosing stone or granite will pay off over the years as cheaper materials chip, stain, and scratch easily. Do your new benchtop a favour and consider a new sink while you're at it. These little changes can create dramatic change.
Still deciding?
Ready to compare quotes?
Tell us a few details about the job and we'll match you with verified professionals in minutes—any trade, any project.
Update Backsplash
With so many options on the market, updating your backsplash tiles is an easy decision. You can make a colourful display, opt for geometric tiles, or stick with plain white subway tiles, but whatever you do, ditching the old, dull backsplash can go a long way. If you're not sure how to execute the look you're going for, find a reputable tradie to make suggestions and provide quotes for your new kitchen.
Add Extra Storage
Storage is a must for any full kitchen and installing vertical storage in a tight space is one way to achieve the space you need. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets are one option, and open shelves are another, but you can talk to a contractor about your options for creating additional storage, whether it's for new appliances or pantry space. If you're lucky enough to have a spacious kitchen, you may be able to install a pantry to hide your clutter.
Find Reputable Tradies Near You Now
While these aren't your only options for renovating on a budget, they should give you a head start. If you're replacing all your appliances, it's going to come at a great cost unless you opt for basic appliances. However, as the busiest room in your house, you should focus on function and then style. So, updating your appliances and lighting may be the smart bet as you look to give the cabinets, walls, and flooring a simple facelift.
Need a hand?
Bring your project to life with trusted pros.
Tell us a few details about the job and we'll match you with verified professionals in minutes—any trade, any project.