The kitchen is not only the factory plant for our home delicacies; it is one of the few rooms that significantly affect the overall aesthetic of a home.
Home buyers will consider the kitchen when inspecting; issues like wrong cabinets, appliances, and outdated design can reduce the home’s overall value.
As a rule of thumb, the budget for kitchen remodeling should be about 10 percent of the home’s value.
This means if the home costs $500,000, spending $50,000 should be enough for major upgrades.
Meanwhile, upgrading an outdated kitchen without breaking the bank is possible.
A minor kitchen upgrade can yield about 78 percent ROI, while complex upgrades are estimated only to yield 59 percent ROI.
Here are some affordable ways to upgrade your kitchen for maximum ROI in 2023.
1. Add new light features
Start your kitchen upgrade by changing dull lights to brighter ones. Bright light in the kitchen is suitable for food preparation and reading recipes.
When choosing your light features, ensure they blend with the existing hardware in your kitchen cabinets.
To cut costs, purchase them online from stores offering discounts.
Also, bring in more natural light by replacing walls with glass panes. Natural light can give a small kitchen the illusion of extra space.
Kitchen lighting mistakes to avoid
- Not including tasking lights;
- Installing wrong-sized light features; and
- Not considering the color temperature of the light.
2. Upgrade kitchen appliances
Be intentional about the color of your kitchen appliances. Change those that disorient the color plan for matching colors. It is also a good time to upgrade older models of the appliances for the latest.
White or black appliances blend well with most colors in the kitchen. Likewise, appliances with stainless steel finish can give your kitchen a modern look.
Tips to upgrade your kitchen appliances on a budget
- Bulk purchase: Buying more than one appliance at once can qualify you for a discount. It may also reduce the overall delivery cost, which could have been charged on individual items.
- Functionality: Check the functionality of the available models and choose the ones with the features you will need. Buying an appliance with a feature you may never need is not a good investment.
- Black Friday: Save and watch out for Black Friday deals, as many stores offer great discounts on their products during this time.
3. Personalize the kitchen
The kitchen is part of your home and should be where you feel comfortable and relaxed.
Designing the kitchen to fit your personality is one way to make it feel like your small world. If you love art, consider getting some artwork for the kitchen. There are kitchen-compatible designs that will fit.
For bookworms, installing a small bookcase or bookshelf in the kitchen can transform its look. This means you can cook and read in the kitchen simultaneously.
A personalized kitchen will also make you more confident and comfortable inviting your friends and socializing in the kitchen.
Tips for personalizing your kitchen
- Add vintage chairs;
- Add photos using fridge magnets; and
- Add flowers.
4. Change the hardware
It would amaze you how minor upgrades like replacing the builder-grade knobs and drawer pull can transform a kitchen.
Change the sink faucets to sleek and modern-looking ones. However, choose a product that is easy to clean and can withstand frequent use.
Things to consider when deciding on kitchen hardware
Positioning
The position of the hardware can give a door or sink a completely new look. Horizontally positioning the pull on your cabinetry will give it a modern look.
Material
Hardware is made from one of these four materials: metal alloys, brass, stainless steel, and bronze. The durability and lifespan of these materials vary; likewise, their prices.
Aside from your budget, choosing a material that best complements your kitchen design is essential.
One way to ensure this is to go with a sample of your countertop and cabinetry color when shopping for the hardware.
5. Install cabinet organizers
Moving around to fetch necessary ingredients and needed utensils in the kitchen can be stressful. Install cabinet organizers like roll-out trays to store more items within your reach.
You can improve kitchen aesthetics by displaying your bowls and glassware using open shelves and glass cabinets. Your eye-catching appliances can also serve decorative purposes.
Things to consider when buying a cabinet organizer
Nature and size of items
The items’ nature and size will determine the most fitted type of organizer. Since you are upgrading on a budget, focus on the most disorganized cabinets.
Installation
Some organizers only need to be hanged, while others might require drilling. Consider budget and time based on the required installation to choose the best for your kitchen.
