We all want to create a comfortable yet elegant kitchen space, but not everyone has an unlimited budget to do so. While some kitchen renovations require a significant financial investment, these inexpensive items will make your kitchen look better without breaking the bank. With a keen eye for design and a touch of creativity, these inexpensive items and ideas can instantly improve the style and functionality of your kitchen. From clever storage solutions to one-of-a-kind decorative accents, these inexpensive ideas can help elevate your kitchen to new heights.
There are many kitchen items that can help you improve the appearance of your kitchen while staying within a tight budget. Implementing just a few of these ideas will give your kitchen an exciting new refresh.
Wooden Accessories
Displaying wooden accessories in the kitchen, such as cutting boards, storage containers, and wooden utensils, adds warmth, texture, and natural color. Wooden accessories have a timeless and universal appeal that complements a variety of kitchen styles, including farmhouse and rustic, Scandinavian, and minimalist. Some of the most attractive wood varieties are acacia, walnut, olive, teak, cherry, oak, and maple.
One of the most appealing aspects of these accessories is that they are both functional and decorative. Stack a set of cutting boards along your backsplash so you can quickly access the appropriate size. Hang wooden utensils or arrange them in a decorative container near the stove. Invest in a few artisanal pieces, such as carved bowls and coasters, to display in prominent locations in your kitchen.
Quality Dish Towels
The humble dish towel is well-known as the kitchen’s workhorse, but it can also be used to improve the appearance and flow of your kitchen. Choose high-quality dish towels made from natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or cotton-linen blends. These fabrics not only effectively absorb moisture, but they also add a touch of understated luxury to your kitchen. Dish towels are not only functional, but they can also add a decorative element to your kitchen. Find dish towels in colors and patterns that complement your kitchen decor. Display them folded on towel racks or draped over oven handles to add visual interest to your kitchen.
New Cabinet Hardware
If replacing your old cabinet doors is not in the budget, consider upgrading them with new hardware. There is such a diverse selection of hardware available that you are sure to find some stunning options that will complement your kitchen. Finishes for hardware include nickel, stainless steel, chrome, brass, gold, and black. Choose between polished and brushed finishes.
Do not be restricted by the color of the metal finish that already exists in your kitchen. Mixing metals is both common and even encouraged. Keep the metal colors limited to two rather than mixing too many together to make the style of your kitchen more cohesive. If replacing all of the hardware is still out of your price range, spray paint your old hardware with your preferred metal finish to give it a fresh look.
Indoor Herb Garden
An indoor herb garden can be an excellent addition to any kitchen, bringing both aesthetic and practical benefits. Incorporating herbs and other greenery into your kitchen instantly enlivens the space and makes it feel more connected to nature. You can showcase your herb garden in a variety of containers and arrangements that complement the style of your kitchen. Beyond their decorative appeal, having herbs ready at hand while you are cooking encourages culinary experimentation and adds fresh flavor to your dishes.
A sunny kitchen window is ideal for your miniature herb garden, but some also grow well in shadier spots. Many herbs are low-maintenance and inexpensive, so you can experiment with herb varieties that work well in your kitchen. Try options such as basil, rosemary, thyme, dill, mint, parsley, sage, chives, and oregano.
Decorative Lighting
Decorative lighting, such as lighting above an island or a central light fixture, can enhance the ambience and visual appeal of a kitchen. Other options, such as countertop lamps or under-cabinet lighting, can complement a layered light design and allow you to adjust your lighting throughout the day as your requirements change.
Invest in light fixtures that are compatible with dimmer switches, which give you more control and flexibility in creating different moods and atmospheres in your kitchen. Dimming overhead lights in the evening and relying on lamps and undercabinet lighting will make your kitchen appear more cozy and inviting.
Area Rug
Rugs in the kitchen serve both decorative and practical purposes. They add color and pattern to specific areas to complement the kitchen’s color scheme and style. Rugs are useful for defining specific areas, particularly in large kitchens with multiple zones. A well-chosen rug can provide softness and comfort underfoot, making it easier to stand for long periods of time during meal preparation or cleaning. Look for rugs with a nubby texture and extra layers for added softness. A rug pad underneath will provide even more comfort.
Select a rug made from a material that is easy to maintain, as it will be subject to high-traffic and potential food disasters. Many rugs are machine washable, while others, such as indoor-outdoor rugs, are easy to spot clean and stain resistant.
Stoneware Decor
Stoneware such as marble, slate, clay, and limestone accessories and decor bring a natural earthiness to the kitchen. Their textured surfaces, organic shapes, and subtle variations in texture add character and depth to a kitchen counter or table, which makes them appear more warm and inviting. Stoneware is versatile and can complement a variety of styles, from rustic to eclectic. Look for a variety of elements where you can swap out your accessories and decor for stoneware, including vases, boxes, canisters, figurines, trays, and dishes.
Innovative Storage Solutions
Storage aids can help you utilize the underused spaces of your kitchen as well as better organize the busiest real-estate in the kitchen. Consider the available space in your kitchen, including the vertical walls, under cabinets, and open floor areas. Install hooks, pegboards, rods, and racks in vertical spaces to hang utensils, mugs, and other small kitchen tools. Use drawer dividers to separate kitchen accessories and gadgets so that you can easily find what you need amidst the clutter. Other storage options include pull-out shelves that fit easily in low cabinets, stackable containers, and rolling carts that fit easily into small corners.
Glass Containers
Your kitchen counters become the resting place for a wide range of items, whether by necessity or design. You can improve the style of your kitchen by making many of these elements more consistent. Glass containers are inexpensive and come in a variety of visually appealing shapes. They can be used to store food, dish soap, oils, vinegars, and spices that you want easily accessible.
Glass is also durable and easy to clean, making it an excellent long-term storage option. Many containers are dishwasher safe, as well as stain and odor resistant. Find stackable, easy-to-group containers for use on the counter, pantry, and refrigerator.
Neutral Dishware
Most kitchens contain a variety of dishware that has been accumulated over the years. Unify your dishware by investing in neutral-colored options and discarding extraneous pieces. Neutral dishware, such as white, ivory, beige, or gray, offers a timeless elegance that never goes out of style. Their simplicity and versatility make them easy to use in both casual and formal settings. Neutral dishes look beautiful displayed on open shelves and inside cabinets. These dish colors create a more cohesive look in your kitchen and can be mixed and matched with a variety of glassware and flatware sets.
Centerpiece
Distract from old cabinets and outdated hardware with a striking display of flowers, fruit, or greenery. Adding a centerpiece to your island or kitchen table is an excellent and cost-effective way to improve the look of your kitchen. Look for items with the greatest visual impact, such as a stoneware vase or an artisan wooden bowl, and fill them with flowers or greenery from your yard. Choose fresh fruit that is visually appealing, which you can later enjoy as a quick snack. Other items that make great centerpieces include trays arranged with candles, small potted plants, and decorative figurines.
New Window Coverings
Window coverings, such as curtains, shades, and blinds, can improve the visual appeal and texture of your kitchen while also providing more control over the amount of light in the room. Before you choose the type and material of window covering, consider the style of your kitchen as well as the amount of light that enters it.
While curtains, shades, and blinds are the most common window coverings in kitchens, there are other options like cafe curtains, plantation shutters, and valances that can add style and personality to your kitchen. Layering window coverings, such as shades under curtains, will give your kitchen a more personalized look and allow you to adjust the lighting and privacy to a greater extent.
