6 Cheap and Cheerful Ways to Update Your Kitchen

These quick add-ons and clever refreshes will give your space the facelift it needs without spending a ton of money.

The average kitchen remodel costs a staggering $20,999 — and high-end ones average nearly $49,499. No bones about it: That’s whole lotta cash.

But you don’t need to shell out big bucks to make a big impact in an outdated kitchen. Whether you’ve lived in your house for years or you just got the keys, here are some cheap and easy ways to update any kitchen:

Bring in pattern.

A vintage-inspired rug or lush floral wallpaper adds tons of personality to even the smallest of kitchens. If you want to try both at the same time, just look for patterns that have a linking color between them.

Hang floating shelves.

We could all use more storage, right? Take a cue from Dulcie, CKD and position some rustic ledges over the sink to stack dishes, glasses, and even some leaned artwork.

Add color with stools.

Metal stools like these are notoriously inexpensive, and often sold in sets. For extra cuteness in an all-white kitchen, try creating a rainbow effect with a different color on every stool.

Use plates as wall decor.

Simply stick them to the wall with removable strips, or hang them with plate hangers. Look into your china hutch for a treasured heirloom, or scoop up a few colorful and cheap ones from a yard sale.

Hang pendant lights.

Think of them as the jewelry for your kitchen — the right ones can tie the whole room together or stand out to make a statement.

Go monochrome.

Nothing changes a room like a paint job. With teal covering walls and cabinets, there’s no need to pile on more hues — the unique shade alone keeps it interesting.