3 Simple Kitchen Renovations That Won’t Break the Bank

A complete kitchen overhaul can be daunting, especially if you’re worried about breaking the bank or living in a construction zone for weeks. But fear not! The good news is that you can achieve a dramatic kitchen transformation without sacrificing your sanity or your savings. This guide will explore simple kitchen renovation ideas that will breathe new life into your space, all without the need for major structural changes.

A kitchen in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

A dark, crowded kitchen in Greenpoint was in desperate need of some lightening and brightening. The original kitchen had wood cabinets with a dark finish and a matching black backsplash and countertop that consistently showed dirt. In order to give this kitchen the facelift it needed, all of the kitchen cabinets were removed and replaced with white, flat-front cabinets to provide a more modern look. Some of the upper cabinets were removed to make way for open shelving to give the space an overall lighter feeling. The old countertop got swapped for stone in a medium gray shade and the backsplash was replaced with veined marble tile. While the homeowner kept the original appliances, new cabinets, shelving, counters, and backsplash gave the kitchen the boost it needed for a bright new beginning.

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Cybele’s kitchen in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Everything in Cybele’s kitchen—old cabinets, coffee-colored backsplash, dark counters, and mismatched appliances—was ripped out, making the space an empty box ready for a fresh start. The old penny tile on the floor was removed, the subfloor was leveled, and then new flooring—faux wood porcelain tile—was installed. Walls were gutted to gain extra space for new counters and the old dark countertop was replaced with white quartz. New cabinets were installed, including taller upper cabinets with crown molding, and some of the lower cabinets were removed to make room for a dishwasher. Old backsplash tile was replaced with glossy teal subway tile and crisp white grout. The kitchen renovation thoroughly refreshed the space without any changes to the original floor plan, and new appliances included a compact microwave with a matching stainless steel shelf.

Lisa’s kitchen on the Upper East Side

Lisa’s kitchen was tiny, just 54 square feet, its cabinets were too shallow to hold her servingware or pots and pans, and the drawers were too narrow. Nothing was as it should be, so the kitchen was gutted right down to the studs and subfloor. Semi-custom cabinets with a high-gloss finish and greater depth were installed, instantly improving the form and function of the space. The stained, laminate countertop was replaced with a bright, white quartz. White subway tile took the place of the old, cracked backsplash, and a pinstripe of gray tile was added for a bit of flair. The existing appliances, which were beginning to short out and die, were substituted with a new dishwasher, counter-depth refrigerator, range, and microwave. The new look is clean and minimal—exactly what Lisa had in mind when she set out to upgrade her kitchen.

Remember, even the smallest kitchen renovation can make a world of difference. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different ideas and find what works best for your space and budget. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can transform your kitchen into a beautiful and functional space that you’ll love spending time in.

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