Thinking about renovating your kitchen but don’t have the time or money to invest in a full-scale makeover? There are small improvements you could make that will help transform your space. 

If you’re working with a tight budget, borrowing money is one way to make even small kitchen renovations more affordable. With a fixed-rate home improvement loan from a bank, credit union or online lender, you can get the money you need now and pay it back in monthly installments over a set amount of time. 

Before you get started, carefully consider what you like about your kitchen, what you would like to change and your main priorities.  Keep reading for some simple yet impactful ways to transform your kitchen that might just help your vision come to life.

Focus on easy design wins

Sometimes one or two relatively simple changes can make a big difference. Look at photos of kitchens online or in magazines or think about a friend’s kitchen that inspires you. What design choices tie it all together? Is there a way you could incorporate one or two similar elements into your space? 

A fresh coat of paint or new wallpaper could bring new life to your kitchen, especially if you aren’t a fan of the current wall color or material. You could also repaint your cabinets and drawers, or even just change out the hardware. If you want to go a step further, see if new countertops might fit your budget. 

Adding design accents like a bright tile backsplash behind your stovetop or a new light fixture over the table could give the kitchen an interesting focal point. Similarly, a small rug or runner could help your space feel cozier and cover up any flooring you don’t love. 

Make it functional 

One of your main concerns might be the layout of your kitchen. Consider how it could be improved. For example, consider rearranging the dining furniture and any movable cabinets, baker’s racks or kitchen islands until you find the most functional layout for your needs. 

If you want to update the look of your kitchen storage, consider whether some of the cabinets could easily be replaced with more modern open shelving. Shelving can be functional and decorative — you can display pretty serving dishes or keepsakes alongside your cookware to give your kitchen more personality. You might even cook more if items are more easily accessible.

If your kitchen is small, counter space might be in high demand. If you don’t have a kitchen island already, you might look for an affordable and mobile one to use for meal prep and then push to the side when it’s not being used. Or, if a larger, more permanent island is a priority for you, see if you could have one made by a local carpenter — or even try to make it yourself.

If you have a clunky old toaster or microwave that doesn’t work very well and takes up a lot of space on your counter, invest in newer models that fit with the design scheme of the room. Or you could buy or build a freestanding coffee or tea station to free up some space on your countertops.

Streamline your storage 

Having enough storage in a kitchen is a common concern, especially if the space is older. Luckily, simple storage solutions are readily available in a range of styles and price points. You could try wall-mounted storage like wire racks or magnetic strips for knives and other cooking utensils. Cutting boards could be stored standing upright to take up less counter space. Pegboards or hanging pot racks are another good way to make use of wall space for storing pots, pans and larger cooking utensils. 

Improving your storage can also help you stay organized in the kitchen — you’ll be better able to find what you need when you need it. Try the following: 

• Add baskets or plastic organizers inside cupboards to keep similar items together. 
• Install a turntable inside that awkward corner cabinet so you can easily reach items in the back. 
• Sort your baking supplies and other pantry staples into reusable storage containers with easy-to-read labels. 
  
  

Beyond big box stores, kitchen supply stores often have a range of well-priced storage options.

Your kitchen transformation is just a few steps away

Making small changes to your kitchen could be a quick way to refresh your space. Instead of spending a lot of time and money on a top-to-bottom renovation, choose design elements that inspire you, prioritize functionality and find storage solutions that help you make the most of your kitchen. Stay open to new ideas along the way, and don’t be afraid to get creative. 

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