Cook Up a New Style for Under $1,000

Want to redo your kitchen without breaking the bank? "It is possible to give your kitchen a whole new look for much less money," says Nikki Trivisonno, president of the Ohio State Chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. "But you have to be willing to make some compromises."

Start by updating the color and reducing clutter then add new hardware, fixtures and a backsplash. You'll go a long way toward stealing the high-end look you crave.

REPLACE THE HARDWARE
"Hardware has a really big impact on a kitchen's style, so changing it is a great way to freshen up the look of your kitchen," says Trivisonno.

For less than a couple hundred dollars and just a few hours of work, a homeowner can swap out every handle and knob in the kitchen. Styles range from contemporary to rustic to traditional. Finishes come in ultra-popular oil-rubbed bronze or easy-to-clean polished chrome. To make installation a breeze, Trivisonno suggests that homeowners bring along an old drawer pull when shopping to make sure the new hardware matches the holes of the previous set.

Depending on the style and finish of the hardware and the number of drawers and cabinets, the average kitchen can be completed for as little as $150.

For a more polished look, consider swapping out the cabinet hinges to match the new hardware.