19 Budget-Friendly Kitchen Makeover Ideas

HGTV Spring House 2016: Vibrant Kitchen With Simple Updates

Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Vibrant Kitchen With Simple Updates

Over the course of three weeks, an outdated kitchen from the '60s was transformed into a happy, hard-working space that honors the home's midcentury modern-architecture with a fun, family-friendly vibe.

HGTV Spring House 2016: Beautiful Bright White Kitchen

Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Bright + White

When all else fails, always know that going all white in a kitchen is best for investment purposes. Due to its versatility, white works with every other accent color in the spectrum. Plus it helps reflect light and makes spaces feel more open and airy.

HGTV Spring House 2016: Kitchen With Counter-to-Ceiling Tile

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Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Counter-to-Ceiling Tile

Add drama and height to your kitchen by installing backsplash tile from the countertops to the ceiling. Not only will this create a more architectural look, but it will also make the kitchen feel larger.

HGTV Spring House 2016: Kitchen With Shaker Style Cabinets

Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Shaker-Style Cabinets

You can never go wrong with simple Shaker style cabinetry in the kitchen. Characterized by clean lines and a simple inset panel, these cabinets blend well with different styles of interiors and architecture.

HGTV Spring House 2016: Kitchen With Matte Nickel Hardware

Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Matte Nickel Hardware

Looking to put a unique spin on modern hardware? Skip polished chrome or nickel and opt for matte finishes that are a bit softer and unexpected.

HGTV Spring House 2016: White Kitchen With Plenty of Storage

Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Concealed Storage

Always consider how your cabinets will look when they're open and think of how the entire kitchen will look once loaded and styled. Whenever possible, choose interiors with classic wood finishes which will add visual depth and also help your decorative kitchen elements like ceramics and servingware to pop.

HGTV Spring House 2016: DIY Wine Storage in the Kitchen

Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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DIY Wine Storage

Integrate wine storage into your upper cabinets by leaving a six-inch gap, then building a box with wooden dowels spaced inside along with holes drilled into the front. Slide the box between upper or lower cabinets, then fasten into studs in the wall and also to the adjacent cabinets from inside.

HGTV Spring House 2016: Pops of Color in the Kitchen

Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Coordinating Color

Since kitchens are major investments, it's smart to stick with neutral options to guarantee longevity. Add your own personal touch by integrating color with easily removable accessories like countertop containers.

HGTV Spring House 2016: Walnut Countertops in White Kitchen

Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Walnut Countertops

While solid surface countertops are complicated to install, butcher block countertops are a great fit for DIYers. Here, we used walnut which has a more upscale look to them.

HGTV Spring House 2016: Kitchen With Stacked Tile Backsplash

Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Washing Station

When it comes to laying out and hooking up a washing station, simple plumbing hookups that have not been relocated from their initial locations may be a fit for DIYers with moderate to expert skills. Because major complications can arise if things are not properly hooked up, it's often worth the expense to leave all plumbing hookups to licensed professionals.

HGTV Spring House 2016: Updated Sink With Removable Faucet Head

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Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Hard-Working Faucet Head

Make clean-up with an industrial-grade faucet with a removable head. This will allow more versatility for getting into deep pots and pans and spraying off any residue.

HGTV Spring House 2016: Easy, Useful Drop-in Sink

Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Drop-In Sink

Drop-in stainless steel sinks are a bit easier to install than under-mount sinks. In order to install a drop-in sink, you'll need its template so you can first add a single hole into the countertop surface, then cut it to size.

HGTV Spring House 2016: Smart Kitchen Lighting

Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Practical Lighting

If you have a junction box on the wall above your sink, it's always best to maximize lighting. When choosing fixtures, opt for those with frosted glass or milk glass so the light emitted will be diffused and more flattering.

HGTV Spring House 2016: Gorgeous Stacked Stone Backsplash

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Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Stacked-Stone Backsplash

Any time you're updating a kitchen in a home packed with great architecture, it's wise to pursue design elements that acknowledge its lines. This midcentury modern house was a perfect fit for stacked stone in a light, white finish which is true to the '60s era. With seven pounds of weight for each six-inch-by-24-inch tile, the backboard was tackled DIY-style, but the actual tile installation was left to a professional mason.

HGTV Spring House 2016: White Kitchen With Thrifty Kitchen Island

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Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Impromptu Island

Create your very own kitchen island in a cost-effective way by configuring lower cabinets in the desired length and integrated maximum storage. Although this island looks custom, it's actually a combination of ready-made cabinetry complete with ample storage in the form of cabinets and drawers.

HGTV Spring House 2016: Kitchen With Vinyl Plank Flooring

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Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Vinyl Plank Flooring

Here's a flooring installation you can tackle yourself with little to no DIY skills: vinyl plank. Similar in look to hardwood, vinyl plank adheres to itself with integrated adhesive strips, and all you'll need is patience and a utility knife.

HGTV Spring House 2016: Space-Saving Bar Stools in White Kitchen

Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Space-Saving Bar Stools

When choosing proper seating for your kitchen island, always take into account its height. Islands with the same height as perimeter lower cabinets are considered counter height while those which stand up to six inches taller are considered bar height.

HGTV Spring House 2016: Kitchen With Smart Island Lighting

Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Island Lighting

Ensure your kitchen island can be as hardworking as possible with proper overhead lighting. Most designers suggest installing pendants in odd numbers with three being the most popular for spaces above islands.

HGTV Spring House 2016: DIY Home Office Space

Photo: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Integrated Workstation

Got wasted space? Put it to good use as a single wall pantry or as an efficient workstation by getting clever with ready-made cabinets. This tiny pass-through wall was given new identity as a full-fledged workstation thanks to a creative use of upper cabinets used both as the base of the station and along the walls for concealed storage. See the Full Makeover >>

Give Your Kitchen a Refreshing Facelift Without Killing Your Budget

Vibrant Kitchen With Simple Updates

Bright + White

Counter-to-Ceiling Tile

Shaker-Style Cabinets

Matte Nickel Hardware

Concealed Storage

DIY Wine Storage

Coordinating Color

Walnut Countertops

Washing Station

Hard-Working Faucet Head

Drop-In Sink

Practical Lighting

Stacked-Stone Backsplash

Impromptu Island

Vinyl Plank Flooring

Space-Saving Bar Stools

Island Lighting

Integrated Workstation

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