Five DIY Kitchen Upgrades You Can Do for Under $100
Kitchen remodeling can be expensive, especially since renovation costs are projected to remain high for the foreseeable future . But to get more from your kitchen, you don’t have to wait for interest rates to drop. Here are five simple projects you can undertake to improve your kitchen for under $100.
Hang some shelves
While replacing cabinets can be expensive, if you have wall space or even some space in front of a window, you can add a few shelves for under $100—you just need these brackets ($49.99) and a 1×12-inch board ( US$33.28). make a contraption with three shelves and hook space ($6.99) to hang kitchen utensils or mugs.
Because the width of the bracket is adjustable, these shelves are also ideal for spanning a window, such as over a sink, to add storage in tight spaces.
Upgrade your light fixtures
While you may not be able to overhaul your entire kitchen lighting system, you can update your fixtures fairly easily. If you have a metal fixture, you can spray paint it ($11.48) to give it a new look. You can also try replacement shades ($31.99 for 6) or globes ($43.75 for 3) to update your existing fixture.
When shopping for new shades or globes, double-check that you’ve chosen the correct size and type of mount for your fixture, and be wary of any products that don’t include this information in the product description. If you need something completely new, you can also swap out your old fixture for a new one ($58.89).
Maximize your closet storage space
Making the most of your existing cabinet storage can make your kitchen more practical without spending a lot of money. Choosing customizable hardware like the Pots and Pans Organizer ($20.98) will make it easier to fit kitchen utensils into your existing storage space. You can also try these Adjustable Pullout Shelves ($35.99) to make organizing the back of your closet easier and making it easier to use all your storage space.
To store small items like spices and utensils, you can try these Stackable Storage Baskets ($39.99) with a drawer. Adding functionality to your kitchen can improve your everyday experience while keeping your budget in check.
Polish your countertops
While you may not be able to replace your countertops for less than $100, you can give them a makeover.
Using a countertop polishing kit, you can coat existing countertops with epoxy. Trim kits include faux granite ($66.76), patterns ($89.95) and solid colors ($49.98). Most kits cover 25 to 50 square feet, but check the product label for coverage details to ensure you get a kit that’s right for your space. (While this project is definitely do-it-yourself, you should be prepared to leave the countertops off for three or four days to allow for the necessary curing time.)
Give your furniture a new look
Whether you have bar stools on your kitchen island, stools on your kitchen table, or a bar drink cart, you can give your current furniture a makeover for much less than replacing it. For metal furniture, a can of spray paint ($6.04) can make a big difference—just be sure to clean the surface and sand it with fine-grit sandpaper ($9.66) to create a good surface for the paint to adhere to. You can liven up wooden stools or table tops by adding stenciled details or stripes.
To stencil wood furniture, choose a stencil ($15.99 for two) and some paint ($16.48), then apply the paint with a stencil brush ($8.99 for three sizes). To get a clear outline of the stencil, secure it with masking tape and blot it with a brush. (If you’re not sure how your image will turn out, you can practice on a piece of cardboard first before tackling the furniture.) For repeating patterns, make sure you have at least two stencils to make it easier to line them up.
Although most acrylic or interior latex paints can be used on wood furniture, it is a good idea to use a product designed for furniture, especially kitchens. Alternatively, a stencil project is a good way to use up leftover paint from another project, so you can also add a clear coat ($16.48) to seal the surface when you’re done painting. To add a stripe, use a straight edge to draw a line of masking tape ($4.49) to each side of where you want the stripe to be placed. Then use a brush ($7.95 for five different sizes) to apply paint between the lines of the tape.