How to Refinish a Kitchen on a Budget

Refinish your cabinetry. Painting or restaining cabinets is the most inexpensive means to give them a face-lift. Choose a paint or stain color that will not overwhelm your kitchen. For example, if the room is small, a light wood stain or a light paint color will help create the illusion of size. Darker colors can be used if the room is larger.

Refresh countertops. Ceramic tile is inexpensive and can be laid over most surfaces. Alternatively, a new sheet of Formica can also be laid on top of an old countertop to give it a new look. Formica is available in a variety of different colors and patterns, and can even resemble marble or granite.

Choose alternative flooring. Marble or granite tile is usually quite expensive. You can get the same look with simple peel-and-stick vinyl tiles. These vinyl tiles are inexpensive and can be laid by just about anyone, even if you have no prior home improvement experience.

Cover over old appliances. Stainless-steel appliances cost thousands of dollars, but you can make your old appliances serve a few more years with a fresh coat of appliance film. This film is available in many colors, such as black enamel or stainless steel. Cut the film to fit, remove the backing and follow package instructions to place it on the appliance. This film will work for refrigerators and dishwashers, but not for stoves or wall ovens. These can be painted with special heat-resistant stove paint.

Add in accent lighting. Installing under-cabinet lighting gives a kitchen a fresh look, but it can be expensive. Rather than having a professional do this, purchase LED under-cabinet lights that can simply be stuck in place. These lights have batteries that can be changed out when necessary.