Column: Redesign a kitchen or bathroom on a budget

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Softer lighting will create a more elegant feel while bright lighting will make the room cheerful and inviting. (Submitted photo)
Softer lighting will create a more elegant feel while bright lighting will make the room cheerful and inviting. (Submitted photo)

Planning a home remodel can sometimes be an overwhelming process. With all of the potential upgrades to consider, it’s no wonder that the costs can seem like they add up quickly. But it’s important to remember that a redesign project can be as extensive as you make it. With careful planning, you can transform your kitchen or bathroom, even if you are following a strict budget. For the savvy shopper who is determined to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom space on a budget, here are a few tips that can help you make a change without breaking the bank.

Appliances and fixtures: Old appliances can really date the look of your kitchen. Despite the popular myth, all of your appliances don’t have to necessarily match. You can update one appliance at a time, provided that you find a model that coordinates somehow with the others. Often matching the handles is the easiest way to add continuity between different appliances. If stainless steel is out of your price range, you can often find black or white colored appliances for much cheaper. Additionally, new sink fixtures can make a world of difference. Update your faucets or sink basins for a high impact update in either the kitchen or the bathroom.

Resurface the Cabinetry: Cabinetry endures quite a bit of wear and tear over the years, especially in the kitchen or bathroom. The fluctuating temperatures, moisture and leftover messes can cause damage that washing and resurfacing the cabinets could easily repair. You could try to cut costs by resurfacing the cabinets yourself, or consult a professional to help you complete the work. You could also try swapping out your existing hardware and drawer pulls for new ones.

Lighting: Lighting is an essential decorative element, especially in the home. Proper lighting makes color more vibrant, while drastically affecting the energy of the room. Softer lighting will create a more elegant feel while bright lighting will make the room cheerful and inviting. Replace your old sconces or hanging fixtures with new ones that feature a different style. Make sure all of the lighting fixtures fit together cohesively to tie everything together into a complete look.

New Décor: Start with the basics, such as a new table or chairs set in the kitchen, or a different towel rack set in the bathroom. Decide whether your curtains, blinds and window decorations could benefit from an update. If you are redesigning on a tight budget, focus on the small details. Try changing out little touches such as display dishes, framed pictures or potted plants to make a big difference in the overall look of the room.

The good news is about redesigning a space is that a few simple changes can completely reinvent the look of the room. If you’re on a tight budget, survey the room and prioritize the areas that really need the most work. See for yourself that a tight budget doesn’t have to keep you from creating a vibrant and user-friendly kitchen or bathroom space.

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