How to Remodel Your Kitchen without Spending a Fortune

Get the look of a pricey kitchen renovation—without the cost. All it takes is a few smart upgrades.

Step 1: Paint the kitchen Add a fresh coat of paint; it immediately brightens any room.
Step 2: Get the look of stainless steel on contact Get the look of high-end appliances by covering them with stainless steel contact paper. Or, get a mishmash of appliances to match by ordering new doors or panels for some of them.
TIP: Before you order a new front panel for a dishwasher door, check if yours is reversible, with a different color on the opposite side.
Step 3: Get a “granite” counter If you’re still scrubbing Formica, install a faux granite counter for a fraction of the price of the real thing.
Step 4: Give cabinets a facelift Give old cabinets a facelift by sanding them down and then refinishing or painting them. Or have them refaced – the cabinet boxes stay but new doors are put on. If your cabinets are in decent shape, just slap on some high-end hardware, like brushed nickel knobs or drawer pulls.
Step 5: Floor it Replace an old floor with a vinyl one, which is less expensive than ceramic tile but can look just as pricey.
Step 6: Install a new sink Consider installing a new sink—it’s a relatively inexpensive renovation that will perk up your entire kitchen. Or just invest in a new faucet.
FACT: On average, homeowners recoup 85 percent of what they spend on even a minor kitchen remodeling job, according to a study by Remodeling magazine.