Is your kitchen old and outdated? Do the style of the cabinets and the color of the wall paper make you think of another decade? Does it seem dark and dingy? If so, then you’re probably longing for a kitchen remodel, but you may not feel you can afford it. Remodeling a kitchen can cost a pretty penny, more than most people can really afford to pay. Lighting, flooring, cabinetry, appliances, hardware and even plumbing and electrical work may all be included, as well as the price of a contractor to do the work for you.

To give your kitchen a new look without going for a total overhaul; consider the value of a simple can of paint. Just painting your walls will make the room look fresher and brighter. Instead of completely replacing your kitchen cabinets, you can paint them, or resurface them, which mean putting new doors on them. Check stores like Habitat for Humanity that sell used cabinets. If your cabinet doors are made of real wood, take a sander to them to strip off the old staining and then coat them with a fresh coat of clear varnish. Paint them a light, neutral color to give your kitchen a bright, airy feeling.

Using new hardware can also make a big difference. Although some hardware can be expensive, if you look carefully you can find attractive nobs, handles and faucets for very little money. Replacing out dated and tarnished handles on your doors and drawers will change the way your cabinets look more than you may realize.

Similar inexpensive options are available in the way of flooring and lighting. If you are willing to do the work yourself you will reduce your expenses considerably. Also consider doing it only one step at a time as and when you have the money.

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