Your kitchen may be ready for a refresh, but you don’t have to bust your budget to give your space a makeover.
There are some great options you can try that make a big difference for a small price. If your budget is less than $2,000, try some of these smart money moves to change up your space.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Buy appliances during a holiday sale
Changing up your appliances can make a noticeable difference if you’re trying to modernize your kitchen, but they can also be expensive.
Try buying appliances during holiday sales when you can find discounts on the pieces you may need, or pick up a home-appliance package for a lower price than if you bought each one individually.
Refinish kitchen cabinets
Custom-made cabinets can be a budget buster and sometimes a refresh is all you need.
Check how much it would cost to have your cabinets painted instead, or find out if you can get custom cabinet doors while still keeping the frames in place.
Do the work yourself
There are some things you should probably hire a contract to help you with to get the kitchen you want, but you may want to take on other tasks yourself.
For example, consider picking up a paintbrush to paint your walls or cabinets yourself, or think about replacing hardware on cabinets on your own to cut down on costs.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Keep the current layout
Your kitchen may have a good start to it when it comes to the layout and flow of the space. Use that as a starting point to refresh your space.
Plumbing, electrical, and other systems that are already in place when you build around them can help you cut down on costs.
Find unique design elements
One reason you might want to toss your current kitchen is because it just looks bland.
Think outside the box and find some vibrant, new options like wallpaper or a bright wall color that can make a statement without busting your wallet.
Trending Stories
Buy an island
Kitchen islands are a great addition to any kitchen when it comes to adding extra storage space or creating more prep space for meals.
You can get a small island that might fit along a wall or a bigger one to take advantage of additional interior space in your kitchen that isn’t being utilized to its fullest.
Rethink your counters
Countertops can be expensive if you need to replace them, but you do have several options.
Look into different counter options that can make your counters stand out without spending much, and consider affordable alternatives to granite countertops that still look sleek.
Add decor
You can add accent pieces, art, and other decor to spruce up your space and give it some eye-catching accents.
Expand your decor ideas beyond a living room or dining room to find ways you can incorporate the design esthetics there into your kitchen as well.
Upgrade your light fixtures
Light fixtures can be a good way to brighten up your space and add some extra design elements.
You can bring in modern lights over a counter space or add extra lighting over workspaces like the sink or stove.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2 <p>See website for details.</p>
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Add storage
One issue you might have with your kitchen is all the clutter on your countertops.
Instead of spending money on things you can see, spend it on storage so you can hide that clutter or get more space for big food items and small appliances.
Add a backsplash
A backsplash can protect your walls from damage while also adding a unique design element to your space.
You can try different styles, shapes, and colors to match your space and give it an extra wow factor without hurting your wallet.
Get a contractor when you need one
It’s OK to set aside some money in your budget for a contractor if they can save you cash in the long run.
Cover talents you don’t have like hanging cabinets or installing appliances. It’s better to pay a little bit for an expert to do it now than pay a lot for an expert to fix your novice mistakes later.
Buy your furniture used
Furniture like bar stools for a countertop or a kitchen table and chairs can get pricey, but you can find great deals online or in person on second-hand furniture.
Check around for furniture on online retail sites and garage sales. Try to see the potential in pieces, especially older ones that could be spectacular in your space with a new coat of paint or wood stain.
Bottom line
A kitchen remodel can be a daunting task, but you can find ways to save money and make it work.
Find ways to save extra money like signing up for a loyalty program at your nearby home improvement store or buying supplies with the best rewards credit cards you have to earn extra points and perks on big-ticket kitchen refresh items.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.