Is your kitchen totally out-of-date or does it just seem to be lacking something? No matter your budget, there are several inexpensive ways to update the look of your kitchen. You’re probably stuck with your floor plan, unless you have thousands of dollars set aside to completely redo the entire kitchen. But even with the kitchen you have, there are many ways to accentuate the positive and really spruce up the room.

Add New Cabinet Hardware
This might sound really simple, but adding new hardware can have a large effect on the scheme of your kitchen. An ordinary cabinet can be turned into something decidedly more stylish by simply taking off the old cabinet hardware (if it even had any) and adding new handles and pulls. Silver or brushed nickel handles can lend your kitchen a more contemporary look. Cabinet pulls and handles can really differ in price, from around $0.50 a pull to upward of $20. So know your budget and be sure to account ahead of time for all the hardware pieces you will need to complete the project.

Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
An inexpensive way to instantly change the look of your kitchen is with paint, especially if you have a small kitchen or not that much exposed wall area. If you have wallpaper in your kitchen, painting can provide an instant facelift. Remember, though, to factor in the time it’ll take to tear down the old wallpaper. Pick out a color scheme for your kitchen that’s update and fresh but which still goes will with the look and color of your cabinets. If you can’t stand the look of those cabinets anyway, perhaps this would be a good time to repaint or stain them as well. Don’t forget about your ceiling. A paint job might be just the thing, especially for those sporting ugly yellow grease marks.

Freshen Up Your Kitchen by Adding Some Green
You’ll be surprised how the simple addition of a plant or flower arrangement to your kitchen can make such a big difference. Don’t clutter the plants or flowers. One on top of a cabinet or in the corner of the room will be enough to create a pleasing effect in your space. If you choose a real plant or flowers, make sure you’ll be able to take care of them on a daily basis or it will be a waste of your money.

Add a New Light Fixture
You can instantly update your kitchen with the addition of a new light. Light fixtures can vastly differ in price, but you shouldn’t have a problem finding a great light fixture for under $100. If you still have recessed fluorescent lighting, that is definitely something you want to update. Try something different and place a chandelier in the middle of the kitchen. Or consider track lighting, which will give you the light you need in the areas of the kitchen you need it the most, such as the stove. Not only is a new light fixture function, but it can also add a new design element to the room.

Put Your China on Display
If you have beautiful china but have it hidden away in a cabinet or hutch, consider displaying it in your kitchen. A glass door could easily replace one of your regular cabinet doors. By arranging the china in the cabinet to show it off, you will have created an attractive display for your kitchen. A wall shelf is another great place to display your china and isn’t difficult to install. Just be sure to fasten the china to the wall so it doesn’t fall.

You don’t have to spend a ton of money updating your kitchen. Using the resources you have and a little creativity, you can add instant style to your kitchen. In a a future post we’ll be be talking about getting a beautiful oak dining table and a matching wood dining chair to help enhance the look of your home and compliment your kitchen makeover.

You really can change the look of your bedroom without spending a fortune. A little creative thinking and planning can make a difference whether your working on a full project or just making a couple of changes.

Here’s how to get started:

Buy a few accessory pillows for $10 each (or less) in a new color palette. Take pillows of similar color, mix up the textures –like silk and chenille – and you’ve instantly go yourself a sophisticated monochromatic look. Try a romantic look with layers of pillows — large ones in the back and smaller ones up front.

A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference in the look of room and its fairly inexpensive to do. Think repainting the entire room is too big of project? Then break it down by focusing and painting only one wall and experimenting with a single area of the room. Want to create some texture with your older more detailed closet doors? Then paint the closet’s frame in a neutral color and the inset in a dark one. Giving a room a new life can be as simple as painting the furniture. Give an old dresser a faux antique finish or sponge paint a cabinet.

A new headboard can be rather expensive. Try something new and creative like getting an inexpensive wrought iron or picket fence at a flea market. Bed skirts make most beds look soft and sophisticated and are an inexpensive decorating investment. They’re available in several color, textures and patterns. By using a soft and neutral color you can get the most in both beauty and versatility. You do not want it to be the center of attention, but you do want it to accent your bed.

Window treatments are easier than people think. Want to try something inexpensive and not too dramatic? Try swag curtains. It will really add a feminine touch to the room. You can place bicycle or plants in the ceiling. Or opt for just a blind and an inexpensive garland or floral accent at the top of the window. We also love the look of a simple rod with funky finials and ready-made unlined drapes. Ikea, Kmart, Target, JCPenney and Pottery Barn carry a large selection of all of these items.

Do have a canopy or four-poster bed that could use a little sprucing up? Drape fabric over the poles and let a little of the fabric fall to floor to achieve that beautiful *puddle* effect. To get this effect all you need to do is add an extra 2 feet to the fabric before it’s cut. Candles are a decorative item that many people forget to use. While most people go with white candles, since they’re the most sophisticated, consider clustering colored candles to create a focal point on a night stand or dresser. Even numbers tend to be boring so go for odd numbered candle groupings. Try different heights and gather them as an altar on a shelf.

Hanging framed artwork and posters or mirrors is inexpensive and can go a long way in changing the look of room, but make sure it doesn’t clash with your current décor. Keep it simple with a neutral colored frame – black, gold, brown or white. For an easy decorating idea try simple wall shelves. Collections are perfect for displaying on a wall shelf, but try to stay away from small items. Loading shelves with a lot of tiny knick-knacks will make your shelf appear too busy. Try glass bottles for a minimal look (adorn with fresh flowers), or even use a shelf to prop up framed paintings or photos.

Sue  has almost 20 years of experience in the home furnishings and interior decorating industry. She owns and manages a popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They specialize in Mission style and Arts & Crafts bedroom, office and dining room wood furniture. Her store offers a line of furniture that not only looks great, but is built using Old World craftsmanship. Whether your trying to find Amish bedroom furniture or American made solid oak dining sets, they carry the largest selection at prices that won’t break the bank.