When it comes to kitchens, we all know that new trendy looks usually aren't cheap and we also know that most people don't want to spend a lot of money updating their kitchen. Here are a few ideas to keep up with the trending styles that won't break your bank.
TREND #1-BOLD COLOR SCHEMES
Repainting your whole kitchen can be a bit of a chore and a lot of money depending on how big your kitchen is. I had to buy a gallon of paint just last weekend and couldn't believe what i had to pay for it. And who's to say that you won't get tired of that bright color in a year. You might consider adding in your pops of color in small doses so it's easy to change out. Some Tips to keep this look under $50;
- Add small updates to your existing scheme with a trendy new color
- Use colorful accessories such as a teakettle sitting on the stove
- If you have cabinets that are see through or don't have doors you can paint the back wall of your cabinets
- Use a bright valance that frames a window and adds a pop of color
TREND #2-SLEEK EURO-STYLE
This style is all about the calm simplicity but simple doesn't always mean cheap. Some Tips to keep this look under $50;
- Start by de-cluttering countertops and shelves. It costs nothing to clear your contertops and helps create the sleek-Euro style
- Get floating shelves to replace wall cabinets to get the European style
- You can also paint the cabinet doors with a high gloss finish in a neutral color
- Simple white cabinets with a similar shade on the surrounding wall or backsplash creates a modern, monochromatic look and these can easily be painted
TREND #3-TRICKED OUT CABINETS
The newest trends in kitchen cabinets have "rich finishes and gorgeous hardware" which can also be known as expensive. These cabinets have things such as built in organizing components but also adds more to the price tag. Some tips to keep this look under $50;
- You can get a nice finish in the hardware
- Buy inexpensive drawer dividers that give you the organization
TREND #4-STATEMENT LIGHT FIXTURES
"One great light fixture can transform the look of the entire kitchen," Morisseau says. Lighting can be used to create emphasis and drama in certain areas but can often be overlooked. Some Tips to keep this look under $50;
- Keep an eye out for sales. You can also look at garage sales or flea markets and find inexpensive lighting that may need to be rewired but won't break your bank
- You can change the finish of a light fixture with metallic spray paint
- Buy a trendy drum shade that can be hung with a pendant cord kit at Ikea for $5
TREND #5-INDUSTRIAL CHIC
Industrial chic is more commercial looking with bigger appliances that are usually stainless steel and are also really expensive. Some tips to get this look for under $50;
- Use "gleaming metals" throughout the kitchen helps create the feeling of industrial chic
- Find high end accents at a discount such as a stainless steel toaster that would sit on your countertop or a metal canister filled with utensils
- Place a hanging pot rack above a range or island
- Hang a stainless steel shelf that will show off some cookware
TREND #6-MARBLE OR GRANITE
Stone countertops is the popular trend and has been for awhile. It looks great and is very durable but comes with that all too dreaded high price tag. Some tips to get this look for less;
- Use stone in a small area such as an island or prep zone and then use a different complimentary countertop on the rest. You can look for remnant slabs of stone because you aren't doing your whole kitchen and it will be extremely cheap because a lot of people don't have a use for a little slab.
- Use a marble slab pastry board and keep it out all the time
featured in CONSUMER REPORTS-KITCHEN PLANNING & BUYING GUIDE
December 2013 issue
WHERE THE PROS GET "CHEAP-CHIC DEALS"
ACCESSORIES
- bedbathandbeyond.com
- art.com
CABINET ORGANIZERS
- containerstore.com
- stacksandstacks.com
- shelvesthatslide.com
HARDWARE
- niftynob.com
- overstock.com
LIGHT FIXTURES
- lightinguniverse.com
- ikea.com
- pbteen.com
INDUSTRIAL CHIC
- walmart.com
- amazon.com
