Friends! I shared with you last week a little bit that Drew and I are house-hunting like mad… which means all I can think about lately is what my kitchen is going to look like. I’m taking a short break from food today and diving into the kitchen. For today’s post I’ve partnered with Lowe’s to share affordable, budget-friendly kitchen updates. I’m super excited!
As Drew and I continue to look for houses one thing is certain–the kitchen comes first.
Okay, maybe not FIRST… but it is VERY high on the priority list. We’ve been looking at several styles of houses–fixer-uppers, move-in ready, and everything in-between–and I can’t say I’ve fallen in love with any of the kitchens. Which I suppose isn’t too surprising–everyone has a different style. But that just means we will definitely be looking to make some updates, or possibly even get into a little remodeling. Yes, Mr. FMK is thrilled *wink wink*
What I have to remind myself is to think in terms of little projects, that will then add up to create the big picture. Thankfully Lowe’s has an awesome website with tons of ideas to get you started with some affordable projects. I’ve been browsing their website the past couple of weeks and am getting excited–so many ideas!
Five Budget-friendly kitchen updates to get started on
The backsplash
The backsplash is definitely a must when making kitchen updates–in my opinion. Out of the various homes we’ve looked at, I always notice the backsplash, or lack thereof. It’s the perfect accent that does wonders for the overall look and feel of your kitchen. I love the texture and look of this white tile in the above image–gives off such a fresh vibe!
I’m secretly hoping that the house we buy doesn’t have a backsplash so I can add this pretty white one in.
Countertops
Countertops are actually more affordable than you think. The countertop pictured has a marble look, but it is actually laminate. The Formica brand (linked above in the image) makes so many different finishes. Going with laminate countertops versus granite could be an affordable option if looking to transform your kitchen on a budget.
Still being in the house hunt mode, it is hard to say what type of countertop situation we’ll find ourselves in. Right after we put in our first offer on a foreclosure a couple of months ago (that we didn’t get) we found ourselves killing some time at Lowe’s checking out the kitchen models. I remember the granite countertops looking beautiful (duh) but was pleasantly surprised at how nice the laminate countertops looked! I think it is safe to say we’ll be going that route if we end up needing to replace them.
DIY Painted Cabinets
How did you know I was going to pick a shade of blue for my cabinets? … 🙂 Well, I suppose we aren’t there quite yet. But I am a fan of this look! And painting your kitchen cabinets can save you thousands of dollars. It may take a little time but totally worth it, especially if the cabinets are in good shape to begin with. The above image is a great example of just how much of a difference painting your cabinets completely transforms the look and feel of the kitchen. Click here to see the before and after.
Has anyone painted their kitchen cabinets before? In the early stages of our house hunt I would continually say to Drew, “Yikes, those cupboards…” And while I originally thought the cabinets would have to be replaced, I didn’t realize that painting the cabinets could turn out so great. Not to mention affordable.
Sink & Faucet
I’m kind of loving these cute “farm” sinks. What do you think? This would be an update I would love to make. It completely transforms the style of the kitchen. Even if the sink and faucet were one out of three of the updates, it would make a big difference. While browsing all of the kitchen inspiration on Lowe’s, I noticed a trend in my style preference–definitely love the updated farmhouse look. Plus it seems to be a big trend right now.
Open Shelving
left image source. right image source
Open shelving creates loads of space, especially if you have a smaller kitchen. You can use the shelving for functional use, or more decorative. Depending on the size of your kitchen, it might be worth it to find a place to incorporate this look.
There were several kitchens in the homes we’ve looked at so far that felt a little tight. But after seeing these open shelving ideas, it would definitely be a possibility to remove some end cabinets to create some space for the open shelves. And it’s a fairly easy DIY project–depending on the handy people you have in your life I suppose.
Don’t forget, Lowe’s is having a 40% off kitchen & bath event sale, running until March 23rd. They have a great team of specialists to help you with planning so you can stick within your budget.
Let’s chat
Are you planning any kitchen updates this spring?
Have you done any similar kitchen updates? Any words of advice?
I’m actually excited at maybe finding ourselves in a position where these kitchen updates are necessary! (Mr. FMK is excited too…)
This post is sponsored in partnership with Lowe’s. Thank you so much for supporting the brands I trust and have the pleasure of working with, making Fit Mitten Kitchen possible.
Emily says
Ooh that would be so exciting to get your kitchen updated; one of those most important rooms in the house for the family. :o)
Ashley says
I am so giddy just THINKING about all of these updates! I can’t wait 😀
Emily Weir says
We began our house hunt about a year ago, and I’m so glad we found a house that was already renovated. Knowing my husband, the updates would have taken forever to complete, and we got lucky to find a home that had a clean, bright style that matched our preferences. Happy house hunting! It’s such a frustrating/time-consuming/annoying/rewarding process.
Ashley says
I can definitely see both ways! I would totally be nervous about the projects getting done in a timely manner. The house we are looking at is actually move-in ready 😀 Buuttt being the person I am (semi-control freak) I kind of want to still paint different rooms and re-do parts of the kitchen. And the basement actually needs to be re-done but that is ManLand so I’ll let Drew sort that out 😉
Allie @ Miss Allie's Kitchen says
Ahhh you post this asss we are getting qualified for a mortgage today. We had a walk-through in a bit of a fixer upper last week and I am ALL FOR a project. J is a serious Lowes junkie, so we love their stuff. All such great ideas, the house we looked at it needs countertop and backsplash FOR SUREEEE!
Ashley says
Ah so exciting! Our next house very well may be a fixer upper, but this one we have going now it pretty good. I just have to make the standard “Ashley” updates. i.e. paint the walls all a shade of turq 😉
Any more progress on your house hunting??
Kristin says
We were super lucky when we moved into our house, the kitchen had just been renovated. That doesn’t ever stop me from looking at other kitchens though! I feel like no matter what the kitchen is the most important room in the house to keep updated!
Ashley says
I feel like once you start looking at kitchens you don’t stop! There are just so many fun things to keep updating. And I agree–keeping the kitchen up-to-date is important 🙂
Beverley @ Born to Sweat says
When Adam and I redid our kitchen in our new place, i learnt ALLL sorts of things about costs and expenses. We sadly went with the laminate marble counter top cause the real marble was about 4 times the cost (insane), but I don’t actually mind it at all.
I wanted a big 2 section sink that could go below the counter, but i didn’t realize that the width can only be as big as the cupboards below! The things that you learn, eh.
Still need to get the back splash in…. however i think i’ll save that for the contractors to do haha.
Ashley says
Some of the laminate counter tops are actually really nice looking! We have granite in the house we are buying, but that was just luck!
I really want to re-do the back splash but Mr. FMK doesn’t seem to keen on that idea :-p
Kelly @ Eat the Gains says
I can’t wait to buy a house and update the kitchen some! I love the open shelves look. I just need to become a little cleaner haha. I can’t wait to see what you have planned for your new house
Ashley says
Lol I also need to be a little cleaner if adopting the open shelves! BUT I also think because I know the house will be ours, I will want to keep everything tidy… I say that now but we’ll see 😉