Your kitchen is the heart of your home — a space where meals are created, memories shared, and daily routines unfold. By making easy and affordable kitchen updates, you can enhance its functionality, aesthetic appeal, and even your home's value. Whether you’re looking to put your house on the market or just want to love your home again, these kitchen remodel ideas are designed to help you make impactful changes.

Why Updating Your Kitchen is a Smart Move

There are many reasons kitchen updates are a smart move for you and your home:

Increased home value: A modern, well-maintained kitchen is a top selling point for buyers.
Improved functionality: Updates can streamline your daily cooking and cleaning routines, saving time and effort.
Enhanced aesthetics: A stylish kitchen creates a welcoming atmosphere for your family and guests.

Let’s explore these affordable kitchen ideas to transform your space into a room you’ll love:

Top Kitchen Updates

If you’re ready to make upgrades, here are the three top kitchen remodel ideas to do:

Upgrade to Modern Appliances

Give your kitchen an instant facelift by replacing old, outdated, or mismatched appliances with newer models. Look for appliances that make your life easier and can save you money, such as streak and smudge-resistant stainless steel and energy-efficient appliances.

New refrigerator, oven, and range hood are visible in a bright white kitchen.

Enhance the Look with a New Backsplash

Adding (or updating) a kitchen backsplash is an inexpensive way to add a pop of color and a focal point to the room. Not only will it protect your kitchen walls from food splatters, dirt, and other elements, but it’s also a great look that can be incorporated into any kitchen. Regardless, if your kitchen is modern, country, or rustic, you can find a backsplash to accentuate its look. Let your creativity be your guide – you can go trendy, timeless, or somewhere in the middle.

Replace or Refinish Cabinet Hardware

A simple way to add a sophisticated feel to your kitchen is to add or change cabinet hardware. For as little as a couple of dollars per fixture, you can give your kitchen an updated feel without breaking the bank. Here, too, you can have fun with whimsical knobs or pulls, something more classic, or contemporary. And if your style changes, these are easy to switch out.

Cost-Effective Updates vs. Major Renovations

Refacing Cabinets Instead of Replacing Them

Depending on the material you’d like to use and the number of cabinets you have in your kitchen, replacing your kitchen cabinets can cost well over $20,000. However, you can reface your cabinets for about half that price. Not only is it cheaper, but refacing takes a lot less time and saves you the hassle of having to rip your cabinets out. Sometimes even just a fresh coat of paint can freshen up your cabinets.

A homeowner looks at various finishes to choose from for refacing cabinets.

Creative Lighting Updates

Add lighting to key areas of your kitchen, such as above the stove, sink, island, and dinner table, for a dramatic impact. Under-the-counter lighting is highly desirable and great for illuminating counterwork surfaces. Spotlights and uplights are also fun additions. Pendant lighting has been a hot trend and one you can adapt to your own style and practical needs. They’re great to hang above an island or dining areas to add softer illumination. Dimmer switches add a customized touch, too, providing the ability to adjust lighting levels and set certain moods for different occasions.

Related: For more home improvement ideas, check out our blog.

Tips for Budget-Friendly Kitchen Remodel Ideas

Set a clear budget: Deciding on and sticking to a budget is key. It can be easy when making kitchen updates to have costs balloon out of control.
DIY when possible: If you’re handy and comfortable with DIY projects, you can save some money doing many simple updates. Even if you’re not DIY-inclined, doing the demolition work can be fun and is a great way to save on the overall cost of kitchen remodels.
Shop sales and discounts: Look to buy new kitchen appliances during holidays sales or off-season if possible. Use our guide to find the best times to buy appliances.
Repurpose and reuse: Some kitchen items can be used again so before you start a demolition, consider what might be repurposed; it can save money and reduce waste.

Learn more about how to plan a home renovation on a budget.

A Home Warranty Can Help Protect Your Home Budget

A home warranty is a smart way to protect your budget when major household appliances and home systems unexpectedly break. A warranty plan from First American Home Warranty is an annual service contract that covers home system and appliance breakdowns due to normal wear and tear. When you experience a breakdown to an item that’s covered by your plan, simply go online or call to file a claim. First American sends out a contractor to diagnose and fix the problem or replace the item. In many cases, the cost to you may be only the service fee. Learn more or get a quote today.

Adding a First American home warranty can also protect your home budget from costly repairs and replacements to the kitchen appliances you’ve purchased for your kitchen update, including the refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, oven, and many other appliances and systems.

FAQs About Making Kitchen Updates

What is the most affordable kitchen update?

Many experts say updating cabinets and kitchen hardware are among the most affordable, cost-effective ways to update your kitchen. Updating appliances and flooring are more expensive but make an immediate improvement in your space.

How long does a typical kitchen update take?

A kitchen remodel can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the project's scope and complexity. Just replacing cabinet doors and hardware could take a couple days, while gutting the space for a total overhaul could stretch into a couple of weeks.

Which updates have the highest ROI?

The best ROI (return on investment) for home improvements typically come from projects that add functional space or square footage, projects like additional bedrooms or bathrooms or a new kitchen. Luxury add-ons or unusual projects that aren’t typical for the neighborhood often don’t add value, according to Renofi, which advises homeowners with home renovations. Another source, realtor.com, offers the best and worst investments for kitchen remodels.

Can I update my kitchen on a tight budget?

Sure! From do-it-yourself projects to strategizing about which projects are worth the time and money, you can improve your space dramatically without breaking the bank. Research at the beginning of a project can save lots of money later.

More Resources and Kitchen Remodel Ideas

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.