It’s true that the kitchen is the heart of the home. So of course, you want to make it a welcoming space that you truly enjoy. My kitchen just received a pretty major makeover and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Although I made some big updates in this space, I noticed a few of the less expensive changes that occurred drastically changed my kitchen. They were simple projects that didn’t require much money, just time.

Read Related: So You Think You’re Ready For A Kitchen Remodel?

If you are looking to update your kitchen on the cheap, here are three ways to make the most of your money.

1. Paint

One simple gallon of paint can completely change the look of a space. My kitchen went from builder-grade oak to a beautiful, modern gray. I will tell you the process of transforming these cabinets into this gorgeous color did take weeks. So this is not a quick project to tackle, but the cost is very affordable. I only spent about $100 in primer and paint. And as you can see…the results can be amazing.

2. Trim

My previous kitchen had empty space above the cabinets. To me, the only thing that area did was collect dust. I decided to fill it in with some wood molding and trim. This great weekend project only set me back about $100 as well. Depending on how many cabinets you have in your kitchen, your cost may vary. But this simple change not only gives a custom look to the cabinets, it also adds the illusion of height. And who doesn’t want their kitchen to look and feel bigger?

 

3. Hardware

I like to call this jewelry for the kitchen. For my remodel, I selected stainless steel pulls in four different lengths. My previous kitchen had no hardware which was a plus for me. I could install any style without worrying about previous holes. Kitchen hardware not only dresses up your doors it also helps save wear and tear on your newly painted cabinets. And the cost is rather inexpensive. The total for all my hardware was around $70. I also switched out all my outlet covers, which was another very inexpensive change that added some fun to the look.

Remember too, when updating your kitchen look, most projects you can do yourself. You’ll keep your labor costs low while also gaining a sense of accomplishment and possibly even a new skill.

Acquiring the kitchen of your dreams on a budget is possible. If you start with these three tips, I guarantee your kitchen is going to look amazing. And so will your wallet!