7 Cost-Effective Kitchen Upgrade Ideas

Many homeowners dream of having a new kitchen, but are overwhelmed by the price tag of a complete renovation. If you’re in the same boat, this blog is for you. 

Throughout this article, we’ll share affordable ideas for giving your kitchen a fresh look and feel. The best news? You can achieve this without completing an entire remodel or replacing your cabinets.

Want to learn more? Our kitchen page has everything you need to know about our kitchen remodeling and services.

Cost-Effective Kitchen Update Ideas

If you’re ready for a kitchen refresh without remodeling, here are seven budget-friendly, cost-effective ideas to get you started.

Appliances

New appliances can give your kitchen a fresh look. You don’t need to replace everything to get an updated feel. Consider this: do all of your current appliances match? Even just replacing a few so they look uniform will improve aesthetics.

Finding a package deal or swapping one to match the rest can make a big difference.

Average Cost

The average cost of a new kitchen appliance can vary depending on the type and quality. According to a 2025 appliance cost report, here are some average prices of new appliances this year.

Range Hood

If you are not ready to replace your stove but want to improve kitchen ventilation, look into a range hood. Many styles and materials exist, whether you’re looking for vented or non-vented. Stainless steel, copper, and other metals are currently popular materials. You can also explore options like wood, glass, or even plaster.

Average Cost

Installing a range hood costs between $100 and $600 on average.

Mobile Kitchen Island

Whether you call them mobile, movable, or portable islands, these islands on wheels can be repositioned inside your kitchen. This offers much more flexibility for food prep, cooking, and mealtime.

You’ll have plenty of options when it comes to mobile islands. Choose from various materials, like wood or stainless steel; colors such as natural wood, white, black, or vibrant hues; and different styles like rustic or modern. Mobile kitchen islands can be as simple as you want, or go for one with drawers or seating.

Average Cost

Mobile kitchen island prices vary significantly depending on size, material, and quality. On average, they cost between $150 and $2,000.

Paint the Walls

Say goodbye to gray and white kitchens. Embrace natural, earthy, or vivid hues and give your walls a fresh coat of paint. Complement your color choice with vibrant towels, canisters, or smaller appliances like your toaster.

Average Cost

It’s tough to price painting, since it depends on the square footage you hope to paint, the finish you would like, or whether the paint already has mixed wall primer. A gallon of paint can cover around 200 square feet, whereas the average coverage for a gallon of primer is 350 square feet.

This depends on your wall texture, the type of paint, and the color of your walls before you start the painting process. A gallon of paint can sometimes cover 350-400 square feet, or a 10-foot-by-10-foot room.

Materials and supplies can cost as little as $50 or as much as $500 to do a DIY project, depending on the amount of paint you need and the desired quality. Hiring a professional could cost an average of $300 for a room, up to $8,000 for a house, depending on the size.

Paint the Cabinets

Painting wooden cabinets is a quick and cost-effective way to update your kitchen. When done correctly, they can look new after cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting. White remains a popular cabinet color, but you could also consider dark colors like navy or black, or bold hues like sage green, teal, or sunflower yellow.

While you’re at it, try updating the hardware, too. Even this minor update can make a significant difference in the look and feel of your kitchen.

Note: You cannot paint plastic laminate and non-solid wood cabinets, like stainless steel or engineered wood.

Average Cost

Projects cost between $300 and $7,000, depending on the size of your kitchen, cabinet complexity, the type of paint used, and whether you need new materials like hardware or a sanding kit. If you do it yourself, expect to pay between $2 and $50 per piece for hardware, and $50-150 for individual gallons of paint. Professional painting or installation can cost up to $1,400.

Backsplash

Backsplashes are functional, shielding your kitchen from grease and food, but they are also stylish, adding a touch of personal flair to your space. Tile backsplashes, in particular, are versatile, easy to install, and cost-effective. Ceramic, porcelain, or glass tiles are easy to clean, and numerous designs are available. 

Average Cost: 

If you choose to DIY, expect to pay between $100 and $500, depending on the tiles you choose and the size of the area. If you hire a professional, you’ll likely pay between $10 to $20 per square foot for labor on top of the cost of the tiles. Prices can range between $400-$1500 for the average installation job.

Dry Bar

A dry bar is an in-home bar for preparing beverages. Historically used for alcohol, these days, anything goes, including coffee, tea, or cocoa. Dry bars are typically cost-effective since there is no plumbing work, sink, or dishwasher. Best of all, these can fit into small spaces, like corners or nooks.

Note:  If you have access to a water line, consider installing a wet bar with a sink, but expect to pay more.

Average Cost:

The average cost of a dry bar can vary greatly, depending on factors like materials, design, and size. For a bar area, prices could be around $400 to $1000. Prices will increase if you want special features like a mini fridge or bar fridge.

Other Kitchen Updates

The list of possible kitchen updates is nearly endless, but there are a few more items you might consider adding:

• Light fixtures
• Sink & faucet
• Artwork
• Throw rug
• Blinds, curtains, or valence
• Wallpaper
• Accessories, like canisters or tea kettles

Financing Your Kitchen Updates

Whether you choose a complete kitchen renovation or minor updates, know that there are many ways to finance a kitchen upgrade. Home equity loans, mortgage refinances, credit cards, and personal loans have unique advantages, so do your homework before committing to anything.

Many professional installation companies have relationships with financial lenders. At Kitchens by Oaks, we’ve partnered with financial providers to offer you financing options. We’re excited to offer “same as cash” financing, payment deferment periods, and competitive interest rates. We never want our customers to feel like they can’t have an updated kitchen or bathroom.

Kitchens by Oaks: Quality You Can Trust

From full-scale remodels to minor updates, Kitchens by Oaks is here to help. Book a complimentary consultation with one of our professional designers to get started today. We’ll discuss all aspects of your project so you can choose the best option for you and your home, including options for creating a kitchen update on a budget.

If you want a complete renovation, we are currently offering multiple discounts and promotions through July 2025!