5 Stylish Kitchen Upgrades You Can Do on a Budget

Published on Aug. 04, 2025

If you're searching for stylish kitchen upgrades you can do on a budget, look no further. We've got great ideas to get you started.

When it comes time to look for ways to renovate or spruce up your house, the kitchen is an important room to prioritize. It’s the heart of your home, and it’s a space that needs to be functional above all. Fortunately, there are plenty of stylish kitchen upgrades you can do on a budget.

We rounded up some of our favorite options that are both affordable and low-effort, meaning you can do most of this list in a weekend- or faster if you’ve already got your design in mind and know what materials you want to use. You’ll probably be surprised at just how easy it is to change up the look of your kitchen with just a few simple swaps. You absolutely can break out the paint and coat the room in a whole new color, but our suggestions are even easier than a paint job!

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Swap Out Light Fixtures

One of the easiest kitchen upgrades you can do on a budget is updating your light fixtures. If you are still using older lighting- especially ugly fluorescent tubes- in your kitchen, consider installing new lighting fixtures for a low-cost project that can make a big difference. Your kitchen may look very different under brighter hanging lights!

Plus, today’s hanging light fixtures come in a vast number of shapes, sizes and styles, making them an ideal option for adding personality to your kitchen. Consider lower hanging lights, floodlights and sconces for particularly dark areas of your kitchen. LED lights are expensive but save the most energy and tend to last a long time.

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wooden cupboard closeup — zhudifeng/Getty Images

Replace Hardware

Take a look at your handles and knobs. If they are showing their age, consider picking up a new set and installing them. You may be surprised by how much difference new hardware can make in your kitchen. An old drawer can look new again with a sleek, clean handle. Even sink fixtures like faucets are usually quite affordable and easy enough to switch out for a quick renovation.

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Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Tiles

The recent influx of peel-and-stick tiles to the market has provided homeowners with the look and feel of luxury tile for a fraction of the cost. That makes them an excellent option if you’re selecting materials for stylish kitchen upgrades you can do on a budget. The application is as simple as peel and stick! Plus, these tiles can be installed over existing tile and many other surfaces, making them an easy way to boost the value of your home.

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wooden countertop in kitchen — asbe/Getty Images

Wood Countertops

The long-favored material of butchers and bar owners, wood is right at home in any residential kitchen or bathroom. Wood countertops, particularly the thick butcher-block style, are a great addition to remodeled kitchens and require minimal maintenance. While it can be difficult to repair scratches in laminate and natural stone, you can sand and refinish wood as necessary. This makes it a long-lasting, inexpensive solution.

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installing ceiling molding — yunava1/Getty Images

Add Molding

Finally, if you’re looking for stylish kitchen upgrades you can do on a budget that add character to your wall, we’ve got you covered. If your kitchen walls are bare besides the occasional artwork, consider adding molding to the baseboard, chair rail or ceiling. “It doesn’t even have to be a gaudy, Victorian-style molding—a simple and single-shape, single-depth piece of molding will do the trick,” says interior designer Erica Leigh Reiner, owner of E. Leigh Designs.