Everyone would love to live in a home with a gorgeous, stylish kitchen. It is the space that most defines the home. But many people do not ever consider doing a kitchen remodel thanks to the prohibitive cost. Few would be comfortable spending tens of thousands of dollars, especially when there are other more urgent, competing household needs.

Fortunately, a stylish kitchen remodel does not have to mean breaking the bank. There are several ways you can update it within reasonable spending limits. The good thing is that minor to moderate kitchen upgrades often return about 90 percent of their cost or more when the home is sold. So any money, no matter how small, that goes into a kitchen remodel, is money well spent.

Here are some practical tips on how you can remodel your kitchen design on a budget:

Modular, Pre-Manufactured Cabinets

A new set of kitchen cabinets will cost you. Nevertheless, how much you spend will depend on the type of cabinet you choose. You could opt for custom kitchen cabinets to give your kitchen that unique look. Custom cabinets are however pricey and you are never really sure whether their high cost will translate to a similar rise in the value of your home.

A more financially prudent yet visually appealing alternative would be modular, pre-manufactured cabinet systems. You’d be forgiven if you think the terms modular and stylish are mutually exclusive. Yet modular cabinet systems have greatly improved over the years. Many are DIY so you can even eliminate the cost you’d otherwise incur contracting a third party to do the job of installing them. You may also enjoy free shipping on best online cabinets.

Ceramic, Laminate, And Solid Wood Countertops

Nobody would mind having a stone or granite kitchen countertop. However, the cost makes this an option that is beyond the reach of many homeowners. While engineered stone would cost less than these two, it is still quite pricey.

You can realize an almost similar air of sophistication with ceramic tiles. What is more, they come in a wide range of styles and colors, yet cost as little as a tenth of what you would spend on a stone countertop.

Laminate is another low cost, easy-to-install yet nice-to-look-at countertop. Solid wood kitchen countertops are a suitable alternative for the budget-conscious homeowner. They come in a variety of wood types and can be cut, sanded and treated as needed. They also have a warmth that is hard to achieve with other countertop options.

Functional Kitchen Appliances

What is the difference between a $3,000 refrigerator and a $1,000 one? Of course, other than the varying power of brand names, the more expensive refrigerator will have certain bells and whistles that apparently justify its much higher price. Yet, if you think about it, the difference in reliability and essential functionality between the two refrigerators is likely not that significant. The same applies to nearly all kitchen appliances.

Ergo, as opposed to splurging on the latest kitchen equipment, you can easily get by with going for functional, sturdy appliances that still look good. In any case, the flashier appliances also tend to be quite expensive to repair when they do breakdown. Make sure you check the warranty that covers the appliance just to be sure you have several years ahead of you where you won’t have to spend on any repairs.

Ceramic, Plastic Laminate, And Vinyl Flooring

Solid wood flooring has a classy feel. When it comes to the kitchen though, solid wood isn’t your best bet. Not only is it expensive but it also discolors fast, wears quickly, easily dents and is hard to clean when spills occur, a necessary evil in kitchens everywhere. Less expensive materials actually provide a much better return in the context of the rigors of everyday kitchen wear and tears.

Ceramic tiles for example resist stains, dents, moisture and wear much more effectively than solid wood does. Plastic laminate floors are one of the cheapest yet have proven to have better longevity in kitchens than wood. Vinyl floors are stain resistant, long wearing, easily installed and affordable. What is more, you can get vinyl floors that have the appearance of more expensive floor types like wood.

Lighting

Lighting is one of the easiest and fastest ways to transform the ambiance of a room. Lighting can define your style, set the mood and draw attention to the breathtaking architecture and artwork you have in your kitchen.

If you want to be a little adventurous, you can deploy different types of lighting to create an illusion of more space than there is. Treat each section of the kitchen as a different room and design the lighting accordingly. Of course, lighting the different spaces must be done in a way that maintains harmony and sticks to the central theme.

Pay attention to how the lighting affects the atmosphere at different times of the day especially when blended with natural illumination. Use recessed downlights for your kitchen worktops and islands to bring focus on the area.

Chairs

Chairs will not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a kitchen remodel. Yet, your choice of chairs can breathe life into the kitchen. They can set the tone, add a touch of color and accentuate your themes.

There is no specific rule that you must follow in mixing and matching kitchen furniture. Still, a basic principle is to ensure the chairs at the very least follow a similar design as your tables. This will keep things intentional even when they do not necessarily match with one another.

Though your budget might insinuate otherwise, your dream kitchen is always within reach. Apply these tips, make smart choices and you will be well on your way to creating an affordable kitchen that is always a pleasure to walk into.