Kitchen Updates Under $100 | Bryan Baeumler's Top 10

Many home renovation projects require a significant budget and can lead to weeks (or months!) of stress. Kitchens are an expensive room to overhaul and although most of us would love to design our dream cooking space, it’s not always feasible. However, there are a few kitchen updates that will refresh your space without breaking your budget. Read on for 10 easy kitchen updates that cost less than $100.

Bryan Baeumler is one of HGTV Canada’s go-to contractors and the host of Island of Bryan, Renovation Resort and Bryan’s All In. These are available to Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!

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Upgrade Outlet and Light Switch Covers

This may not seem like a huge kitchen upgrade, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover how updating old outlet and switch covers can greatly impact the overall look of your kitchen for a more seamless aesthetic.

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Add Wallpaper or a Stick-On Backsplash

Sarah would agree with me on this one: adding wallpaper, even to one wall, will instantly refresh your cooking space. Make sure the wallpaper you choose is vinyl or another durable material that can stand up to water. A stick-on backsplash is another cost-effective way to uplift your kitchen and also a smart idea to test the look of a specific design before committing.

Sleek, wood cutlery drawer stocked with brass cutlery

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Upgrade Cabinet Accessories

There are many aftermarket accessories available for kitchen cabinets that will make your cooking space more functional and organized. By adding cutlery drawer inserts or garbage pull outs, you’ll create a more user-friendly kitchen overnight.

Grey kitchen cabinets with gold hardware

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Add Decorative Mouldings to Cabinetry Doors

Installing new cabinets is costly, so by adding decoration to your cabinet doors (or gables/exhaust enclosures) you’ll change their look without spending a fortune. Decorative mouldings are becoming increasingly popular and can really alter the look of your kitchen.

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Create Open Shelving

Open shelving is common in modern kitchens and immediately opens up a space. If you don’t currently have the space, simply remove a cabinet door or an upper cabinet and install open shelving in its place. It’s important to know what you’re doing, so seek expert advice if you don’t!

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Put Lights on a Dimmer

Lighting can completely alter the look of a room and this isn’t always a matter of changing fixtures. By being able to control the level of lighting in your kitchen, you’ll create better ambience when entertaining. Do this by simply swapping your light switches for dimmers.

Modern kitchen with wood backsplash, white cabinets and sleek black hardware

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Update Cabinet Hardware

Hardware is an integral part of the design of your cooking space and by switching out old knobs and handles, you’ll bring a more stylish and modern look to the room. If changing your hardware is too expensive, consider spray-painting your existing hardware.

Bright kitchen with white cabinets and two cabinet doors with clear glass

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Create a Feature Door Front

Another clever and low-cost way to upgrade your cooking quarters? Replace the solid centres of the cabinet doors. By adding glass, tin or a metal detail, you can completely transform the space.

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Add Architectural Details to Islands

Intricate toe kick and/or kitchen island leg designs will add more class and interest to your cooking space. This can be achieved without much work or money and will greatly impact your kitchen’s style.

Kitchen with green cabinets and gold hardware

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Paint Cabinets

There are so many great options to paint your cabinets without breaking the bank. Changing the colour and/or finish is often enough to create your dream kitchen. It’s not a difficult job and can be done in a short amount of time.