15 Genius Low-Cost Kitchen Updates That Look Expensive

Trade in boring backless stools for interesting seating. Imagine how vanilla this incredible kitchen from HGTV’s Worst to First would feel without this mesmerizing quartet tucked into the island?

Look up! What do you see? If the answer is ho-hum big-box track lighting, you may want to ditch the dreary in favour of lighting that adds lustre to your kitchen. Be sure to match the vibe with your space. Go for unadorned, industrial pendants if it suits your cabinetry – or for a farmhouse feel, a rustic-look geometric piece is perfect.

Check out the 8 coolest lighting trends that will transform any room.

Walls are often an oversight in a kitchen – what with the cabinets, backsplash and lighting to think about. But if space permits, moulding is an excellent way to add inexpensive, architectural appeal to a kitchen. The custom wainscoting in this glam dining area imparts a serene textural feel.

Can a hood vent be exciting? You’ll be surprised to hear that the answer is yes! Check out these range hood designs for proof or have a gander at this kitchen designed by Fixer Upper‘s Joanna Gaines. The custom piece dovetails into the ceiling for a clean, contemporary look that doesn’t upstage the pretty backsplash or light fixtures.

A blast of blue and blingy brass handles in this modern country kitchen by the Property Brothers gets top style marks. Maybe it’s time to retire that white subway tile?

A single piece of unusual or off-kilter artwork can give a room tons of personality, tweaking it from boring to interesting. Here, a black-and-white photograph of a sheepish Stan Laurel draws the eye upwards.

See here for 15 graphic kitchens that double as art galleries.

Hardware, like jewellery, acts as a finishing touch to a kitchen, adding that extra special something. This sculptural brass faucet is an example. For a cohesive look, tie in other brass pieces, including cabinet pulls, a table lamp and pendants, like in this amazing derelict-barn-turned-cottage.

You don’t have to drop a mint to get sophisticated in the kitchen. Case in point: a simple, yet artful gold honeycomb wine holder that’s just one of the eye-catching pieces in this drop-dead gorgeous minimalist Toronto home.

A sprig of greenery in an artful vase is a welcome (and low cost) kitchen accent. For a compelling look, arrange the branches in varying heights.

Here are 15 ways to maximize your extra-narrow cooking space.

One of the easiest – and fastest – ways to instantly elevate your kitchen on the cheap is by swapping out the hardware. Aren’t these hammered metal knobs from Anthropologie stunners? At only $10 a pop, you can’t go wrong.

Is your sink looking worse for the wear? Change it up with something more dignified like a farmhouse sink. We like its timeless appeal in this inexpensive galley kitchen.

Buy yourself an island – no, not Tahiti. We’re talking a kitchen island with a substantial butcher’s block like this snazzy number from IKEA that features natural bamboo, two deep drawers and stainless steel shelves. Not only is it functional, it’ll add a finished look to your space. IKEA, $699.

The right textiles can dramatically improve a kitchen. Case in point: this lovely white kitchen by blogger Shauna Beltramo of The House of Silver Lining made lovelier by the addition of Roman blinds from Tonic Living.

Not everyone can afford an expensive kitchen – work with what you have. Dress your kitchen using tricks from a fashionista’s playbook, where you see pricy trousers paired with a funky thrift-store blouse. Pin up that botanical print and strange gardening tool you bought at the flea market because it had an interesting shape. Show off your collection of simple dishes in a glass cabinet. Eclectic spaces rule!

How fresh and fabulous is this kitchen? The snippet showcases the power of paint. Are your cupboards chipped or drab and dark? Colour-blocking is a great, inexpensive way to add pizzazz. The walls and shelf are painted in Annie Sloan’s Napoleonic blue, finished with their clear chalk paint wax. The cupboards are painted in French linen (also by Annie Sloan) and finished with clear chalk paint wax.