What Can I do to my Kitchen for $1000?

Want to make an improvement to your home? Try starting with the kitchen.  Any upgrade made to your kitchen increases the overall value of your home (just try Googling "Kitchen Upgrades Add Value to Home" and see all articles that pop up!).  While upgrading your cabinetry adds the most value, not everyone has $10,000 for new, good quality cabinetry.  So what can you do with a fraction of that amount?  Check out some of these ideas, courtesy of Shine From Yahoo!, on how to update this room inexpensively:


1. Small Change
Instead of everything but the kitchen sink, how about just the kitchen sink? Replacing a dated faucet does wonders for overall style.

2. Surface Value
The whole kitchen will get a lift if you fit the island with a new marble or granite top. It’s far less expensive than refurbishing all the countertops, but adds a very high-end element to the kitchen.

3. Less Is More
Tiling an entire wall or backsplash can be a dollar-draining proposition. Instead, create a fancy medallion with clearance tiles that will pop on the existing wall color.

4. Soft Touch
Cover kitchen windows with basic cafe curtains instead of pricier blinds or layered treatments. A flounce or a valance up top and a half-curtain hung at the middle of the window frame is just enough for a kitchen.

5. Lighten Up
Adding new fixtures above an island or counter not only adds style, it improves lighting over key prep areas. Don’t be afraid to mix and match; just keep pieces unified with one consistent element, like a color or finish.

6. Quick Contemporary
Fake a modern makeover in three steps: Strip down old window treatments and leave windows bare, paint walls and woodwork a fresh trendy hue, and ditch stained wood barstools for plastic or metal seating.

7. Splash of Color
Try a focal wall painted in an unexpected hue to add a modern touch for under $20—you’ll only need a quart of paint! No-cost idea: Ask friends or neighbors if you can dip into their stashes of leftovers from their recent projects.

8. Bits & Pieces
Add color and texture with high-impact accessories. A new table runner, fruit bowl or set of countertop storage canisters can be an instant, low-commitment update.