Budget-Friendly Kitchen Remodel: Steps 6 - 7

Remodeling your kitchen doesn’t have to break your bank if you know where to spend to get the biggest bang for your buck!  By updating key features and areas in your kitchen renovation and using some designer tips and tricks, you can achieve a more high-end look at a lower-end price.

More on How to Remodel Your Kitchen for $3,000 or Less 

6.  Install or Renew the Backsplash

The kitchen backsplash, which once primarily served a practical purpose, has become an important design feature - and often a focal point of the entire kitchen.  Stone tiles such as tumbled marble, or specialty handcrafted tiles can make a sophisticated and elegant design statement.  A specialty tile installation can also be quite pricey, depending on the size of the kitchen and the application area.  Consider these suggestions to add the WOW factor while keeping costs in check:

• Select a limited number of handcrafted or handpainted tiles you love.  (Pick something with broad appeal if you plan to sell your home within a few years).  Then select a more basic coordinating tile to use as the main field tile and create a pattern working in the more expensive tiles.  The eye will be drawn to the more expensive tiles you’ve worked into the design.
• Save money by installing the tiles yourself.  Installing a decorative tile backsplash requires an intermediate skill level, so don’t try it as your first do-it-yourself tile project.  Consider attending a DIY class at your local home improvement store. 
• For a classic look that is very much today, explore the stainless steel backsplash.  The panels, available in different patterns, are both affordable and easy to install.  They look fantastic against warm, cherry wood cabinets, and equally as good in a more contemporary setting with granite countertops.  
•  If you prefer a more distinctive, elegant look with a bit more antiquity, consider using a pressed tin ceiling tile backsplash.  They can be installed by the do-it-yourselfer over any wall surface with only a few materials needed.  Like stainless steel, the finish is impervious to stains and easy to keep clean. 
• If you’re looking for the most inexpensive way to create a kitchen backsplash, paint one on!  Create a faux tile backsplash - it’s easier than you might think.  For a more realistic look, pick up a stone-look tile you like, then select three or four paint colors you see in that tile.  You’ll need more of the background color (probably a quart).  For the other colors, buy small bottles of acrylic craft paint.  Apply a base coat of the background color which will also be the grout color.  Decide how wide you want your tiles (8 inches is a good size) and lightly mark a grid on the application area.  Use 1/4″ detailing tape to create grout lines.  Mix each of the remaining colors with glazing medium - 4 parts glaze to 1 part paint in small paint tray.  Dampen a natural sponge or rag (cloth baby diapers are great) with water and squeeze it out.  Lightly dab on the colors in layers letting some of each color show through.  Rinse out the rag or sponge between each color.  Strive to mimic the look of the stone tile; they tend to be slightly darker around the edges with some color variation from tile to tile.  When you are satisfied with the look, gently pull up the tape, and roll over a clear sealer to protect your work of art.

7.  Paint it Fresh

Paint remains one of the most cost-effective ways to change the whole look and feel of a room.  Select a new paint color for the remaining wall surfaces in your kitchen.  Consider the finish on your cabinets, your backsplash, flooring and other design elements in your decision.  But don’t be afraid to go with something bold and distinctive to increase the energy and excitement of your space.  Let food be your inspiration.  Activate those taste buds…what about the great color of the spices in your kitchen…curry, dry mustard, paprika, basil?  For a more neutral but rich look, think coffee latte.  See…doesn’t that sound delicious?  Paint the kitchen ceiling the lightest shade on the same sample card for a warmer, cozier feel in the room.

If you’re anxious about choosing color, visit the Behr web site and check out the feature “Paint Your Place.”  For a nominal annual fee, you can try an unlimited number of colors on actual photos you take of your own rooms.  No stress…just beautiful color.

Be sure to check back for the last three budget-friendly kitchen remodeling steps!

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