Let’s be real here, being on a budget can be downright depressing sometimes. One of the best ways to boost your mood when the budget blues have got you down is to find clever ways to create the illusion of affluence without the hefty price tag.
From getting double mileage out of your cookware to creating that chic, stainless steel look at a fraction of the cost, read on to discover five clever tips to get your kitchen looking lavish on a budget.
1. Make Cookware a Feature
One thing every household should invest in is a quality set of cookware. Shiny new utensils will have you wanting to spend more time in the kitchen, making them a marvelous investment in the health and happiness of your family.
The best part is, you’ll be able to double up the benefits by using them as decorative features too. Displaying your new cookware on a stylish rack will turn these practical kitchen essentials into veritable works of art.
2. Add Artwork
Speaking of art, there’s no reason why more traditional versions of it shouldn’t find a home in your kitchen. While most people reserve paintings and photographic canvases for their living rooms and bedrooms, well-placed art can liven up your kitchen while also creating the illusion of more space. Artistic friends and local markets are your ideal source as you’ll be supporting up-and-coming creatives while also snagging yourself one-of-a-kind bargains that might become valuable someday.
3. Brushed Stainless Steel Without the Price Tag
It’s pretty much universally agreed upon that the brushed stainless steel look is about as chic as you can get in a modern kitchen. However, if you’ve ever shopped for kitchenware you’ll know that they’re always way more expensive than their less stylish but equally functional counterparts. Well, as it turns out, there’s a wonderfully sneaky way to have your cheap appliances and your stainless steel finish too! Head to your nearest hardware store and snag yourself a paint-on stainless steel finish. Just be sure to seek advice first as there are a few different kinds, and you want to be sure you get the right one for your appliances.
4. Hide Anything That’s Not Adding to the Look
When trying to improve a space, it’s easy to get caught up on what you need to add. However, it’s perhaps even more essential to examine what’s detracting from the vibe in your kitchen. The human mind seems to naturally detest clutter.
If you take some time to hide away small appliances and those random bits and bobs you use for cooking, you’ll see your kitchen transform before your eyes like magic.
5. Pick the Right Paint
Repainting a room can completely transform it; adding new life and freshness to the space. Chose the wrong colors, however, and you could end up stuck with a garish disaster. There is a subtle art to perfecting your kitchen paint choices. Generally speaking, you want your walls to be in light, neutral shades. This keeps the space light and airy, and adds a sense of freshness
and space. Cabinets, on the other hand, can look marvelous when painted in dark, ultra-matte shades like gunmetal grey or black. These tones add instant sophistication.
Being on a strict budget should never prevent you from having the kitchen of your dreams. If you invest in cookware that doubles as décor, add artwork, keep the clutter to a minimum and get crafty with your paint choices, you can create the illusion of opulence on a shoestring budget.
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