Amazing Budget Kitchen Makeovers That Cost Less Than $5,000

New countertops, flooring, and paint transformed this kitchen on a budget. A two-tone paint job refreshed the cabinetry, while patterned porcelain tile replaced the old laminate flooring. Swapping a few of the upper cabinets for open shelving gave the whole room an airier feel.

Instead of replacing the busy glass tile backsplash, the homeowners painted over it with a clean coat of white for a budget-friendly update. They thoroughly covered both the tiles and grout with oil-base primer and latex paint to ensure a smooth finish. The old laminate countertops were swapped for butcher block, a budget-friendly material.

An apron-front sink made it easier to install the new countertops since there was no sink cutout required. A new matte black faucet upgrades the look and ties in with the charcoal hue on the lower cabinetry. The existing metal pulls were reinstalled after the cabinets were painted.

The original kitchen in this home featured new kitchen cabinetry, appliances, and counters, but it lacked the finishing details to really make the space shine. To fill an awkward space between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling, the homeowners installed upside-down baseboard trim topped with chunky crown molding. A movable cart offers a flexible workspace and extra storage.

Total cost (excluding labor): $2,555

The combination of a slide-in range and a wall oven-microwave unit offers plenty of cooking and baking power, especially useful for entertaining and hosting guests. A new cutting board next to the range was made from butcher block leftover from an earlier project. New cabinet hardware upgraded the look of the existing beaded-board cabinets.

With a few smart additions, the homeowners updated the sink area at minimal cost. The builder-grade sink and faucet were replaced with more upscale models. A new windowsill and a mosaic tile backsplash add style. The space was finished with a copper pendant light, a lucky flea market find.

In one corner of the kitchen, a standard closet became an efficient pantry. A shelving system from a closet company proved cost-effective, although the homeowners built their own wine racks to save money. Classic white penny tile replaced old linoleum flooring, setting a stylish foundation for the storage area.

A collection of unexpected accents and salvaged finds brings a playful style to this Massachusetts kitchen. Although the homeowners purchased a new dishwasher and range, they kept all the kitchen appliances in the same place to save money. The backsplash along this wall was created from a $10 roll of roofing aluminum that the homeowners distressed. An old chalkboard and a vintage carnival wheel add a whimsical feel to the cooking zone.

Total cost (excluding labor): $2,940

To create the eye-catching kitchen island, inexpensive stainless-steel cabinets were arranged back-to-back and topped with refinished floor joists, reclaimed from a 200-year-old factory. The cabinet hardware was painted the same bold red as the walls; the vibrant red hue helps set the kitchen's lively mood. Stylish Roman shades for the windows finish off the kitchen's look.

To create additional seating, an eating counter was installed beneath the kitchen's two windows. It's constructed from floor joists held up by antique brackets found in the home's basement. Retro barstools enhance the room's fun, easygoing style.

In this kitchen remodel, a dated country-style space gained a new seaside cottage aesthetic. By retaining the original layout and kitchen cabinetry (only doors were replaced), there was room in the budget for a couple of splurges: marble countertops and a beaded-board ceiling. The Carrara marble countertops, which replaced old laminate countertops, give the room a new, upscale charm. To cut down on costs, the homeowners installed the countertops themselves.

Total cost (excluding labor): $4,991

An old table brought up from the basement now serves as the kitchen island. Aqua paint, glass cabinet hardware, and a new soapstone countertop helped transform the furniture piece into a focal point of the design. The island's open shelf offers a handy perch for large pots or decorative items.

The kitchen's color palette of cool white, light aqua, and blue-gray complements the home's seaside location and promises long-lasting style. New glass fronts on kitchen cabinets flanking the sink add to the room's airy feel, while a chandelier purchased at a home center brings a touch of elegance to the clean-up zone. The practical stainless-steel sink is a holdover from the original kitchen.

A clever mix of repurposed items brings a fun, vibrant style to this hardworking cooking zone and cozy eating area. A variety of stock cabinets, salvaged bins, and secondhand drawers were combined to form the storage-packed kitchen island. In the eating area, a retro-style table and chairs were refreshed with paint. The chairs were given a softer look with slipcovers sewn from drop cloths.

Total cost (excluding labor): $2,160

All of the kitchen cabinets were found at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which sells new and gently used building materials to generate funds for low-income housing. Although the cabinets were in different styles, the mismatched set was unified with blue paint. To hide inconsistencies, you can also add molding at the top or bottom of the cabinets.

A mix of kitchen cabinets and open shelving adds interest to the primary storage wall and accommodates varied storage needs. To conceal the lower portion of an open shelf unit, a fabric panel was suspended from a swing-arm bar. (Another bar at the bottom keeps the fabric taut.) The striped fabric lends colorful personality and hides less-attractive items.

For this kitchen remodel on a budget, vintage pieces are used as cabinets and innovative storage elements. Repurposed from a collection of antiques, the items added unique charm and greatly reduced the overall budget. Instead of upper cabinets, decorative items and artwork hang on the walls, bringing a comfortable vibe to the cooking space.

Total cost (excluding labor): $3,528

A freestanding cabinet adapted from an old French wire wine cage stands next to the new refrigerator. Open shelving added to the base of the unit offers convenient storage space for heavy bakeware and other large items. A distressed cabinet once used in a shop in France now serves as a unique kitchen island.

A new dishwasher hides on the interior side of the furniture-style kitchen island. To save on plumbing costs, the sink was kept in its original location. The drop-in stainless-steel sink, an economical option, sits directly on the countertop.

With a functional L-shape layout and a serviceable island, this kitchen already had the framework of an efficient cooking zone; it just needed an update. To transform the kitchen on a budget, the upper cabinets were refaced and new base cabinets were installed. Upgraded appliances helped make the kitchen more functional. White cabinets, vintage cabinet hardware, and butcher-block countertops combine to create an inviting cottage-style space.

Total cost (excluding labor): $4,328

An apron-front sink sets the room's vintage tone; plus, it's deep and wide enough to accommodate large pots and pans. The nickel faucet with traditional cross handles was a bargain find. An old window and a decorative shelf for display enhance the clean-up zone's charm.

A coat of paint, new cabinet hardware, beaded-board paneling, and a butcher-block countertop give the kitchen island a fresh look. Beaded-board panels also lend vintage style to the breakfast nook in the kitchen's far corner. A built-in bench, a circular table, and a pair of cafe chairs bring dining room functionality to the small space.

Old-fashioned details infuse this kitchen design with custom character. Metal-rimmed labels on cabinet doors, for example, lend vintage appeal and help identify some of the cabinetry's contents. Similarly, a gathered fabric panel under the sink conceals clutter and enhances the room's cottage vibe.