How to cheaply renovate your kitchen yourself? Review +Video

How to make a cheap kitchen look expensive? Often you have to do renovations when the budget is very limited, so we suggest you look at how to renovate your kitchen cheaply and cheerfully, and we will also show you the process in the photo. It is worth understanding that it is unlikely that you will be able to create a major transformation of the space, but inexpensive does not mean that the result will be of poor quality. Even with a small amount for renovation work in the kitchen, you can choose the best options for materials in terms of price-quality ratio,
...and also add details to the interior that will create a “wow” effect.

What does budget kitchen mean?

Many people mistakenly believe that budget kitchens are low-quality furniture that looks outdated and is suitable for country houses or rented apartments. In fact, in appearance, products of this type are almost as good as more expensive ones. But due to some solutions, manufacturers reduce production costs, which allows them to offer an attractive price.

Main features of budget kitchens:

1. Chipboard is most often used as a manufacturing material. In terms of strength and durability, this solution meets established standards; most often, problems arise with the outer coating, which imitates the structure of different materials. Often it begins to wear out after a few years, which greatly deteriorates the appearance of the kitchen. MDF is less common, as its price is higher.
2. The furniture sets are small in size and functionality is limited. In them you will not find modern cargo systems, hinges with closers and other convenient additions, since they are very expensive. But you can install them yourself if you wish.
3. Most often, the product design is standard; it is not individually designed furniture for a specific room. Mass production allows you to significantly reduce the price, but there may be problems with fitting it to the kitchen; you will have to think about how best to arrange the furniture so that it looks good.

By the way!

The manufacturer also matters - the more famous it is, the higher the price. But products from small companies will be noticeably cheaper with comparable quality.

Cover an old countertop with tiles or mosaics

Usually, even with a budget kitchen renovation, the countertop is replaced with a new one. After all, the cost of laminated chipboard countertops is quite low. But if you don’t want to remove and remove the old surface, and then bring in and install a new one, there is a way out. A countertop that has lost its appearance can be covered with tiles or mosaics. Yes, it's not exactly cheap, but it's pretty fast. And you can buy the simplest tiles to solve this problem, on sale (leftovers).

If the leftovers are different, it’s okay. Combined cladding is quite acceptable.

Choosing a kitchen style

There are many options here, so it will not be difficult to choose a kitchen design on a budget and with taste for any room. You should proceed not only from current trends, but also from your own preferences. Create a comfortable environment for yourself in which you will be pleasant and comfortable to be.

Most often they choose from the following directions:

1. Classics never go out of fashion and are used by those who are conservative in their preferences and choose a restrained and at the same time cozy style. The decor can be enlivened by an original chandelier; the design colors are selected from natural ones; most often the furniture imitates the structure of wood or stone.
2. Scandinavian style is ideal for kitchens with an area of ​​10 meters or less. White is most often chosen as the main color, which fills the space with light. Wood texture and textile additions are widely used. Simplicity and functionality are the main factors that should be adhered to when choosing specific solutions.
3. American style is a combination of classics and minimalism. Paneled kitchen facades, retro-style plumbing fixtures, light and pastel colors in the design. If possible, the space is divided into several zones; brick-like tiles are most suitable for finishing the apron.
4. Art Deco. A direction that creates a mood of luxury even when using inexpensive materials. He is characterized by a certain pretentiousness and ostentatious respectability. Contrasting color combinations are used, for example black and white, and furniture with catchy, sparkling facades is selected.
5. Provence - an unusually cozy kitchen can be decorated in this style. The texture of natural wood is widely used; light and pastel colors are suitable. Natural textiles, porcelain, artificially aged decor and furniture that looks worn by time - all this creates a unique mood of the French province.
6. High-tech is a futuristic modern trend, the leitmotif of which is convenience and functionality. No decor, only the necessary elements. Steel facades, modern materials, spectacular lighting are the characteristic features of the style.
7. Loft is a popular trend that combines the comfort of a small kitchen and industrial elements. Brick or even concrete, which is simply coated with a protective compound, is suitable for finishing. You can also use various metal elements and wood.

By the way!

If you think through the concept in advance and stick to it, then even at low cost you can decorate your kitchen in style.

Decorate the interior

Decorative little things turn the kitchen into a cute, cozy nest. Minimalism is good in an expensive interpretation, but the old interior needs to be properly decorated - new design elements will draw a significant part of the attention from old surfaces and shabby objects.

There will be wall decorations that hide old decoration (paintings, posters, mirrors), baskets and storage boxes, and living plants (visually refreshing the decor). However, don't overdo it! Don't let the decor clutter your kitchen.

Design of a small kitchen with an apron: budget-friendly and tasteful

In a small room, a kitchen apron can become the main design element that sets the mood for the entire setting. Therefore, you need to take a responsible approach to choosing its color, texture, size and other features. It is important to decide on other aspects that affect the final result.

Kitchen 9 sq.m: what it can be

First of all, you need to remember that for small rooms it is advisable to use light colors, as they visually expand the space. The type of surface also matters: glossy reflects light much better than matte. As for the interior features, the following techniques are most often used:

1. Linear arrangement of furniture is suitable for elongated kitchens in which you need to allocate space for the dining area. In this case, most often all the elements are located along one of the long sides. It is very important to carefully consider every detail to ensure maximum functionality and attractive appearance.
2. You can arrange furniture on both sides, and most often it occupies not all, but about half of the room. The second part is freed up for the dining area, which is important for a large family or when installing a soft kitchen set. There may be different layout options, it all depends on the location of the doors and windows.
3. The U-shaped arrangement is suitable for rooms where a large number of household appliances are installed and you need to create a comfortable workspace. In this case, most often the dining area is located in the living room, since there is no room left for it in the small kitchen. Although sometimes one of the sides is made in the form of a bar counter, this results in a compact place for eating.
4. You can use an extended window sill as a dining table, thereby saving space. In this case, it is important to correctly calculate its size; sometimes for reliability it is necessary to place a support under it.
5. To design a kitchen apron, it is best to use rectangular tiles, which are positioned horizontally or diagonally. An excellent solution is an apron up to the ceiling; it looks stylish and makes a small kitchen look larger.
6. Particular attention should be paid to lighting. Firstly, think over the light for each functional area separately, and secondly, you can use reflected lighting to give the room volume. Finally, built-in lighting of furniture or cabinets from the inside (if there is glass in the facades) gives the decor a modern look.

Advice!

Do not buy household appliances that are too massive - decide on the optimal size and do not exceed it.

Kitchen 12 sq.m.: photo

Despite the fact that the difference is 3 sq. m seems small, a kitchen of this size is much more convenient than a nine-meter one and allows you to realize more ideas. When planning your environment, keep a few helpful tips in mind:

1. Try to use mostly light colors. The overall ratio with dark surfaces should be no less than 2:1. At the same time, it is better to make the floor darker; it visually enlarges the room without having a negative impact on perception.
2. In this case, the layout options listed above are also suitable, but others are also allowed. For example, C-shaped with an asymmetrical arrangement of furniture on three sides. Another interesting solution is an island in the form of a table with a sink in the middle. It can be either small if it is used exclusively for cooking, or quite large when combined with a dining area.
3. Consider the peculiarities of using the kitchen. If you cook a lot and often on it, you should pay attention to convenience and functionality, carefully considering the placement of each element. And when people drink coffee in the morning and cook occasionally, you can pay more attention to appearance or create a cozy place to relax.
4. If the room is combined with a balcony, they are often combined by completely removing the partition or leaving part and installing a tabletop or bar counter. At the same time, a convenient niche appears, which is most often used for a soft corner or a cozy dining area along the window.
5. It is very important to illuminate functional areas, use cool shades to ensure good visibility and make food preparation easier. Also consider decorative lighting to highlight certain areas and make the room appear larger.

One of the most voluminous elements in any kitchen is the refrigerator, so its location, size and color should be thought out in advance. An excellent solution is built-in models; they are closed with a facade, which makes the kitchen much more modern and attractive.

Introduce bright accents

Colored elements will make even the most gloomy kitchen more lively, modern and cheerful. However, it is important to avoid chaos and excessive diversity. Accents should be one or two colors. The number of bright details should also be limited. Everything is good in moderation.

In the photo: the tiles on the walls and floor were painted, the facades were painted, the fittings were replaced, and accents were added. The kitchen looks completely new.

Design options for budget corner kitchens

The corner layout is more suitable for rectangular rooms. It has a number of advantages - accessibility of all elements of the work area, compact arrangement of storage compartments, and the ability to install a large sink in the corner.

As for design options, one of the following solutions is most often used:

1. L-shaped arrangement, when the furniture stands along two adjacent walls. Usually a refrigerator is placed on one side; the remaining elements can be arranged in different ways. If there is a window in one of the walls, it is worth considering how to organically fit it into the surroundings; in this case, a window sill is most often not installed at all.
2. Corner option with a peninsula, when a small protrusion is made on one side. It can be used both for storing or preparing food, and as a relaxation area. For example, a counter and bar stools are placed there so you can have a snack or drink coffee in the morning. Often a sink or electric stove with oven is placed on the peninsula.
3. Corner location with island. More suitable for rooms with an area of ​​12 square meters. m. An island can perform different functions, there are a lot of solutions, so it’s worth exploring modern ideas - there are plenty of photos and videos on the Internet. In this case, large-scale redevelopment with the transfer of communications is often required, which is not always convenient and requires large expenses.
4. Corner kitchen with bar counter. In this case, dining and working areas are combined; most often they have different heights, but are made in the same style. It is very convenient if there is a large window on one of the walls or when the partition between the balcony and the kitchen is partially dismantled.

There are so many examples that it is not necessary to be a designer. The main thing is to take your time and look through as many interesting ideas as possible to find the perfect one.

Ceiling finishing

For the ceiling in the kitchen, suspended ceilings, either plasterboard, or simply painting are suitable. Ceiling boards can also be used.

When painting the ceiling, it is better to use moisture-resistant materials. Water emulsion is suitable here. For a smooth ceiling you won't need anything other than a roller and paint. Painting must be done at least 2 times: lengthwise and crosswise.

If the ceiling is uneven, then you can level it in the following way: rinse it thoroughly, apply a primer, and then putty. Walk over the dry surface with sandpaper.

How to choose the right façade for the kitchen: types

In the budget segment, the choice is not so wide, since expensive wood and many other modern solutions cannot be used. But there are many varieties that look great and are inexpensive:

1. Laminated MDF and chipboard are a budget type of coating that can imitate any material. But the film wears out over time, becomes cloudy when overheated, and if the sun constantly shines on it, it fades.
2. Painted MDF is a modern look that is attractive. The choice of colors is huge, the surface is smooth and shiny. But the most important thing is that if necessary, the facades can be repainted.
3. Veneered chipboard or MDF. It looks like wood, since the surface is covered with a thin layer of wood, most often noble species. The main thing is to properly care for the furniture so as not to damage the top layer.
4. Chipboard or MDF with plastic coating. Another modern solution that is inexpensive and looks attractive.
5. Chipboard with acrylic coating. An improved film with a thickness of 2 mm, which is not afraid of temperature changes and is much more resistant to scratches.

Each type of facade coating has its pros and cons. In addition, the quality of workmanship is of great importance; if it is low, then the appearance will not be the best and the service life will be short.

Change handles

The fittings seem like a small thing, but very important. New modern handles will give the old set a much more modern look.

In the interior of one kitchen, you can apply several renovation options at once. For example: remove half of the upper cabinets by hanging shelves; remove half of the lower facades, replacing them with curtains; Paint the remaining doors, bottom and top.

Materials for decorating an apron

If a budget renovation is being done, the cost of the splashback can be one of the highest. But you can also use cheap materials that will provide good results at low cost:

1. Ceramics. You can find inexpensive tiles, for example, substandard ones - for the work area, ideal geometry is not as important as for walls or floors.
2. MDF panels. Special elements can imitate any material, while they are easy to install and inexpensive.
3. Glass. If you can’t afford the skins, you can use ordinary glass, on the back of which any image on the film is glued.
4. Plastic panels. There are special options for a kitchen apron, and this is the most economical solution that will cost less than others.
5. Laminate. You can use leftovers or buy 2 sq. m and just stick them on the wall.
6. Paint for chalkboards. If you level the surface and apply this paint, you will get a very stylish and modern apron.

Advice!

Don't be afraid of unusual ideas. For example, wine corks, fragments of dishes or mosaic tiles, river or sea pebbles, etc.

Remove the fronts of the lower cabinets by covering them with curtains

The use of “skirts” instead of doors is typical not only for country and rustic, but also for modern design (including loft).

Disadvantages of cheap furniture in the kitchen

Inexpensive furniture has characteristic disadvantages that are inherent in almost all options. Be sure to take them into account:

1. Care is required in operation. Temperature changes, high humidity, splashes of grease or oil - all this can damage a cheap coating and ruin its appearance.
2. Requirement for care. It is important to constantly keep surfaces clean using gentle detergents.
3. Short service life. This is the main disadvantage, since inexpensive furniture may look very good at first, but after just a couple of years the appearance deteriorates and nothing can be done about it.
4. Not very high strength. This is especially true for chipboards - under impacts and loads, the boards crack and the fasteners are torn out. And due to moisture, the material can simply swell.

Decorating a kitchen at low cost is not difficult if you choose the right idea in advance. Remember that mass-produced furniture is several times cheaper than custom-made furniture. If you position it correctly and design the walls, floor and ceiling so that they fit perfectly with the set, the result will be excellent.

Remove the fronts from the upper cabinets, leaving them open

If the doors are really bad, and the frames are still nothing, only “boxes” can be left from the cabinets. This is a very current option - even new kitchens are sometimes ordered in a similar design.

The interior surfaces of the cabinets can also be painted or wallpapered.

Do not block ventilation

Ventilation grille with an outlet for the pipe from the hood / djekill2007 / Depositphotos
It happens that when installing the hood, the ventilation hole is completely closed. This cannot be done, especially if a gas stove or gas water heater is installed in the kitchen - in the event of a leak, the gas will accumulate in the apartment and not escape through the ventilation.

To install the hood correctly, you will need a special ventilation grill. In it, half of the area is occupied by space for the pipe, and another half by holes for ventilation.

The final stage of renovation - we install furniture and kitchen equipment

When studying information on how to make beautiful renovations in the kitchen, do not forget about the proper arrangement of furniture and equipment. We are accustomed to the fact that all interior elements are located along the walls. Today, designers propose making full use of the window sill. It can become an extension of the dining table or a neat sofa with a beautiful view.

When the kitchen is very miniature, the furniture will take up all the space near the walls. In such a situation, the dining room should be placed in another room. In order for the set to completely match the configuration of the walls, it is worth making it to order. The external design of the furniture must fully correspond to the chosen interior.

Having properly planned your actions, following the established procedure, it will be quite simple to cope with the planned volume. Be inspired by the best examples of designers, clearly describe each step, and success will be yours.

Use the working triangle rule

“Work triangle” in a large kitchen with a sink in the island / Pixabay
When planning a kitchen, use the “work triangle” rule. It was invented to reduce unnecessary movements during cooking.

The vertices of the “triangle” are the refrigerator, sink and stove. Usually they are placed in this order because of the sequence of actions: they took out the food, washed it, and cooked it.

Between the nearest vertices of the “working triangle” a distance of no less than 1.3 m and no more than 2.3 m is left. The area of ​​the entire zone should not exceed 5–7 m². With more space, cooking scrambled eggs for breakfast will turn into a full-fledged workout. And if you place the refrigerator, sink and stove too close, there will not be enough free working space - this is also inconvenient.

Choose reliable flooring

Even light tiles on the kitchen floor are better than laminate / Pixabay
In the kitchen, something constantly falls and spills on the floor. Therefore, the coating should be resistant to mechanical stress, it should not be afraid of water and lose its appearance due to frequent cleaning.

Suitable for the kitchen floor:

• ceramic tile;
• porcelain stoneware;
• linoleum;
• quartz-vinyl tiles;
• self-leveling epoxy floor.

Linoleum is the most budget material. For the kitchen, options of 32–42 wear resistance classes are suitable. Such linoleum has an average price of 500–700 rubles per m² and lasts 10–15 years.

Quartz-vinyl tiles are stronger and more durable than linoleum - the service life is at least 15 years. For the kitchen they choose quartz vinyl of wear resistance classes 32–42, this costs from 800 rubles per m².

Ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles and self-leveling epoxy flooring are the most durable options. Their service life is calculated in decades. But they are recommended less often for the kitchen than quartz-vinyl and linoleum: such coatings are hard, so the dishes break when they fall. Prices for tiles and porcelain tiles start from 250 rubles per m², but installation is expensive - from 800 rubles per m². The cost of an epoxy floor also includes the labor fee; prices start from 2,000 rubles per m².

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