Is it really possible to improve your kitchen’s look for about the cost of a gourmet dinner with the family?

Obviously, you’re not going to be able to do anything major, such as replace the cabinets within that budget. But there are many surprisingly low-budget ways to spruce up the kitchen. Here are a few ideas: 

• Do you have old cabinets? You’d be surprised how much newer they can look simply by replacing the knobs and/or handles. Pick a colour that blends, rather than contrasts, with the cabinets. 

• Does your sink have a few stains? That’s not unusual! There are special cleaning products available to get out the toughest stains without damaging or scratching the sink’s finish. 

• Lighting can have an enormous impact on the look and feel of a space, particularly the kitchen. Experiment with new lighting ideas. Try different bulb wattages and choose the right color that is the closest to natural light, like 2700 or 3000 kelvins. Consider a new lighting fixture that looks good and distributes the light more pleasantly. 

• Often you don’t need to upgrade anything – you just need to do a little redecorating. Consider new window coverings like shades that give you privacy but still let the light in. Declutter to create a greater sense of space. Play with such design touches as placing trendy cookbooks on the counter, adding a plant, or putting an attractive fruit basket on the counter. 

Sure, depending on your choices, some of these ideas may cost you more than a few hundred dolars. However, any of these low-budget improvements can make your kitchen look considerably more attractive. 

You’ll notice the difference. And, if you’re selling, so will buyers.