Filling a whole house with décor can be quite costly. Most homeowner’s budgets do not allow such an endeavor. If you can afford to renovate just one room of the house, the kitchen should be the top choice.

It is the main hub of activity in most homes, and draws a lot of attention. Before starting, look around the existing kitchen and see what can be done to add a modern twist to an older style. Using a bit of paint and some elbow grease can make the new kitchen warm and inviting everyone who walks through it. You’ll be surprised how much can be changed without needing to make any structural changes, or tear anything down.

Removing old wallpaper and replacing it with new paint, makes a huge difference. Choose warm colors to give the kitchen some pep, colors such as a pale green, soft peach, baby blue or even a golden.  If you’re feeling creative try sponging, glazing or even adding stucco to the paint.

Instead of buying new cabinets, re paint or re finish the ones already there. The same option applies to a wooden kitchen table and chairs. Adding some decals on the backs of the chairs, or the front of the cabinets will have everyone wondering where you got such great looking kitchen accessories. Cushions can be re-upholstered, or adding a few decorative pillows in the color scheme of your kitchen makes an impact too.

The largest impact, second only to the walls, is the floor. Laminate tiles or if you want very easy, peel and place tiles, can create a very dramatic look, for very low cost. It is also a very simple part of renovating, easily accomplished in one long weekend.

If your refrigerator and oven are the problem, there is PVC contact paper that creates a modern stainless steel look. Simple place these tiles down over the stove and fridge for a new appliance without the cost of one. This PVC paper can also be used on the current countertops, peel and placing right over the existing old counter.

There are many ways to save money, with a little creativity. These creative ideas cost only a very small portion of what it would otherwise be to redo the kitchen. This little cost also makes it easier to take on the project yourself, without risking expensive materials. Walking into the kitchen each morning for coffee, you’ll look around and feel proud.