If you feel like your kitchen is lacking and looking a little bit “glum” – you don’t have to spend a fortune to give it a whole new look. Kitchens are versatile spaces and are home to plenty of small details. Just as you would accessorize an outfit, a coffee table, or even your precious car – little elements can often create a whole new look and breathe some life into whatever project they’re involved in. If you’re on a limited budget or you’ve just got better things to spend your money on, you can get creative with decorative ideas and still end up with a fantastic finished product. Don’t let your kitchen suffer. If it’s looking tired – do something about it! Here are 5 inexpensive ways to spruce up your space:

1. Color! Adding color to a room is a great way to liven it up and give it a different look. If you don’t want to do a full scale paint job, you don’t have to. Paint the backsplash or add some colored cabinet hardware for little pops that will catch the eye and give your kitchen a “wow” factor without being too overwhelming. Adding subtle touches of color like this will be both inexpensive and easy (especially if you’re just getting into the wide world of home improvement) to accomplish.
2. Don’t Ignore the Floor! If your room is lacking in detail (or even color), but you’re looking for a really quick fix, don’t ignore the floor! Small throw rugs (think around the size of a bathroom floor rug) work great for areas like right in front of the sink and are available in tons of styles, colors, and even shapes.
3. Cabinet Makeover! If your cabinets are bringing your room down but you don’t have the budget to sustain a whole new set, a fresh coat of paint or a new stain can give them a totally different look. Painting cabinets black or white will give you a fresh, modern look and are easy to coordinate other accessories in the room to. The job is relatively easy, as well, and you can get creative with how you paint them. Add a pop of color on the inside to give your room an extra boost with detail.
4. Accessorize! You may not have space on your counters or floors for decorative accessories like plants or knick knacks but spaces in the kitchen that are usually left blank are the walls! Personalize your kitchen with framed photos of you and your family just as you would in the living or dining area. Chances are, many guests to your home pass through your kitchen area – so giving it that personalized touch is a great idea.
5. De-Clutter! A lot of times, a kitchen can get a tired look from being stuffed with too much stuff! If you’re suffering from stuffy kitchen syndrome – take a Saturday and work on decluttering your area and getting rid of things you don’t need. Minimize the items on your countertop and give everything a place. You’ll be amazed at how bright your kitchen can be when there isn’t “stuff” sitting around everywhere!

You don’t have to be a design expert to perform some of these simple projects. Get creative and picture what you’d like your finished product to look like. By keeping your budget in mind when you shop and plan – you’ll end up with a fantastic new space and a lively “like new” home.