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Even in Portland, kitchen remodeling can often end up costing a pretty penny. A full kitchen overhaul can include tearing out and replacing old cabinets, countertops, sinks, flooring, lights, and appliances, and all that work can really start to add up. If you’re like most Portland homeowners, you want the best value for your money, and you don’t want to sacrifice quality just because you’re on a budget. We understand, and that’s why we’ve put together a list of kitchen renovations that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. You’re welcome!

Paint

A new paint job can really liven up a kitchen for cheap. Pick a light, fun color that will life your spirits and get you in the food for all the delicious food you’ll be cooking. Before you paint, make sure you wash the walls and ceiling with trisodium phosphate solution. This will get rid of all the grime and make sure the paint adheres to the surfaces properly. You’ll also want to make sure you’re using a semigloss latex paint; these varieties are easier to wipe clean in case your kitchen activities get a little sloppy.

Lighting

The right lighting can dramatically improve any room of the house, and the kitchen is no exception. Dim fluorescents can dampen the mood of the kitchen, while energy-inefficient incandescents  burn out much too quickly (and soon won’t even be available for purchase in the US). Halogen bulbs, however, provide luxurious, energy-efficient light that allows you to see exactly what you’re doing – a very important part of cooking. Adding a dimmer switch or under-cabinet lighting to give you even more options.

Organizers

Sometimes all your kitchen needs is a little organization. If this is the case for you, cabinet and countertop organizers may be just what you need. These easy-to-use shelving solutions can include pot racks, utensil holders, pull-out trays, drawer organizers, and much more. If you have a small kitchen remodeling budget, spending a large chunk of it on organizers can be a very wise investment.

Cabinets

While it’s true that installing brand new cabinets in your kitchen can be a costly endeavor, there are many inexpensive ways to improve upon the cabinets you already have. Refacing or refinishing cabinet doors is an affordable alternative to replacement, and can yield the same results. If your doors are still structurally sound but look a little worn, they might do well with just a simple paint job.

Flooring

Unless you have a giant kitchen, installing new flooring can be a relatively inexpensive way to add a breath of fresh air to the room. Laminate flooring is a durable, attractive flooring material that is easy to install and costs very little. If you’re looking for a more natural flooring product, most hardwood flooring retailers offer varieties that have the appeal of real wood at an affordable price. Avoid tile flooring, however – it is harder to install and tends to cost a lot more than other flooring options.

We hope this post has given you a little food for thought when it comes to remodeling your Portland kitchen on a budget. If you have any questions, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!