Inexpensive Kitchen Remodeling Ideas | eHow

You can have your kitchen cabinets refaced by a professional service, or you can do it yourself. Shop around for the best price on cabinet facing material and arm yourself with a thorough knowledge of how to do a professional looking job. There are books available on the subject, but your best bet may be to call your local home improvement center to ask about classes.

There's no shame in not having money for those new cabinets you've been dreaming of. Consider painting them instead. Take the time to prepare the cabinets for painting by cleaning their surfaces of grease and dirt that need to be thoroughly removed. After the cabinets are completely clean, you've got a good surface upon which to add some color.

While you have that paint brush out, apply a fresh coat of paint to the walls and ceilings. It's inexpensive but makes a powerful statement. Your kitchen will seem larger, cleaner and more inviting.

New lighting can make a kitchen look larger, warmer and cleaner. It's a small way to make a big impact.

In less than one afternoon you can install new molding in your kitchen. It provides a quick face lift and helps customize your home.

Refinish dingy floors or think about replacing your current flooring with a sleekly tiled surface. Home improvement centers regularly conduct classes designed to teach you the basics of tile installation. As an added bonus, there is a tile style that fits all budgets. Make sure you choose a tile style and color that you enjoy because it's going to be a fixture in your kitchen for a very long time.

Given the cost of new appliances, think about having your current appliances refinished. There are refinishing companies that can do the job for you at a fraction of the cost of new appliances. Bright, shiny appliances equal an instant kitchen update.

It's easy to unfasten and remove an old countertop. If you have a standard size, you can buy a new one from any home improvement store, giving your kitchen an instant update. Or, you can hold onto that old countertop and simply improve its appearance. Stone tile can be installed for a fraction of the cost of solid stone. Just remember to buy the large tiles and keep the grout line thin and dark. Another idea is to save the more expensive countertop surfaces for a small island or work area and use laminate or ceramic tile elsewhere.