Revitalizing a dated or tired kitchen may seem like a scary task, especially when the budget is limited. But it needn’t be. Here are some reasonably inexpensive ways to bring new character to that old kitchen.

Cabinets
One of the most satisfying improvements comes from simply painting old cabinetry, giving it a fresh new look. Nearly any surface can be painted provided you do a thorough preparation. Remove hardware and hinges, then clean cabinetry with a strong solution of TSP (Trisodium Phosphate). Rinse well, allow cabinets to dry thoroughly and then follow by sanding the surface with 120-grit sandpaper, wiping up any sand dust, and you’re ready to apply a thin coat of super enthusiast primer.
Allow to dry overnight and repeat the sanding, this time using finer 150-grit sandpaper. Give cabinets a final clean and apply a coat of paint. For conventional cupboards, a wash of antiquing glaze will lend them old-world charm. Splurge on new hardware. To give a standard kitchen a more custom look, consider exchanging a pair of solid cabinet doors for glass-front versions which bring decorative dishes and glassware into the spotlight. Add patterned wallpaper behind shelves to heighten the contact. If you are working with slab front cabinets with a totally flat appearance, consider applying a wood moulding to the face of each door to create a “paneled” look.

Backsplash
Restore an unpleasant backsplash with well-priced ceramic tiles. Fashionable today are 4-inch by 6-inch subway tiles in bright white or ivory. Lay tiles in an offset bone pattern where vertical grout lines are spread out from one row to the next.
If current ceramic tiles are smooth (without a raised pattern) they can also be improved with a coat of paint. Just make sure to remove any gloss from the tiles so the primer can adhere properly. You might use melamine paint for this task, since it’s known for improved grip and stability (available at most paint stores and big box retailers).

Window Treatments
A kitchen has so many hard surfaces that a fabric window treatment is almost always a welcome addition. If a soft treatment doesn’t appeal, create a display area for porcelain and dishware by installing glass shelves in front of a sunny window. Or hang a stained-glass panel directly in front of an on hand window.

Flooring
An area carpet increases style and comfort underfoot. Sea grass lends texture to cool surfaces such as stone and vinyl. An oriental-style carpet provides conventional kindness.

Islands
An island, even a portable one, affords an additional work space and invaluable storage. It also acts as a favourite gathering spot during meal preparation. Choose a well-built countertop such as butcher’s block, stainless steel or granite.

Walls
Once kitchen cabinets are in place there is often little wall space left over, so a enterprising paint colour such as eggplant or charcoal may inject a dry kitchen with big personality. For display, install a family gallery that features black and white or sepia photos. Group photos by theme, say family vacations. Another idea to consider — frame a collection of children’s artwork and display it prominently.