Invest in Your Kitchen

Small-Ticket Remodel

These guidelines can help you get the most bang for your remodel budget.

Budget of $5,000 or Less

• Paint with a bold, bright color; use a faux finish, such as a glaze, on an accent wall; or add wall coverings.
• Retrofit existing cabinets with organizing devices like cutlery dividers, spice racks, and roll-out waste cans or wire baskets.
• Change existing cabinet knobs and pulls to more interesting styles and materials, such as glass, pewter, or stainless steel.
• Improve lighting with dimmer switches; add eye-catching switch plates; and replace outdated lights with stylish fixtures.
• Add a new backsplash made of a durable, easy-to-clean material such as ceramic tile or stainless steel.