How many of you reading this article wish that you had a brand new kitchen to work in? Sometimes the kitchens that come in our homes aren't our ideal ones, but getting your dream kitchen can cost a surprising amount of money. HGTV did a survey on kitchen remodeling costs, and they found that the average cost of a kitchen remodeling project can cost you a whopping $15,000-$35,000. It's safe to assume that the average person doesn't have a few spare thousand dollars to invest in a remodeling project, but that doesn't mean that you have to give up your dreams of having a beautiful kitchen to cook and entertain in. You may think that you kitchen needs a complete makeover, but making a few small changes to your kitchen can make it look and feel like new.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jori2AAyU38]
Re-organize your storage space
When you first move into your home, you may end up throwing your pots, pans, Tupperware, and other kitchen essentials anywhere where they'll fit. You say that once you get settled in that you'll re-do everything, but months and years can go by without any work. If you want to re-vamp your kitchen, start with your storage spaces. When you don't put thought into where you store your appliances, dishes, and cookware, preparing meals can feel like you're running a race in your kitchen. Analyze every shelf and storage unit in your kitchen and think about if there's any other way to make it more efficient. Move your spices closers to your stove or prep counter so you can have everything you need when you cook. Keep the silverware and plates close together so that you can easily set the table. Making these small changes can make cooking and eating a lot easier and less tiresome.
Do some heavy duty cleaning
Take time to think about the last time you truly cleaned your kitchen. The last time you did the dishes and wiped down the counter tops doesn't count; think back to when you gave every inch of your kitchen a good scrub down. Some of you reading this may not even remember the last time you gave your kitchen a thorough cleaning, and that's why you should try cleaning everything the next time you feel the urge to start saving up for a total remodeling project. The walls and cabinets have been subjected to years of build up left from steam, smoke, grease, and other substances. You'd be surprised by how new some common kitchen surfaces can look after a nice and thorough cleaning. Reader's Digest has a great guide that can help you get the grime out of your toughest spots.
Free up some space
If you're dying for a newly remodeled kitchen, you're probably excited for the open space you're hoping the project will free up. There's nothing worse than cooking and eating in a cramped kitchen, but you don't have to spend thousands of dollars to make your kitchen open up. If you have a dining room table, there is a no need to have large kitchen table that will only take up space. Trade in your full sized kitchen table and chairs for sleek dinette tables and reasonably sized chairs. If you have a lot of counter space and have an "island" counter in the middle of your kitchen, get rid of it and utilize the space that you have. These small changes will make a big difference in your kitchen.
