Not every kitchen makeover needs to break the bank

When even quote-unquote “midrange” remodeling projects are out of the budget, homeowners are turning to lower-cost, high-impact updates for kitchens and bathrooms.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association found that the average bathroom remodel costs $16,000. A modest kitchen makeover easily tops $20,000. These figures may give homeowners pause, but the good news is that a few strategic updates can freshen up a space without calling for a top-to-bottom gut job.

A new appliance, an upgraded sink or a cabinet refresh can give new life to a tired kitchen or bathroom. Even better, there are many improvements homeowners can make themselves.

“I love all of my projects, but I love the ones that most impact my clients — making their lives easier, better or more functional in some way,” says Tiffany Pociecha, owner and designer at Kitchens Unlimited, Walnut Creek, California. “The big impacts don't even have to be a major, wall-tearing-down kind of project, although those can be fun, too!”

Pociecha recently self-published a book, “Kitchen Design for the Busy Mom.” “I have a lot of clients that are do-it-yourselfers,” Pociecha says. She was inspired to help her clients tackle common design problems.

“I am a do-it-yourselfer myself,” Pociecha says. “My husband and I recently installed about 1,200 square feet of flooring in our front room and kitchen area. I love the feeling of accomplishment when a project is done, but I also know how easy it is to get in over your head. Sometimes a little guidance and direction can save you.”

For bathroom remodelers on a tight budget, Pociecha suggests starting with smaller updates such as cabinet hardware or paint.

In the kitchen, Pociecha says a back splash can help. “Is your budget really tight? Do what I did in my own kitchen: paint on a tile backsplash design. I used blue tape to grid out the pattern, painted over it and then pulled off the tape. Voila! New tile in a splash. A can of paint fits anyone's budget and can be done in a weekend.”

Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, says splashing a color in a kitchen or bathroom can make a huge impact, especially if you're updating it with a current color trend.

Jordan recommends homeowners do some research first.

“Most rooms are easily tackled by a do-it-yourselfer although there are some instances where you want to hire a professional,” she says. “Painting older, tired-looking cabinets takes a little more work, because you do need to really prep and prime. Depending on the scope of the project, if they are really high-quality cabinets in relatively good shape, then you can hire a contractor who will bring in professional spray equipment and really do it properly, so it's almost like a new finish.”

Once the color palette is updated, new lighting fixtures, faucets and coordinating hardware can round out the look..

“Accessories are such a great way to bring color into a kitchen and bath,” Jordan says. She encourages people to play with color when selecting towels and “accessories on the countertop — mixing bowls, containers, anything like that.”

As far as color palettes, Jordan has enjoyed seeing a trend of bolder, more confident color choices.

“For kitchen cabinets, people will often choose whites and off-whites or maybe venture into a gray,” Jordan says. “I love a really deep navy kitchen.”

Pairing a painted lower cabinet with a more neutral upper is one way for people to experiment with color. “This way you have a weight down below, and a lighter color that floats on top,” she says.

“Placement of color is another thing to think about,” Jordan says. “Ceilings are a really fun way to add drama to a space. In small powder rooms, you can do something super dramatic, especially when it's not your main bathroom. You're not putting on your makeup in there, and you can afford to be a little more creative and inventive with your color choices.”

For the bravest of homeowners, Jordan says painting the floor is another option.

“If you have a wooden floor that's maybe a little older or in not-so-great shape, you can try painting a design on it. There are paint products specific for floors. It's all about the preparation prior to that — using the right primers and paints.”