6 Under-$100 Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen, According to a Designer

Since we all spend a decent amount of time in our kitchens, it should be a place we enjoy. But so many of us wish our spaces were different, from decor styles to layouts to sparkling new appliances. Maybe your dream kitchen is a bright, open farmhouse-style space, a cutting-edge contemporary look, or perhaps a sophisticated and sleek modern design.

Whether you want to remodel but don’t have the time or money, or you’re renting and can’t make major changes, there are still plenty of small ways to spruce up your kitchen and make it a more enjoyable place to cook. Even better, you can do these tweaks and swaps without the help of an expensive expert. 

We spoke with interior designer Toussaint Derby about her favorite easy design updates for kitchens. From renter-friendly light swaps to tailored touches to your cabinets, these improvements all cost less than $100. Scroll down to learn her tips, and shop her favorite picks for your space.

Best Under-$100 Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen

• Kmat Kitchen Mat, $24 (originally $36) at amazon.com
• Ravinte 30-Pack 5-Inch Cabinet Pulls, $30 (originally $39) at amazon.com
• Prestige Interior Paint and Primer in One, $65 at amazon.com
• Beachcrest Home Brushed Nickel Pendant, $73 at wayfair.com
• Wewe Commercial-Style Kitchen Faucet, $50 (originally $89) at amazon.com
• Mosaic Marble Backsplash Wallpaper, $56 at wayfair.com

Kmat Kitchen Mat 

Start from the ground up: Kitchen floors are often forgotten, but adding a washable rug can add a pop of color. This is a good option if you can’t afford to retile or add wood floors, or if you’re renting and want to cover up a surface you dislike. Many rugs are also cushioned, a bonus for those who spend hours on their feet in the kitchen. 

Ravinte 30-Pack 5-Inch Cabinet Pulls

Swap out hardware: Derby says one of her favorite easy kitchen updates is changing cabinet hardware. “It’s such a small part of the kitchen, but when you look at it, overall, it can make a huge difference — especially if you have something more dated,” she says. Update to more modern pulls, change the shape from round to square, add color or a design, go vintage, or swap out the metal. Derby says exchanging brushed nickel for brass is a trendy pick. 

Prestige Interior Paint and Primer in One

Tackle the cabinets: If you have more time and are willing to take on a small project, update your cabinets even further with a coat of paint. “Cabinetry is very expensive, so if you have spaces that are maybe a wood color you don’t like, sand them down and paint them a nice new fresh white, or go more bold with deeper blue or green,” Derby says. Finally, keep them looking fresh and organized with cabinet organizers. 

Beachcrest Home Brushed Nickel Pendant 

Let your favorite light piece shine: This is one you can do even if you’re in a rental. Whether you have ceiling or pendant lighting, you can swap the fixtures. You might need help from a friend or service, but Derby says lighting can dramatically change a room. She suggests looking at Wayfair for inexpensive but nice light fixtures. 

Wewe Commercial-Style Kitchen Faucet

Swap your faucet: Changing out your faucet is so simple, yet will make a big difference in your daily life. You likely use your faucet multiple times a day, so it should be something functional and that you enjoy looking at. Derby suggests swapping out the finish for an instant updated look. 

Mosaic Marble Backsplash Wallpaper

Fake backsplash: Stick-on wallpaper changes a room with very little effort, and is a great option for renters. Just make sure the brand you choose is good quality so it doesn’t fall off the wall, and don’t use it behind the sink. “Look at the client reviews and use your best judgment,” she says. She likes this one from West Elm because the marble look “punches up the luxe factor.”