Five Inexpensive Ways to Revitalize a Kitchen

Replace the flooring. Install laminate floor over old linoleum, vinyl or chipped tile. It costs just $1 to $5 a square foot and looks like wood, stone or tile.

Replace the lighting. A new ceiling fixture costs less than $100 and will brighten up the place. Adding some under-the-cabinet lights will illuminate work surfaces.

Give the cabinets a new life. A coat of paint and new knobs is the cheapest way to go. If you’re able to spend $4,000 to $6,000 on the project, hire a refacing company to replace the doors and drawerfronts.

Refinish the appliances. For a few hundred dollars, an appliance refinisher will re-enamel your stove, refrigerator and dishwasher door in the color of your choice, including a stainless steel look-alike.

Update the backsplash. Replace the space between your cabinets and the countertop with fashionable stone or inexpensive wallpaper.

Source: Money, Josh Garskof (07/01/2007)