Whether you’ve just moved into a new home with an old kitchen or you’ve been facing your same old kitchen day after day, you may be hankering for a remodel but can’t come up with the funds right now. First, take some comfort in knowing that you are not alone, and then browse through the following tips for ideas on how to create a whole new look for your kitchen for just a few dollars. Mix and match suggestions based on your priorities and what appeals to your sense of style.

Try a thrifty countertop update. Modern kitchen redo’s are all about granite and marble countertops but that’s a very high end upgrade. To get the same look for just a few bucks, faux finish your Formica or laminate countertops: Start by priming the surface then applying a base coat. Add stone-like texture with a second coat that his applied with a sponge, brush or rag. Spend a few minutes with the professionals in any paint department for tips on techniques, types and colors of paints and needed supplies.

Make old cabinets new again: A fresh coat of creamy paint in cream, a neutral or pleasing color will bring new life to tired old cabinets. Or, change out flat wood fronts on the cabinets with glass panels that you can have cut for just a few dollars at a glass shop. You may even consider removing some of your doors and switching closed cabinets to open storage with attractive baskets inserted here and there to corral smaller items.

Update window treatments. Flouncey florals and old lace are dead giveaways that you haven’t updated your kitchen décor since “I Love Lucy” went off the air. Update window treatments with solar shades, sheer curtains, roman shades or textured bamboo roll-ups. Discount stores and home improvement stores have great selections at rock bottom prices.

Freshen the walls. A fresh coat of paint will not only rid your kitchen walls of accumulated dirt and grime, it can create a fresh new look. Choose dramatic warm tones like tomato red or sunflower yellow or go cool and serene with shades of blue or green. It your kitchen is not large, you may find it very economical to tile the backsplash, especially if you can do the work yourself. Glass or stone tiles that come on perforated sheets are easy to work with a will give you kitchen a modern new look.

Upgrade fixtures. Modern cabinet knobs and drawer pulls provide a quick and easy facelift which is relatively inexpensive. Want to add another big change that doesn’t cost a lot? Change light fixtures and faucets to vintage inspired buffed bronze, shiny modern chrome or classic brushed nickel.

Accessorize! Replace old canisters with more stylish options and bring in new wood or glass cutting boards. Add candle wall sconces beside the dining area and set a small lamp with a shade on the counter-top. Bring in a stylish tiered platter to display fresh fruits and veggies and treat yourself to fresh flowers once a week, displaying them in a vintage crock or pitcher. Add a soft washable rug for color and comfort underfoot while you cook. Discount stores and resale shops are full of wall art ideas that will accent your personal style on a budget. Old plates displayed on hangers, paintings, framed prints and posters, metal wall plaques and baskets can give tired walls a new look.

All text copyright Shanel. Photo from Flickr - "Kitchen rebuild Jan 2007" courtesy of Schilling 2.