Dear Valentina! I Need A Budget Friendly Kitchen Makeover. STAT.

Laura wrote me with several design questions. She wants to do a Budget Friendly Kitchen Makeover that doesn’t involve any major renovations. Here are her questions and photos she submitted:

“I’m working on my kitchen. I put in a new backsplash. The cabinets are solid wood so I’m painting and upgrading knobs on cabinets. I’m replacing the appliances with stainless. I need to decide on paint colors. I have loved my cheery yellow kitchen but probably need something else now. With the family room and dining and living room more creamy white, I’m not sure I want to go gray but maybe a beige gray. Saw on a designer sight that beige/taupe is coming back. I have brown leather furniture in family room that I’m not replacing. Ideas?

“That’s a Moroccan basket on the wall! Need Ideas for window treatments and the fan. I really need a fan in this part of house in heat of summer and cooking in kitchen, so what’s trending? Thank you. “

“The area has 3 Windows. One large one and 2 regular size on other walls.”

Here’s my recommendations for getting major wow without the pow to Laura’s pocket book:

1. Laura wants a neutral backdrop that will be soothing, so we will start by painting all the walls, including the trim and paneling in the breakfast room “Barista” by Behr.

2. Paint the table and chairs black to give them a more modern look without costing a lot of money.

3. Change the current fan to one that has the look of a chandelier but the function of a fan. (This one is $215 from Lowe’s!)

4. Hang inexpensive linen curtains ($49.99 for 2 from H&M!). Don’t worry that the windows are different sizes. Hang curtains on either side of each window in a light gauzy material to give an airy feel that is also warm.

5. Corral utensils on the counter in an earthy grey pitcher that can also hold flowers if she prefers! ($9.99 from H&M!)

6. Use practical items such as cutting boards (this one is only $17.99!), bowls, and linen tea towels to be decorative and practical.

7. Put down inexpensive rugs in the kitchen and breakfast room (Starts at $24.99)to add warmth and bring the light airy feeling from the ceiling down to the floor.

8. Add plants. Aloe, herbs, and even succulents are great in the kitchen! They bring life, color, and texture if you choose a great pot.

9. Squeeze soap out of the every day and into a gorgeous container ($13.99 at Target) that is eco friendly by cutting down on waste and so pretty!

10. Change out pulls with a slightly more farmhouse feel ($2.29/each). Knobs can stay!

11. Use a beautiful clear bowl ($12.99 from H&M!) to display fruit on the table so the fruit of the season takes center stage.

If you would like to have your design questions answered, simply snap a few photos (iPhone photos are fine!) and send them to us with your question and as much information as possible to: [email protected]

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