10 Best Ways to Remodel Your Kitchen On A Small Budget In Dubai – Transform With Less Spend

A common misconception about kitchen makeovers is that if you want to update your kitchen, you need to spend a lot. However, in real life, you can update your kitchen on a budget if you know what you need and you have your ideas sorted. Almost all the aesthetic kitchens you will find online, sort on your Pinterest board, or see your favorite influencers cooking can be recreated on a budget. All you need is some good kitchen remodeling ideas, art supplies, and your kitchen. If you are looking for renter-friendly kitchen update ideas, or you are a student who just moved out and looking for kitchen remodeling options without hiring professional help, you are at the right place.

We will specifically look for some simple kitchen renovation ideas that you can try as well. As Dubai is one of the most expensive places to live and most people rent their apartments, our goal is to stick to basic ideas that can be used by everyone. Here are some ways to tackle your kitchen remodel in Dubai without breaking the bank.

How to Do a Kitchen Makeover on a Budget?

Creating a dream kitchen can come with a high price tag, but there are plenty of ways to save money on kitchen updates without sacrificing the result. If you are low on budget, follow these tips on refresh your kitchen and keeping the costs for kitchen remodel down. 

1. Adjust the Palate

Just like you need to start a painting with a base primer color, you also need to start your kitchen with some basic tones. Most people choose white but you don’t have to stick to just white. You can use any pastel or cool tone, mainly because it will make your tiny kitchen look big. Since most renters are not allowed to paint their houses, using panels, washable paint, or just paste-able wallpaper is enough.

Tip: To remove this paste-able wallpaper use hot water damp cloth as a base and then use a hair dryer to melt away the paint.

2. Put Things on Display

Putting things on display gives your kitchen a very chic and personal touch. Almost everything can be displayed, from your glassware to your pantry jars. If you are on a budget and do not want to spend a single penny, use your spice jars and fill them up with different spices to put on display. This will give your kitchen a pop of color and you will not need any extreme ideas to remodel a kitchen on a small budget.

3. Refresh Things with Paint

Painting is an enjoyable thing that you can do in your kitchen. With the use of paint, you can transform your kitchen completely. For renters, stick-on paper is always a good option, especially if you are looking for ways to add color to your kitchen countertop. If you have already used some colorful wallpaper, then keep the rest of the things subtle. Otherwise, adding a whole white, marble, or gold base stick on the wallpaper is always a good idea.

4. Update Lighting

Lighting can change the ambience of a place and make it perfect and moody at the same time. Most people go from full lights while others choose basic lamp chandeliers to give a very chic and modern effect. However, you need to read the theme of your kitchen design. Using small smart lighting lamps or just corner lights will give your kitchen a very moody effect.

Pro tip: Look for smart portable lamps for your kitchen and then connect them to your phone. This will not just help you change color and brightness based on your needs but also help you save a lot of money on your power bill.

5. DIY Some Things for Personal Touch

Most of the things that you find in expensive stores can be recreated at home if you know the use of the right art material. From lights to backsplash to add some mood to your kitchen, almost everything can be made at home with basic art supplies. A quick and easy way to revamp your kitchen is to put things on display. It can range from fruits in a basket to adding space racks and putting pulses on display.

Pro tip: Use empty glass jars and any accent color to convert them into fun storage jars. These jars can be displayed or can be used as hanging lamps for some accent lights.

6. Get Some Backsplash Ideas

Replacing outdated backsplash tiles on a budget is possible. Backsplash is a very fun way to cover all the oil marks or bad paint jobs from your kitchen. In most cases when you choose pastel colors as a base for your kitchen, oil splashes and thick evaporated food residues stick to the surface making the place look ugly and messy. To cover up all these marks, you can use removable backsplashes. This will give a pop of color while ensuring that you can clean everything easily without any extra effort.

Pro tip: For the backsplash go for simple yet cheap options so you can remove them when they get dirty and replace them with something new.

7. Get Smart with Appliances

Smart appliances are the new way to go especially when living in a place like Dubai where living expenses are high. With smart appliances, you cannot just make your life easier but it will give a very modern touch to your kitchen. Since most people get concerned about the price factor, you will be surprised that in the long run, you will save a lot of money.

8. Refinish Your Cabinets with A Fresh Coat of Paint

Giving your kitchen a fresh new look can be achieved in a cost-simple way by painting your cabinets. Whether you’re working with a budget or just looking for an update exploring painted kitchen ideas can truly transform the overall appearance of your space. A budget kitchen remodel doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

By selecting a color for your cabinets, you have the power to completely alter the ambience of your kitchen. The options are limitless ranging from lively shades to subdued and timeless tones. Painting your cabinets not only provides an array of color choices but also allows you to personalize your space according to your unique tastes and style preferences.

If you have wood cabinets that are still in good condition but dislike their outdated color painting them is an excellent solution. This way there’s no need to invest in a set of cabinets. You could opt for a shade for a timeless aesthetic or go with a soft light grey hue. Another option worth considering is achieving a two-toned look, for added appeal. Painting your cabinets enables you to refresh their appearance without putting stress on your finances.

9. Dressing Up the Details

If you are on a kitchen makeover and don’t want to touch the cabinets or countertops, consider other important elements to update sinks, faucets, lighting, and appliances. Even if these items aren’t worn out or damaged, they may lack the modern convenience, style, and upgraded features found in newer models. If they’re over 10 years old, they could likely benefit from being replaced to enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your kitchen space.

10. Choosing Flooring Options

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen on a budget, don’t underestimate the importance of choosing the right flooring. The floor is not only one of the largest surface areas in your home; it’s also a crucial element in setting the overall look and feel of your space. Therefore, giving careful thought and attention to kitchen flooring ideas is essential for achieving a successful remodel that meets both your aesthetic preferences and financial goals. 

It’s crucial to give proper attention to kitchen floors, as they bear the brunt of everyday wear and tear. Luckily, there are cost-effective and resilient flooring options like modern vinyl and parquet. These choices offer versatility in design and ensure long-lasting durability for your kitchen. By reading all the above tips, we hope you know how to update your kitchen on a tight budget.

11. Keep Current Layout and Plumbing

Completely altering the kitchen layout may seem like an exciting idea. But it can significantly increase the cost of renovating a kitchen. When rearranging the kitchen layout, you can’t avoid the following,

• Plumbing modifications: Moving sinks or dishwashers, stoves, and refrigerators requires extensive plumbing work, which often necessitates hiring professional plumbers.
• Electrical rewiring: Moving appliances like refrigerators or ovens may involve rerouting electrical lines, adding to labour and material costs.
• Structural changes: Altering the layout might require removing or adding walls, which can be costly and may affect the overall structure of your home.
• Flooring repairs: Changing the position of cabinets or islands often leaves gaps in flooring that need to be addressed, increasing expenses.
• New materials: A different layout might require additional cabinetry, countertops, or other materials to fill new spaces.

If you are on a budget, we suggest retaining the layout of your kitchen. Instead, consider refreshing your space with new fixtures like sinks and faucets in different styles or finishes. These relatively inexpensive changes can dramatically transform the look of your kitchen without the need for costly layout modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Remodeling Your Kitchen on a Budget

How can I renovate my kitchen on a budget and cheaply?

To renovate your kitchen on a budget, focus on cost-effective updates that make a big impact. Keep the existing layout to avoid expensive structural changes. Paint cabinets instead of replacing them, update hardware, and install new light fixtures for a fresh look. Consider affordable countertop options like laminate or butcher block. Refinish or paint existing appliances if they’re still functional. Use peel-and-stick backsplash tiles for an inexpensive facelift. Prioritize changes that offer the most visual impact for the least expense, such as updating the faucet or sink.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

The most expensive part of a kitchen remodel is typically the cabinetry, closely followed by new appliances and countertops. However, the final cost breakdown can vary significantly based on your choices. Custom-made cabinets, for instance, are substantially more expensive than stock kitchen cabinets. The price of appliances can also fluctuate widely depending on the brands and features you select.

Bottom Line

There are useful options to save money on your kitchen remodel without degrading the functionality. Little changes like doing your work, refurbishing appliances, and purchasing budget-friendly materials can help you achieve your goal smartly. Kitchen renovation is quite a task because the cost of labor is high and even small renovation tasks can easily cost you a lot. However, the above-mentioned simple tips will help you not just give your kitchen a new life but also help you save some money in the process.