What’s the best way to update my kitchen ...for a low cost?

I would begin with painting them, gray or white is real popular right now. Just that would give an updated appearance. You might also consider updating the handles. There are unlimited choices now. Also, you could put in faux wood flooring fairly easily. Also, if you have a pantry consider maybe building a sliding barn door. Those are really big now too. Here is some help with the floor: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/floors-ceilings/install-your-wood-flooring-yourself-32924237?r=2

and the barn doors: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/build/doors-windows/industrial-sliding-barn-doors-diy-30288271?r=2

Mel, I hope these ideas will get you started in the right direction to find what YOU like in updating your kitchen.

Hi! I would definitely try painting the cabinets first. I painted mine, and it made a world of difference! You can read the tutorial here: http://momhomeguide.com/my-painted-kitchen-cabinets-a-year-later/

we are doing that very thing, there is a new countertop paint that we are going to try, will let you know how it goes. and we are repainting the cabinets.

I would paint the cabinets a light color. Since it isn't permanent, try a color like a light aqua or green. You can also add a detail to them by putting a small trim on them. Do that before painting. You could also paint or epoxy your countertops. This company has good videos on how to do it.

https://leggari.com/

Stencil on the tile backsplash it make it noticeable. If you paint the cabinets and stencil the backsplash, you might be able to leave the counter as is. Since it's a different color than you counter, if you don't use the fold out little table/shelf, remove it. New knobs for the cabinets usually help and get a more colorful window treatment.

Thx , I didn’t think of changing the wdw treatment. Good thought!

If you are planning on doing a major renovation in the near future, I would dissuade you from painting the cabinets. Although presently it is a diy trend, it is a great deal of work, it takes time and patience, and the results may not look attractive, or meet with your expectations.

If your cabinets are still in solid condition, you may want to consider as part of the larger plan, having them 'refaced' instead of purchasing new in entirety. This alone will save you $$ thousands. Refacing is the term used to mean simply purchasing new doors and having them installed onto existing cabinets.

In the meantime, I would leave the cabinets and repaint the walls. The present colour looks dull. If you chose a lighter colour it would refresh the space and open it up.

What type of lighting do you have? I see a fixture on the ceiling. Is it perhaps fluorescent? That type of light alone will cast a harsh, greenish hue to the space. Replace it with a new integrated LED fixture. These have come down greatly in price over the last couple of years, and are now commonly available. LED light will give you light that is cleaner looking, and without shadows.

Paint the cabinets and replace the hardware. Paint the counterop with Rustoleum, Daich, or Giani countertop paint kits. Use self stick tiles for the backsplash. Somehing you can live with for a few years or more.