What is the most inexpensive way to convert a drop ceiling

You might want to talk to a contractor to see if drilling into the metal rafters will weaken the metal supports. You probably will have to put 2x4's up there to be able to secure anything up to put in the ceiling.

THanks

It sounds as if it might not be possible to have taller Kitchen Cabinets, but you may be able to get more light by adding more Lighting Tiles - "Illuminated Ceiling"

Think about adhering furring strips and tacking whitewashed tongue and groove car siding.

While it doesn't solve the taller cabinet problem, I have noticed a few businesses, leaving the grid in place and simply removing the ceiling tiles to visually open up the space. Paint the grid and now exposed ceiling space as wanted

Didn't look as if taller cabinets were the issue but lots of lost space underneath. Why not add a shelf between cabinets and counter or lose the doors and adjust for more shelving?

Please check what is up there to help you decide whether or not to do this. We tore down our ceiling only to find a maze of wires, cable, etc. that took a full week to sort out. Good luck

If the wires /pipes can be moved, remove the drop down and paint the exposed steel and concrete. One color and few will notice.

I saw a lot of really nice drop ceilings redone with very thin wood and painted the strips or used wood over them I searched google for the idea I had and it came up with a lot of them and they look so good. check it out. good and cheep too!

https://www.google.com/search?q=very+thin+plywood+for+drop+ceiling&sa=X&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ved=0ahUKEwivmbzcidPWAhURwmMKHewKAU4QsAQIMA&biw=1536&bih=760#imgrc=bOrHJWtXmJBZCM:

I had a drop ceiling, and I checked first to make sure the it wasn’t retaining anything or being used to hold anything major up there. Then we cheerfuly tore it all down. We put up L E D lights over the sink and stove. It more open and brighter without that sunken ceiling.

Just be careful. If it’s in a mobile home; ours is a double wide. There are a million! Big staples and nails In there. Gloves are a must? 😎

Just make sure there are no retaining walls. If there is, you have to get help from a contractor. Before you tare it down.

If you want an industrial look, why not just remove the tiles (is there wiring underneath?) and paint the concrete ceiling. You could even paint the metal rafters black. Would be a great look if you don't have to worry about wires. Good luck.