Renovating a kitchen is never cheap.

The average national cost to update a 200-square-foot kitchen, including installing new flooring, semi-custom wood cabinets and standard appliances, is roughly $62,000.00, according to Remodeling magazine, which tracks the cost of home improvement projects annually. Adding luxuries like stone countertops, a built-in refrigerator, a commercial-grade cook-top, designer faucets and top-of-the-line custom cabinets can bring the cost six figures, on average.

But there is another option. Instead of a full overhaul, consider giving it a face-lift with these helpful designer tips –

1. BRING OUT THE PAINT:

A bold paint color and modern hardware can can wonders for just ordinary cabinetry. Add some new graphic laminate flooring for added impact and you will have yourself a revitalized kitchen for an extremely cost-efficient fix. ($5,000-$7,000)

2. REFACE THE CABINETS: 

 For cabinet fronts made of material that cannot be painted or stained, consider refacing, also known as resurfacing, which involves keeping the existing cabinet framework and replacing all the doors, drawer fronts and side panels with new ones. The cost for all new cabinets would run in the $20,000 range vs. the refacing cost of about $2,500. Work with what you have. Create an accent wall to add depth and contrast. Add rollout shelves, a new range hood and modern light pendants for functionality, design and elegance.

3. OPT FOR OPEN SHELVES:

If your cabinets are too far gone to reface, open shelving will reduce the cost of upper cabinetry. With this method, you are only paying for the piece of wood to make the shelf and the bracket to hold it up — not an entire cabinet box, which is a lot more in material and labor. It also eliminates the need for hardware, which can quickly add up.

Another way to reduce the cost of cabinetry is to use particleboard where no one will see it. Having all-plywood kitchen cabinetry, although sought after as required, your cabientry does not have to be made full of plywood. While plywood should be used under the sink (in case of a leak), using particleboard to build out the upper and perimeter cabinet boxes is a way of saving $1,000 , if not more depending on the size of your kitchen.

4. DO THE DEMO YOURSELF:

Look at it as not only a money saver, but as a possible stress reliever! It can be pretty easy to do over a weekend with a friend or spouse. First and foremost, you will want to switch off your circuit breakers, water and gas. Remove appliances and plumbing fixtures first, followed by cabinets, backsplash and counters.

5. GO FOR BUTCHER BLOCK:

For a clean-looking countertop on the cheap, nothing beats butcher block. You can get one for as little as $99 at Ikea, which sells precut butcher-block counters in standard sizes. Butcher block brings warmth to an otherwise sterile kitchen and has a number of practical applications. Look at it as having a built-in cutting board throughout your kitchen.  Keep in mind that there is some maintenance involved in keeping butcher-block counters looking new: They need to be sanded and oiled regularly — typically twice a year.

6. DON’T CHANGE THE LAYOUT:

Moving walls, electrical and plumbing is where you will see your costs significantly increase. But while you’ll save by keeping those components in place, you shouldn’t skimp on functionality. If moving that corner sink will improve the flow of your kitchen, don’t hesitate to adjust the layout. Or find an alternative that solves the problem.