Next to refacing or painting cabinetry, giving your kitchen a facelift is the most inexpensive remodeling strategy. Facelifting entails new surfaces—flooring, countertops, walls, the ceiling—as well as new appliances, light fixtures, and the sink and faucet. It’s an option when you’re happy with the amount of space you have and the layout of your kitchen, but you want to update the look and durability. It’s also a project you may be able to do all or part of yourself, saving money in the process.

Elements of a Facelift
There are unlimited options for paint and wallcoverings to spruce up the walls; just make sure that whatever you choose can be easily cleaned. There are many kinds of window treatments, but for ease of installation and cleanup, keep the setups uncomplicated.

Old countertops can be unfastened and removed from the base cabinets; the measurements for the new surfaces stay the same. New counters also can be reshaped and resized to improve their appearance and function.

New flooring is definitely a do-it-yourself option, especially if you choose vinyl or linoleum. Wood has become a popular choice, thanks to improvements in protective coatings.

Finally, consider replacing sinks, faucets, lighting, and appliances as part of a total makeover. If these elements are more than 10 years old, they’re probably showing signs of wear and may not have some of the convenience, style, and operating features that today’s products offer.