6 Kitchen Upgrades That Only Look Expensive

A solid marble backsplash is a showstopping feature, but it’s also a big investment. Get the same effect for a fraction of the cost by using large marble tiles instead. Skip the grout spacers and position the tiles so they’re butted up against each other for a seamless look. You’ll still need to go back in with grout, but the lines will be minimal. 

Play around with the placement of the tiles before putting them on the wall so you can get exactly the look you want. You’ll be able to fully customize just how much, or how little, veining is seen. Keep things light or go big and bold, the decision is in your hands.

A custom range hood gives your kitchen a high-end look, but it comes at a cost. If your renovation budget is tight, DIY the range hood to get the same luxe look for less. 

Buy a basic range hood (just make sure the controls are on the bottom so you can access them), then build a simple wood frame around it that goes all the way to the ceiling. Wrap the frame in plywood and attach decorative fluted molding panels on the outside. Finish it off with a piece of crown molding at the top before painting for a professional, built-in effect.

Open shelving can make your kitchen feel airy and bright, but styling the shelves well has the biggest impact. Display decorative dishware, pottery and artwork. Avoid the urge to fill the shelves. Make the shelves feel like a curated collection, not a cluttered mess. 

Gallery rails are popping up everywhere lately. Take your shelves to the next level by adding a DIY version to each one. This high-end look can be yours by repurposing an unexpected element – a bathroom towel bar! Coat the towel bars in metallic gold spray paint and install them along the edge of the shelf for a chic, on-trend look.

Enhance the unique architectural details of your kitchen with paint. Whether your kitchen has encased windows, a built-in hutch or a decorative wood door, painting them a bold, classic color like navy blue can bring these features to the forefront of your design. These are the custom details people add to their kitchen in an upgrade so if you already have a cool vintage door, use it to your advantage.

Incorporate the highlight color in other places around the kitchen, like in the dishtowels or a rug, to make the paint feel intentional and give the whole space a cohesive look.

Kitchen lighting needs to be bright so you can see clearly while boiling water and chopping veggies. Bright lights are functional but they don’t do anything for the room’s ambiance. Add a layer of mood lighting with a pair of sconces lit with battery-operated puck lights so you don’t need an electrician to install them. The sconces warm up the kitchen and are perfect for dinner parties and late-night chats with friends.

Changing out your kitchen sink or countertops are big projects, but you can still give your kitchen a whole new look just by updating the faucet. Faucets have gone through a major upgrade and now come in stylish finishes and include smart features like touchless sensors and high-arc designs that make washing dishes in a small sink easier than ever. Choose a faucet with a chic brushed gold finish to compliment your new gallery rails and give your kitchen a high-end look.