After spending so much time in the kitchen during the holidays, you might be tired of your space. But there are a few easy switches you can make to give your design a chicer look – without spending a fortune.
From decor to more functional elements, giving your kitchen ideas some small upgrades and embellishments will help you fall in love with your kitchen again. And because you've probably spent a small fortune over the festive period, we are keeping things to a budget.
So, we asked interior designers to suggest some easy switches under $100 you can make to your kitchen right now to create a chic, elevated design – and they've got plenty of ideas for you to try.
7 easy switches under $100 you can make to your kitchen
From curated vignettes filled with cookbooks and kitchenware to greenery and lighting, these easy switches will give your kitchen the chic look you've been looking for – without spending a fortune.
1. Curate a chic corner with cookbooks and candles
A kitchen without decor can feel entirely utilitarian, so look for empty corners where you can create a decorative corner with your favorite pieces. This approach not only gives you kitchen a chicer look, but introduces homey appeal, too.
'Elevating your kitchen for less than $100 isn't easy, but it's certainly possible! For example, you could stack three pretty cookbooks on the counter in front of your backsplash as a display and place a single candle on top of the stack,' says Galey Alix, interior designer and founder of Galey Alix Design.
'If you don't already have cookbooks with pretty bindings you can order them on Amazon for under $20 each, same with a clean burning candle. It must be clean burning so you don't get dark soot marks on your backsplash from where it burned. I highly recommend a clear glass candle with white wax and multiple wicks. It adds instant elegance without feeling unintentional or impractical.'
2. Decorate with antique kitchenware
Nothing adds style to a kitchen more than vintage decor, antique finds, and thrifted pieces. They add character, interest, and a unique touch to your scheme.
'You could also hunt for a small, antique clay pot at thrift stores or on Etsy. Depending on the style of your kitchen, you could go the traditional terracotta color route or rustic charcoal if you fall into the more modern or transitional vibe,' suggests Galey.
With these statement pieces decorating your kitchen, you can fill them with items you already own. 'Rest wood spoons or brass kitchen utensils inside and it will make for a beautiful statement piece with a touch of history next to your oven.'
3. Illuminate your countertops with a stylish lamp
'My favorite way to instantly make a kitchen feel more chic is to add a small table lamp. You can find great secondhand options for under $100! A table lamp adds soft, warm lighting that creates a cozy glow while adding a touch of charm,' says Alex Adamson, Utah-based interior designer and founder of Alex Adamson Design.
Sarah also loves to add lighting as a fun way to give your kitchen a chic upgrade, but she prefers to go down the vintage route. 'Tuck a miniature vintage table lamp into a dark corner, like underneath the upper cabinets at the perimeter of the kitchen, to give a soft welcoming glow without the need for integrated under-cabinet task lighting,' she suggests.
When it comes to styling a kitchen lamp, both designers recommend the same approach – with a stack of cookbooks or a pretty fruit bowl. This approach ensures your lamp feels intentional and curated, rather than randomly placed.
Colorful and flexible, this buffet table lamp has an iron base and a linen shade. Available in two colors, it's a more eclectic take on a classic.
If you have a gold and white theme in your kitchen, this lamp is a stylish addition. Cordless and contemporary, it's a timeless portable design.
Small, battery-operated, and a stylish mushroom design, this kitchen lamp is perfect if you're looking for a more playful design.
4. Swap out your kitchen cabinet hardware
It's not always about adding additional pieces to your kitchen. Often described as the jewelry of the kitchen, simply swapping out your hardware can a surprisingly big difference to your scheme.
'Swapping out cabinet hardware one-for-one is the easiest and least expensive way to give your kitchen an instant refresh, especially in a rental,' says Sarah Henley, New England-based interior designer and founder of Henley Design.
'We love buying inexpensive wooden knobs like these, which are a steal for forty cents each, and painting them out to match the cabinet face for a charming upgrade. Etsy is also a treasure trove of inexpensive and high-quality cabinet hardware.'
5. Hang your copper pots instead of storing them away
Pot hangers are making a comeback, and they're an easy way to add a finish to your kitchen. As well as looking great, they're a great storage solution where space is limited.
'Make the most of your set of copper or cast iron pots by displaying them on a pot rack over your range. In addition to giving you easier access to these items while cooking, this will add an old-world-inspired charm to your space,' says Sarah.
Or, if you don't have space on the wall to hand your pots, why not take the traditional route with a traditional pot rack hanging from the ceiling? It's a great way to utilize otherwise dead space.
6. Create a charming kitchen vignette
A kitchen needs to be livable and functional, so when you're looking for chic additions to your space, consider creating cozy vignettes that feel at home in your scheme.
'Try creating a curated vignette using everyday essentials: layer a natural wood cutting board behind a ceramic utensil holder with sleek kitchen tools, add a small potted herb or fresh greenery for texture, and display seasonal produce in a vintage-inspired bowl,' says Vyanca Soto, owner and principal designer at Market Studio Interiors.
'If you prefer faux plants, I love sourcing from Afloral because their potted plants look and feel real.'
7. Swap out plants and greenery for seasonal arrangements
One of the simple switches you can make to your kitchen, changing your greenery will instantly give your space a chic upgrade. This can be decorative arrangements or the potted herbs you display on a windowsill.
'When it comes to budget-friendly kitchen updates, seasonal florals or greenery in a chic vase is my number one recommendation,' says Kathy Kuo, interior designer and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home.
'It's generally very easy to find a nice vase under $100 that won't take up too much counter space, and floral arrangements or bundles of greenery and branches are a lovely way to infuse seasonality into a kitchen!'
Colorful and organic in shape, this earthy green vase is a wonderful choice if you love a dynamic display.
Classic and simple, this white vase will work beautifully in almost any style of kitchen. The detailed handles add a chic finish to the design.
There's something so chic about a rustic terracotta vase, and this design is the perfect choice for your kitchen florals.
These designer-approved switches showcase how easily you can elevate your kitchen for under $100. You might be surprised at the difference these small changes can make – they create an utterly chic scheme.
