The kitchen has always been the heart of the home. As the place where friends and family come together to eat and enjoy one another’s company, having a beautifully designed dining and cooking area is the first step to being a great host.

Take a look at these 10 upgrades that will cost you under $1,000, respectively.

1)   Change A Few Light Fixtures

Did you know that even glamorous light fixtures can be purchased for under a few hundred dollars? Brighten up your kitchen space by swapping out old lighting or adding a few accent fixtures (like pendant or under cabinet lights) to the room.

2)   Slap on Some Paint

A fresh coat of paint can change the entire appearance of your kitchen, and the painting supplies will cost no more than $200. If you’re not sure what colour paint to use in your eating area, take a look at the emotional impact of different tones for some guidance.

3)   Update the Faucet

It’s the small design details that make a kitchen go from beautiful to stunning. The faucet fixtures used in your sink are a good place to start upgrading your kitchen’s design, especially if you don’t plan on taking up a minor (or major) remodel.

For just under $500, you can install a set of brand new faucet fixtures (including labour!).

4)   Add GFI Outlets

GFCI outlets are ultra- safe receptacles that prevent accidental shocks and shortages from happening. An incredible household safety asset, these new electrical outlets are becoming mandatory in any home remodel or new build. For under $1,000, you can upgrade several electrical outlets throughout your home.

5)   Install USB Outlets

Another easy to add electrical device is USB outlets, which have become extremely popular in new construction builds around the country. These days, the majority of technology is powered with a USB cord, which means these small upgrades could not only make your lifestyle at home more enjoyable, but also add value to your home should you decide to sell in the future.

6)   Add an Outlet

Earlier, we talked about how updating existing outlets can be done affordably, but what about adding a new outlet in places where there wasn’t one before? Thankfully, adding an outlet (or two) in your kitchen can be done for a reasonable cost.

7)   Add Under Cabinet Lighting

Cabinets are notorious for becoming dark due to over clutter. If you’ve ever reached underneath your sink (or any other storage space) it’s likely you were met by a confusion of darkness and general house supplies. Thankfully, using under cabinet lights or LED strip lights in these dark storage spaces can dramatically improve your organization and peace of mind.

Each of these kitchen renovations can be completed for under $1000 individually. If you chose to pile each of these suggestions into a minor kitchen upgrade, we’d estimate that you would spend roughly $3,000 excluding installation costs. Thankfully, each of the upgrades we’ve recommended can be tackled one at a time or as a big project. If you enjoy DIY projects, keep in mind that it is not only dangerous but also illegal to install your own electrical components without the help of a licensed electrician.

If you have any questions about upgrading your kitchen’s electrical system or lighting, contact us today to speak with a licensed electrician.