Select Color for Walls and Cabinets

• Any kitchen remodel usually requires new wall color and cabinets. Upper walls, especially, determine a lot about the kitchen design. Ask yourself if you like the style and finish of your existing cabinets. If not, decide what color finish and cabinet style would work better. You can refinish existing cabinets, add crown molding at the top and install new hardware. If the kitchen is dark, you may want to paint existing cabinets white and walls a light color as well.
  
  

Replace Outdated Cabinets

• Plan to buy new cabinets if they are outdated. Trying to upgrade or paint old metal or particle board cabinets, for example, will not yield optimal results. Old metal cabinets will have dents that paint will magnify in most cases. Particle board cabinets will not absorb paint or stain properly for a good finish. It's affordable to buy kitchen cabinets at close-out sales or in the classifieds, where businesses and individuals often sell materials left over from larger projects.
  
  

Upgrade Certain Appliances

• Think about replacing appliances that are outdated, if possible. Buy them in the same color scheme, such as black, white or stainless. Order a new stainless steel stove, for example. This kind of stainless finish will work well with either a black or white refrigerator temporarily. Consider installing a new stainless steel appliances, which will fit a variety of color schemes.
  
  

Revamp Countops

• Countertops generally take up a lot of visual space in a kitchen, so changing their color and can dramatically change the look of a kitchen. If a total countertop installation isn't in your budget, consider revamping old laminate countertops with a countertop transformation kit. These kits have several paint-like compounds that you apply in steps. The results are visually appealing and an entire countertop makeover will cost only about $250 as of 2011. Any homeowner with basic painting skills can perform the application.
  
  

Consider Flooring Choices

• New flooring in vinyl, hardwood or tile will make a huge difference in the look of your kitchen. Inexpensive vinyl sheet flooring will give a new, clean look at a reasonable cost. Hardwood or tile will enhance the remodel significantly, but these material do cost more. While you can install vinyl as a do-it-yourself project with a little help from friends, don't try to tackle tile work or hardwood flooring yourself. Call a professional instead.