Are you dreaming of a brand new and sparkling kitchen, but lack the funds to spring for a professional renovation? No problem. It turns out that there a number of things you can do to spruce up your kitchen yourself, and they won't break the bank either. Check out these simple, DIY kitchen upgrades that only look like you spent tons of dough.
1. Make DIY Concrete Counters
If you can't afford granite or quartz, but you need to do something about that old laminate countertop, consider going the DIY route with concrete. It's easier than you might think and a lot friendlier on your wallet. There are so many great tutorials online, including this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9866dmfJxUU
2. Clean Up Your Backsplash
backsplash is one of those little details that you don't notice until you improve it and realize it totally pulls the room together. You may have never even considered the area of wall over your sink or stove, but giving it a makeover will instantly brighten up any kitchen. Because the materials that popular commercial backsplashes are made of can be pricey, an inexpensive solution is to make your own out of something already lurking in your house. You can use old maps, recipes, reclaimed wood—the possibilities are endless. Don't be fooled into thinking that your only option is a trip to the hardware store. Blogger Reality Daydream even has a tutorial for using broken Mason jars to make the most beautiful backsplash. 
3. Add Some Texture
An updated rug or new dish towels will give your kitchen a surprisingly fresh look with very little effort and minimal financial investment. Pinterest abounds with ideas on how to make your own rugs and curtains, making this upgrade even more cost-effective.
4. De-clutter Your Countertops
If your kitchen counters have become a dumping ground for tons of random items like mail, your kids' toys and appliances you don't even use all that often (looking at you, KitchenAid mixer), you're not alone. The solution is pretty simple. Clean up! Get a dedicated mail organizer and file it every single day so you don't get behind. As for those appliances collecting dust? Store them away in a cabinet or the pantry and only take them out when you need them. You'll be shocked at how much clear counter tops will open up your kitchen.
5. Buy Some 'Oops' Paint
Visit your local hardware store and head to the paint section. There, you'll find an ever-changing selection of paints that are deeply discounted. The "oops" paint section at Home Depot and Lowe's is where they stash paint that's been returned. Maybe the shade wasn't exactly what the original buyer had envisioned, but that doesn't mean it can't be perfect (and perfectly inexpensive) for your kitchen. Check out this list of the paint colors that can increase the value of your home for inspiration. 
6. Visit Discount Stores
Have you ever heard of Habitat for Humanity ReStore? It's a place where contractors dump their leftovers and where homeowners take perfectly nice kitchen cabinets that they don't want anymore. You can find entire matching sets of beautiful cabinets for a fraction of what you'd pay for a new set. They've also got doors, windows, tile, light fixtures—even bathroom stuff, like toilets. And the prices are incredible.
7. Grab A Stencil
One of the simplest ways to update your kitchen without a complete paint job is to grab a stencil, like this one from The Simple Stencil, which you can buy on Etsy. It reads: "I love hugs & I love kisses, but I also really love your help with the dishes!" 
This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. Checkout Don't Waste Your Money for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
