What Would Bobby Do?: How To Spend $50, $100, $500 Or $1000 In Your Kitchen
When pondering your next design decision, do you ever ask yourself WWBD (What Would Bobby Do)? Well today, you’re about to find out! We’re breaking down four budgets – and telling you exactly how Bobby would use it to get the biggest bang for your buck in the kitchen.
Kitchen improvements may seem like one of the most costly updates you can make to your home. But you might be surprised how even a modest budget can lead to a big impact. Focusing on a single material or item is the key to giving your kitchen more visual appeal, and the best way to make the most of every dollar.
Keep scrolling to see the kitchen improvements Bobby would make with four different budgets.
Want more kitchen tips? Don’t miss 13 Products That Will (Actually) Keep Your Kitchen Organized and The Kitchen Trends We’re Predicting For 2021 (And How To Add Them To Your Home).
WHAT TO DO…With $50
$50 can go further than you think. (Seriously!) With a D.I.Y. attitude and a day or two of labor, you’ll be on your way to a whole new look. Here are 3 of Bobby’s best ideas for bringing in some serious style on a tight budget.
- PAINT YOUR CABINETS
For the most dramatic change, opt for giving your cabinets a new coat of paint. Whether you go light, dark or a shade in-between, no other improvement will have more of a visual impact on your space. Check out this guide for how to get started, and see 8 other ideas for updating your cabinets HERE.
- REMOVE UPPER CABINET DOORS
Love the look of open shelving? You can easily re-create it with existing upper cabinets by simply removing the doors. It’s also an excellent way to make a dated kitchen feel a lot more modern – and all you need is a screwdriver!
- CHANGE UP FLOORING
If your kitchen flooring is less than ideal, you can even make a change underfoot by adding peel and stick tile right over your existing floors. While we love a classic black and white checkerboard, there are lots of options that will give you an easy upgrade. Read more about peel and stick tile and how to install it HERE.
Shop Bobby’s Favorite Peel & Stick Tile
Photo: Nordiska Kok
WHAT TO DO…With $100
Have $100 on hand? Then you have just the right amount to add an item that will improve functionality (and get plenty of use).
Shop Bobby’s Favorite Faucets
Design: Studio McGee
WHAT TO DO…With $500
$500 can easily shed new light or brighten things up in your kitchen – and bring in a unique piece that can show off your design personality.
- UPDATE YOUR LIGHTING
Adding shine to your kitchen is as easy as installing new lighting, whether it’s pendants above an island or wall sconces over a sink. While adding visual interest, lighting can also improve the feel and function of your space. Check out even more lighting upgrade options HERE.
Shop Bobby’s Favorite Kitchen Pendants
WHAT TO DO…With $1,000
A bigger budget means bigger changes. So spend your dollars on an item that will take your kitchen to the next level – and serve you for many years to come.
- ADD A NEW COUNTERTOP
Yes, replacing countertops is definitely a larger endeavor (and a bigger investment). But it can also have a big pay-off. Counters can totally transform a kitchen – and even improve the resale value of your home. For cost-effective options, we recommend choosing a pre-made butcher block or super durable quartz that can be cut to fit, both of which have a timeless quality and work in lots of different spaces. See more info on replacing countertops HERE.
Hi Bobby! Love your website and I’m a huge fan…This breakdown is so helpful since I never know where to start in updating the kitchen!
Thanks so much! Hope this was a helpful guide to get you started. xx -B
Wow! Great article. I was just trying to think of ways to spend my stimulus money!
I love that idea – show some love to your kitchen with the stimulus check! Wishing you luck on your project. xx -B
Ooh I LOVE this type of content! Can’t wait to see more… WWBD for a bathroom?!
Great suggestion!! xx -B
I’m in the middle of renovating my tiny condo kitchen. We just installed new quartz counter, sink, faucet, and marbled backsplash with plans to paint the cupboard doors and replace hardware. We are reaching the limits of our budget but noticed the old laminate floor is really messing with the new look. Thanks so much for the afordable idea of stucking vinyl right on top! ❤
Thanks so much for sharing. Good luck with your kitchen floor DIY! xx -B
I just ordered all new knobs and pulls for my kitchen cabinets through Wayfair (good prices) next new faucet. Love your ideas – do more and thank you!
Thanks for sharing! I will definitely be back with more WWBD soon. xx -B
Hi Bobby, thanks for the tips, especially for self installation/planning. A couple of complete novices attempting to open up a kitchen in to a garage, replace the floor and countertops and most appliances, rethink the lighting scheme and paint the cabinets…. “LOST” is where we are right now! Love everything you do so thanks!
Sounds like a lot of updates to your space! Thanks so much for reading and best of luck to all of your projects. xx -B
HELP. Bobby I have a crap ton of cabinets! (Can I say that here?) lol. Too expensive to replace. I can not decide what color to paint them? It’s 2021 …..so what’s the latest color trend but classic enough to last? Ps: my walls are white and tones of gray accents. Thank you!
I love the idea of green cabinets and I think a rich olive tone is a classic that will stick around for years. I love this shade or a more sage green like this. xx -B
I’m always worried the choices or my preferences are going to be considered “trendy” and they won’t age well. I want something fun and fresh but don’t want to have to overhaul in 10 years.
I think there are quite a few materials that will stand the test of time. Any neutral colors (greys, tans, whites), white quartz, marble, and butcher block are all classics in the kitchen. You can always stick these materials and then add in fresh elements like cabinet hardware, lighting, and barstools that will be easy changes down the road. xx -B
I recently purchased a house that was built in 1960. Some of that charm still runs through out the house with the original flooring, stair s, and cabinets. Every time I think about painting or taking cabinet doors off I am consumed with fear that i am taking over too much of the charm haha. Any ideas or thoughts????
I don’t think taking off cabinet doors will take away too much charm. It’s the floors and other architectural details that you really want to shine. Bigger items that cover more of the house are what really gives it character. xx -B
Thank for the tips regarding the vinyl tiles, I have ordered some through Etsy….and by chance they ship to Switzerland !!!! Love to read your website.
Thanks for your comment! I would love to visit Switzerland in the future. Sending lots of love xx -B
Hi, i think u recommended a rolling butcher block trolly recently somewhere, I can’t seem to find it, which one was it?
I don’t believe we’ve reccomended one, but here is an option I like. Also for future reference, you can find all the products featured in any of our posts in the shopping section. xx -B
Love, love, love. You have inspired me in so many ways. But would like info on lamps in the first kitchen selection! Haven’t been able to find on my own
Not sure which light you’re referring to, but those pendants over the island appear to be vintage. You can find a similar option here. xx -B
Hi! I love everything Bobby! LOL. I would be extremely interested in how one can improve their apartment space. I’m not a home owner yet, but would love some ideas on how to make my apartment the best it could possibly be without my complex kicking me out due to my improvements. Thanks in advance! Again, I love everything you do and appreciate your gifts and talents that you so generously share with the world!
You should definitely check out What You Need To Know When Decorating A Small Space , 4 Foolproof Ways To Make Your Space Look (And Feel) Bigger, and Lighting Upgrades: 36 Ways to Brighten Up a Rental. Thanks so much for your kind words. xx -B
I savor your color combinations in every room, Bobby. The interior spaces are very inviting.