5 Ways to Elevate Your Builder-Grade Kitchen on ANY Budget Step 1: Invest in Lighting If you splurge on just one piece in your kitchen- invest in good lighting. Lighting is the jewelry of your home and a ‘buy once, cry once’ type of purchase. Accessories can be purchased on a budget and switched out easily- lighting, on the other hand, will last you decades to come. Lighting is the entire focal point of your kitchen- don’t skimp in this area. Step 2: Remove the Clutter Purge your countertops and start with a clean workspace. Stow away all of your ugly appliances, water bottles and unnecessary junk INSIDE your cabinets and drawers. You’ll be amazed at the different it makes and how much counters space you’ll acquire by this simple step. Step 3: Add in Florals Greenery, dried florals and/or fresh flowers breathe life into any space. I love to add in arrangements on the island and/or next to the sink for a pop of color and texture. Adding in florals helps to breakup the long slab of countertop without taking up much space. Step 4: Incorporate a Runner Ditch your small foam rugs and replace it with one long cohesive runner that adds color and movement to the space. I tend to lean towards handwoven runners that are dark in color to hide all of the foot traffic and accidental spills that will inevitably occur. Your runner should span the ENTIRE length of your island. Step 5: Layer in Accessories You can incorporate cookbooks, cutting boards, salt & pepper shakers, crocks with utensils, etc. into your space on a budget. Accessories should be useful and make sense for the space. I LOVE to add in a small scale artwork piece leaned up against a backsplash to add visual interest. Tip: Lastly, ALWAYS add in a vintage piece + a touch of black to every space in your home. This will make your home look curated and not ‘cookie cutter’. LIKE this post SAVE it to reference back to COMMENT below if this was helpful Follow @houseofwahls for more helpful design tips. . . . . homedecor kitchen neutralaesthetic neutrals home