According to Home Advisor, the average kitchen remodel costs $20,747. No way around it, that's a huge chunk of cash. So, what does this mean for those of us looking to update our kitchen aesthetic without breaking the bank? Are we stuck in a world of dark, dated, and uninspiring kitchens? Nope! You don't need to shell out the big bucks to bring some major style to your space. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable kitchen updates that will make a big impact to your space. Whether you want to add a little bit of personality to the space, or you need to make some bigger changes, here are some of our favorite easy ways to update your kitchen.....

Swap Out Lighting Fixtures:

Swapping out your generic lighting set-up for a statement pendant is a quick and affordable way to add a splash of style to your space. Geometric pendants (like the one pictured above) are trending right now and can really compliment all decor types. Search for bargains on sites like Overstock, or scour your local thrift shops for something truly unique,

Add a Back-splash

Installing a back-splash doesn't have to be a back-breaking or expensive experience. If you are brave enough to try to install a true tile back-splash, you'll find plenty of tutorials on the internet to help you through the process, and you'll likely stick to a pretty good budget, as back-splashes are such a small amount of space. However, if tiling and grouting your day away doesn't sound like something you'd be into, a new back-splash is still a possibility for you! Look into the various styles of peel and stick back-splashes available from Home Depot or Lowe's. They come in a variety of shades and styles, so you will definitely find something you love!

Install New Handles and Pulls

Perhaps the most classic way to add a punch of personality to your kitchen is to swap out the old, boring, and generic hardware. Not only is this update affordable, but super easy as well - you do not need to be a DIY diva to pull this off. The options available to you are truly endless. From fun, colorful options, to sleek metallic pieces, there really is something for everyone. Dig through a local estate sale for something really one-of-a-kind, or head to your local hardware store!

Reface Old Appliances With Instant Stainless

A truly frustrating predicament to be in: all of your appliances in your kitchen are functional, but not all of them match each other. Having that one white dishwasher surround by a stainless steel refrigerator and stove is a major eyesore, right? However, it's pretty hard to justify dolling out the money to replace an appliance for purely aesthetic reasons. Enter - Instant Stainless. The fix? Magnetic stainless steel sheets that are custom cut to fit onto your appliance. The product is priced around $60, so much more affordable than an entirely new appliance - a truly affordable kitchen upgrade that will definitely make a big impact! Time to bring your outdated appliances into the sleek, modern future! Shoot us an e-mail (info@applianceart.com) if you have any questions.

Add a Rug in Front of Your Sink

Not only will this quick addition to your kitchen make the experience of cleaning dishes a bit more comfortable, it will also add an awesome touch of personality! I'd definitely recommend an indoor/outdoor option, as it will stand up to the splashes and spills bound to fall from your kitchen counters. This affordable kitchen upgrade is an easy way to add style affordably.

Paint Your Cabinets

An affordable way to breathe new life into your kitchen is by painting the cabinetry. There are so many possible color combinations, you are guaranteed to find something to match your style. I have especially been loving the robin's egg trend (similar to the pictured kitchen) that's been floating around. This project is super affordable and makes a huge impact on the way your space can feel!

Remove Cabinet Doors

In a similar vein, you can update your cabinets without removing them! Swap out the doors (glass paneled ones are a great option). If you are really looking for a low-cost option, remove the doors entirely! This will create the effect of open shelving, and give you the opportunity to show off all of the gorgeous plates, platters, and glasses you've been hoarding all these years!

Instant Granite

Think you are stuck with that ugly counter-top until you've saved up the big bucks for a total kitchen over-haul? Think again! Instant Granite is the easy, affordable, and durable way to transform the look of your kitchen counters. This high-quality vinyl counter-top film comes in five different patterns (Venetian Gold, Ubatuba Black, Chestnut, White Italian Marble, and Luna Pearl), and is a breeze to install! Even better - the product is 100% removable. If you are interested in this product, learn more here!

Style Your Small Appliances

Similar to using your dishes as an icon of your personal style, try to use the small appliances that sit atop your kitchen counter as decor accessories. Grab a bright pink toaster, or a stylish sleek stand mixer. This is a super easy and quick way to add functional decor pieces to your kitchen. The best part? You can always move these pieces around or put them away to change it up!

Paint an Accent Wall

Okay, I will admit it, painting your cabinets can be a bit of a time suck. If you aren't ready to spend the hours getting into all of those nooks and crannies, pick a wall in your kitchen to use as an accent wall instead! You still get a pop of color, but in half the time!