• Turn your kitchen into a masterpiece without spending a fortune.Modern elegant kitchen image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  Over time, a kitchen often becomes crowded with new cooking utensils, an array of mismatched furniture and canned goods which no longer fit into the crowded pantry. Even with adequate storage space, you may simply feel it's time to give your tired room a new look. A cheap kitchen remodeling project is not only possible, but you can also find ways to save money with energy-saving appliances and unused furniture sitting around your home.
  
  

Furniture and Layout

• Try a free online room planner or a simple sketch on paper to lay out your new kitchen design. The kitchen provides less room for moving furniture since many appliances would require a complete reinstallation of cabinets to work. Set your budget and determine whether or not you have the money or desire to move the appliances or whether you wish to leave them as they are. Financial Web suggests moving your refrigerator out of the sun and purchasing energy-saving appliances if you choose to buy new. While it may cost more, these changes will save you money on your power bill in the long run. For a cheap makeover that doesn't require new appliances or cutting away cabinets, consider a fresh coat of paint. Sand down wooden cabinets and repaint in a neutral white or tan. Add a new coat of paint to the walls, preferably in a warm color for an energetic atmosphere, and your kitchen will transform before your eyes. Create a versatile kitchen island by repainting an old dresser or move a wooden rolling cart into the center of your kitchen and add storage as needed. Not only will you save money, but, by using a rolling cart or adding wheels to a lightweight dresser, you can move the island out of the way when you need more space.
  
  

Storage Solutions

• To fully admire your new kitchen you'll need an adequate storage system to cut out the clutter. Start by identifying what works and what doesn't. Perhaps your cabinets provide enough room for dishes but you have too many cups and your pantry is a mess. Create extra cabinet space by placing wire racks, such as shoe racks, into the cabinets to store small items both on top of and underneath the rack. Slide out storage systems are available to install in cabinets under your counters. While they may cost more, they pull out into several layers or stacks of drawers and triple your storage space.
  To clean up a pantry or a shelf, purchase matching neutral colored baskets with fabric liners and group similar items together inside. Label your baskets with a decorative piece of cardstock tied on with ribbon. When you need to change a basket's use, just create a new card.
  
  

Lighting

• Often during a remodeling project, you won't wish to change the initial lighting in the room. You may change the light fixtures or install a lamp, but typically a homeowner will leave the wiring the same due to expensive rewiring costs. To add lighting without ringing up a high bill, consider the areas of the room that seem too dark. Installing bar lighting under cabinets will keep counters well lit and a simple free-standing lamp can illuminate dark corner tables at night. If you feel your kitchen needs a complete make-over, plan out and install the lighting before remodeling the rest of the kitchen. To save money on your electric bill, install energy-efficient light bulbs in all lamps and light fixtures.
  
  

Accessories

• Once you finish your remodeling project, you'll want to add matching accessories to balance out the room. Choose one or two colors to complement your primary color. Pair bright or intense colors with neutral accessories to strike a balance. A light- or neutral-colored room will work well with brighter colors to liven up the mood. Mix a few large and elaborate pieces of artwork with simple designs in your smaller accessories. Don't forget to include plates, tablecloths, napkins and napkin holders when shopping for cheap yet decorative pieces. Even a vase of flowers can provide an inexpensive touch of color.