Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

10 kitchen upgrades for under $130 this holiday season

Now that most of us are spending more time at home, it’s the perfect time to gift yourself with a few upgrades. Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, you can get the most bang for your buck updating a room that gets the most eyes on it.

With the holidays fast approaching, budgeting is important, but we’ve found some easy, inexpensive ideas to put a fresh face on your kitchen without breaking the bank. Consider it a gift to yourself for all you do for those around you.

Kitchen counter with gray herringbone backsplash
ThomasPhoto / Shutterstock

Here are 10 kitchen upgrades — all for under $130 — that will be the talk of all your future gatherings:

  • Inola 1 Light Single Globe Pendant – Updating your kitchen lighting is one of the easiest ways to give new life to your kitchen space. There are so many options on the market, but this single glass globe pendant is a personal favorite. It comes in black, brass, or chrome and for only $58 (on sale right now on Wayfair), and it’s a modern and elegant way to brighten the room.
  • Tile backsplash – Adding a backsplash does wonders to bring your personality to any space, especially the kitchen. This Carrara White Marble 1×2 Herringbone Mosaic Tile costs $12 per sheet that covers one square foot. The herringbone pattern gives a modern and fun pattern to any wall.
  • Hardware – Upgrading your kitchen hardware is another easy way to change up the look of the space. Kitchens typically have a lot of doors and drawers, so changing out knobs and pulls can make a big difference. I really like these Wayfair 3″ center-to-center bar pulls in a metallic gold. These come in a set of 25 for $35.
  • Paint – A fresh coat of paint can be used to brighten walls or cabinets. I’d recommend a semigloss finish for easy cleaning, and it’s also good at standing up to mildew, stains, and dirt. Price will depend on what type you get, but Sherwin Williams or Behr are both solid choices.
  • Wallpaper – I’m a huge fan of wallpaper but know it’s not always easy to remove if you change your mind. Thanks to peel-and-stick, now you can update an accent wall in your kitchen and if you tire of it, just peel it off and try something new. I like this Wood Peel and Stick Wallpaper, which comes in 17.8-inch x 118.8-inch sections for just $9. It gives the look of a wood wall without the expense of installing actual wood.

Woman hanging wallpaper in a kitchen
Image used with permission by copyright holder
  • Industrial shelving – Rustic meets industrial with these hanging pipe and wood shelves from Amazon. You can use this as a bookshelf to display your favorite cookbook or for extra dish or mug storage. This one comes with four shelves and is $53.

  • A new print – I’m in love with the “Call Me Old Fashioned'” print from Katie Kime. It comes in five sizes and multiple frame colors. The 16×20 is $128, but there are two smaller sizes for less. It definitely gives personality to any kitchen wall.
  • Sink faucet – Updating your kitchen sink faucet is easy, and you don’t have to break the bank to find a decent one. This Hoimpro High Arc Matte Black Spring Kitchen Faucet has a pull-down sprayer, and its chunky size makes it stand out from the crowd.

  • Decor – Setting out fun, whimsical decor is sure to brighten up any space. These Heartfelt by Anthropologie XO Felted Wool Trivets come in a set in either orange or blue for just $44. Function meets fashion!
  • Switch plates – While you’re perusing the Anthropologie site, you can also update your kitchen switch plates to give it a fresh look. I like the Rosalita switch plates that are between $22-28 depending on size.
Recommended Videos

These are all fun, relatively inexpensive ways to freshen up your kitchen in time to celebrate the holidays. Happy shopping!

Julie Scagell
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
The best kitchen island ideas for a captivating (and functional) prep space
Here are some ideas we love, and how to avoid making mistakes when remodeling
Luxury home with gray and white kitchen island

Kitchen trends come and go, but the kitchen island has been highly sought after for decades. Not only can they become an integral part of the design in terms of aesthetics, but they are also functional. Islands provide tons of additional counter space, a place to gather and eat, and create an L-shaped space so you can move around your kitchen seamlessly.

But a kitchen island can quickly become a design flaw if not done right. Installing an island that's too large or too small or that doesn't give the room enough of a flow can make even the best of intentions a nightmare when you try to cook or entertain. Here are some kitchen island ideas we love, and how to avoid making mistakes when remodeling.
Are kitchen islands a good idea?

Read more
9 small kitchen ideas that actually make this tiny space functional
From alternative kitchen islands to unique design elements, here is how to maximize your small kitchen
Modern kitchen with red oak cabinets and white countertops

If you’re working with a small kitchen, you understand the struggle to find space to store your cooking materials or have a solid area dedicated to prep work. The challenges that these tiny spaces bring to your home can hurt your functionality and make preparing meals a nightmare. Fortunately, there are several simple solutions to overcome these setbacks so you can use your tiny kitchen to its fullest potential.

Here are nine small kitchen ideas that will help you take control of your space and get back to making delicious meals you and your family are sure to enjoy.
What is the best design for a small kitchen?

Read more
Kitchen floating shelves: Dumb idea or cool design feature?
Floating cabinets are aesthetic and functional. Here's what to keep in mind if you choose to install them
Kitchen floating shelves with matte tile backsplash

To install or not to install floating kitchen shelves -- that is the question many designers and homeowners ask themselves these days. Floating shelves have risen in popularity over the past decade with the farmhouse design trend and are often found in more modern kitchens to complement a sleek design and linear look. But are they right for every kitchen and every homeowner? The answer is no. There are tons of ideas for kitchen floating shelves on the market, but pulling them off can be tricky.

Floating shelves can be perfect near awkward corner cabinets and give you much easier access to your most-used kitchen items, but you'll want to have a really good concept of exactly where to use them, how deep they should be, and how to make the most of them before you begin. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Read more