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…
This incredible kitchen cabinet style will be trendy for years to come
Does your space need a revamp with this stylish addition?
Sage green kitchen cabinets

There are a lot of kitchen cabinet styles one can choose from when designing a kitchen. Landing on the right one is a matter of personal preference and your overall aesthetic. If your home has an open concept, it's important to pay attention to the rest of your home's design so you don't end up with, say, a French country-style cabinet opening onto a boho living room.

With all the kitchen cabinet door styles on the market, you'll want to take the time to do your homework on what's available. The kitchen is the heart of your home, so picking the right cabinet style is important. It's not just about color; it's about a door style you won't want to change two years in. Here are some of our favorite available options.

Read more
The best ways to incorporate biophilic design into your sustainable, green kitchen in 2024, according to designers
Expert advice if you’re seeking biophilic design ideas for your space
cottage kitchen design

2024 is the year of sustainable, green kitchens. As homeowners have begun prioritizing eco-friendly materials and sustainable features in their interiors, it’s no surprise that styles like biophilic design and green living have entered the home.

While it can be easy to come up with small ways to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, particularly in our daily lives, many homeowners are left wondering how they can bring this same energy into their home decor and renovations.

Read more
Designer-approved: 3 gorgeous kitchen backsplash ideas for 2024
Jazz up your kitchen space with a new backsplash
Kitchen subway tile backsplash with dark grout

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, the kitchen has always been a focal point. It's a space where functionality meets aesthetics, and the backsplash plays a pivotal role in achieving that perfect balance. As we step into 2024, designers are bringing exploring fresh, exciting ideas to transform your kitchen design into a true masterpiece. Let's dive into three designer-approved kitchen backsplash ideas that are set to make waves this year.

Embracing the 3D aesthetic and textured tiles
One of the most captivating trends emerging in 2024 is the use of textured kitchen backsplash tiles.

Read more