A good change in home atmosphere that can considerably have an impact in aesthetic appeal, overall functionality and value of your home is kitchen remodeling. But with a typical project of this kind costing around several thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, undertaking such with a limited budget can ultimately be challenging. With the economic turmoil and New York housing crunch, it is high time to be meticulous about spending and try to save more. This makes low-cost kitchen improvements a viable solution whether you are in Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, or Long Island.Here are simple ways and remodeling ideas that though costs less can dramatically improve the look and feel of the heart of your home:1.      Tile BacksplashesContrary to the older fashion of decades back where backsplashes should readily match the countertop, newer trends dictate a more personalized approach to tile backsplash. This trend has brought a wide range of stylish choices when it comes to tile backsplashes for your kitchen.2.      Kitchen Cabinet Reface or RefinishBeing the building blocks of the kitchen, changes made to the kitchen cabinets would surely be noticeable. Refacing or refinishing your kitchen cabinets can do a marvelous job in creating a whole new look, even if it was only the doors and outer parts of the cabinets changed.3.      Painting, Stenciling or WallpaperingThe walls are among the elements that greatly affects the ambiance intended in any room. This makes a change in your wall color whether solid or patterned adds a spark of interest to your kitchen. Painting is especially popular for its cost-efficiency. Stenciling and wallpapering which can cost more than a home painting project is ideal for people who prefer more visually artistic designs injected into the walls.4.     Lighting Fixture ReplacementTo set the mood and improve productivity in task-designated areas, changing the lighting fixtures in your kitchen would bring about a whole new look for your kitchen.5.      Kitchen IslandFor added workspace and storage, kitchen islands are popular additions to remodeling projects. But as this can cost a good deal, especially if customized, you can opt for low-cost models with wheels that can be pulled out in place or set aside if not needed.6.      HardwareAs they say, it’s all in the details. Simply replacing kitchen hardware including existing handles and pulls can remarkably update the area’s appeal. But if you are really short on budget, you can accentuate the details of your old hardware by coating them with glaze or paint.7.      CountertopsIf yours is a butcher block type countertop, simply refinishing and resealing would do the trick to bring it back to its full glory. If not, opting for a laminate countertop is a cost-saving option that can stand as beautiful as other expensive options. Unless, you’ll be creating a restaurant out of your home, high quality laminate can do great when it come to durability. 8.      Accessorize and UpdateWhen adding accessories, choose ones that not only make the kitchen look prettier but function better as well. Some practical choices include: spice and wine racks, garbage cans, pull-outs, and drawer dividers. Also check out your list of appliances and determine whether additional small appliances like a toaster, blender, coffee maker, and/or microwave oven can be covered by your budget. These can considerably make meal preparation less time consuming and so much easier.  

The latest modern materials are creating a quiet revolution in the kitchen, with ever more affordable options of previously unheard of quality and value. This does not only go for kitchen worktops, where cutting techniques have put granite into the affordable bracket for many, and where quartz has quietly gained market share for it’s convenience, hardwearing ruggedness and simple good looks.Modern manufacturing techniques have also improved the way that sinks are made – and for this article we’ll be looking at Corian sinks, and how they can add some wow to your kitchen.Corian is manufactured by Dupont and is a completely synthetic material resembling stone. It has some great properties that really should make it worth considering even for a sink.It is completely non-porous so will not soak in water that can help breed bacteria. That also makes it rather stain resistant. It is also very tough – hard as rock, and because it is a ‘solid surface’ material it can have scratches polished out and even repaired with new sections.And here is where it gets interesting for architects and kitchen designer: it can be thermoformed: in other words, melted. This enables seamless joints between Corian surfaces… including your worktop and your sink.While there are advantages to having a stainless steel sink, including superb stain resistance and ease of replacement, a Corian sink and worktop solution does have some great things going for it.For a start, the joins between different surfaces are a great place for muck and bacteria to lurk in, and a seamless sink is just so much easier to clean. Next there is aesthetics… A corian worktop and sink combination has a sleek modern look to it that has plenty of wow-factor. Uncluttered, clean elegant lines while not at home in a country farmhouse, just look amazing in a modern kitchen.Corian sinks come in four colours: glacier white, cameo white, bone and vanilla and can be fitted in a “Seamless” or “Classical” way. Seamless is when all surfaces are flush, and Classical is when there is a slight over hang of the worktop to the sink.As an option too, there is a combination model featuring a Corian bowl with a stainless steel base that is suitable for applications where chemicals, bleaching agents or dyes might be used.So, when planning the design of your new modern kitchen, have a think about fitting a Corian worktop and sink, it might be just the ultra-modern clean and sleek look you need!