Home Decor Expert Christina Anstead Reveals 4 Tips for Remodeling Your Kitchen on a Budget

While those brand name cabinets might sound ideal, the $$$ can add up fast, which is why Anstead recommends a cheaper alternative.

“Right now, everyone loves white cabinets,” she exclusively told PureWow. “You can get white cabinets for a pretty inexpensive price if you go with pre-fab cabinets, as opposed to custom.”

The home design expert is referring to pre-fabricated cabinets, which basically means they’re pre-built to standard sizes and can be purchased on a per-cabinet basis (whereas custom ones are built-to-order).

“So, you can get a white, chicer cabinet that’s definitely affordable because so many people make them, so they have to be really price conscious when it comes to those,” Anstead added.

One of the easiest ways to transform a kitchen? Brighten up the backsplash. (Bonus: Thanks to peel-and-stick tiles, you don’t have to hire a professional.)

“I think mixing up a backsplash can make a huge difference,” Anstead said. “If you have a dated backsplash, you can switch that up. That can really freshen up a space.”

Marble looks great, but it’s infamously difficult to maintain. Anstead confirmed that quartz is a strong option for anyone who’s looking for a long-lasting countertop.

“A lot of people want quartz because it’s more durable,” she explained, “as opposed to marble, which is porous. If you spill something on it, it’s very hard to get out. And I think the quartz nowadays—even the ones that look like marble—can look really realistic and [are] more affordable.”

Last but not least, the simplest task of all. Paint can not only brighten up a room, but it also changes the entire vibe. While whites and off-whites will make the room appear larger, darker colors can also offer a unique contrast.

“Definitely paint,” Anstead added. “Paint makes a huge difference, as well.”