How to make your kitchen look like it belongs on HGTV for under $200

If you’ve ever paused on an HGTV kitchen reveal and thought, “Why doesn’t my kitchen look like that?”—you’re not alone. The good news is, you don’t need a designer or a massive budget to make your space look pulled together.

With under $200, you can upgrade finishes, add style, and bring in those little touches that make a kitchen feel high-end. It’s all about focusing on details that change how the space feels—and making smart swaps that add visual value without blowing your budget.

Swap Out Old Hardware

Updating drawer pulls and cabinet knobs gives your kitchen an instant facelift. Matte black, brass, or brushed nickel hardware looks polished and current, even on older cabinets.

You can find full sets online for under $50, and it’s one of those small changes that makes people notice. Stick with modern, simple shapes—nothing too ornate—and make sure they match your faucet or light fixtures for a cohesive look.

Add Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

A backsplash instantly makes a kitchen look finished, and peel-and-stick tiles are a budget-friendly way to get that designer effect. They’re easy to install, renter-friendly, and come in realistic subway, marble, or herringbone patterns.

For under $40, you can cover a small wall or the area behind your stove. The key is to align your tiles carefully and cut clean edges—details matter when you’re going for that HGTV look.

Upgrade the Lighting

Harsh overhead lighting makes even nice kitchens feel cold. Swapping in warm-toned LED bulbs or adding a new pendant light changes the whole mood.

You can find stylish fixtures for under $60 at Menards, Lowe’s, or Amazon. Aim for something with texture or a unique shape—like woven rattan, clear glass, or matte black metal. It gives the impression of a designer touch without the designer cost.

Style Your Counters Like a Pro

HGTV kitchens never look cluttered. They’re styled with purpose—one or two items per section, max. A wooden cutting board, a few stacked cookbooks, or a ceramic utensil crock adds warmth without chaos.

Use trays to group things together and hide less-attractive items like dish soap or sponges. It’s a $0 fix that makes your counters feel curated instead of crowded.

Add a Runner Rug

A kitchen runner adds softness and color, grounding the space the same way it would in a living room. Go for a washable rug in a vintage or neutral pattern to add interest without overpowering the room.

You can find beautiful washable runners for $50 or less, and they make even builder-grade floors feel intentional. Plus, they hide scuffs and crumbs—a win all around.

Paint or Refinish One Element

You don’t have to repaint the entire kitchen to make an impact. Painting just your lower cabinets, your island, or even the pantry door in a rich neutral gives the whole room a fresh, updated look.

A quart or two of paint costs under $40, and it’s one of the highest-impact upgrades you can do in a weekend. Choose colors like greige, deep green, or navy for that “custom kitchen” feel.

Swap Out Window Treatments

If your kitchen has a window, don’t overlook it. Old blinds or valances can make the whole room feel dated. Replace them with a bamboo shade or simple white curtains hung high and wide.

The natural texture of bamboo or linen softens the space and brings warmth. It’s an easy under-$50 change that adds instant polish.

Bring in Greenery

Even HGTV designers rely on plants to bring life into a kitchen. A small potted herb, a trailing pothos, or a vase of fresh greenery adds freshness and texture.

You don’t need to spend much—a few grocery store stems or a low-maintenance plant from Lowe’s goes a long way. Place them near natural light or in a neutral ceramic pot for that effortlessly styled look.

Add Open Shelving or Floating Ledges

If you’ve got a blank wall, floating shelves can fill the space beautifully and create that “custom kitchen” vibe. Display cutting boards, jars, or a few dishes for a balanced look.

You can find pre-made shelves for under $60, and even one or two can make a big difference. Keep what you display minimal and color-coordinated so it looks intentional, not cluttered.

Swap Your Faucet

A sleek faucet upgrade can make a dated sink look brand new. Go for a pull-down sprayer style in black, brass, or stainless steel—something that matches your other finishes.

Plenty of solid-quality options are under $70 and easy to install yourself. Once it’s in, your sink area suddenly looks like it came straight off an HGTV renovation reveal—without the price tag.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.