The kitchen is the center of your home. It’s where everyone gathers during the house party, where family meals are made and midnight snacks are found. Over time, the wear and tear of a busy kitchen can leave your kitchen dreary. Modern home design trends have brought about some remodel inspiration that is ideal for homeowners who aren’t looking to go on a spending spree.

These five Modern Kitchen Trends will bring your kitchen back to life, without killing your budget.

Black Stainless Steel

The days of obsessive fingerprint wiping are gone with black stainless steel appliances. Smudge-proof, fingerprint resistant, and easy-to-clean designs like the line of black stainless steel from Frigidaire are bringing eye-catching designs with minimal upkeep. The bold look along with ease of maintenance makes black stainless steel a statement piece in any new kitchen.

Painted Cabinets

Give your tired looking kitchen cabinets a facelift with a fresh coat of paint. Not only will painting your cabinets cost merely a fraction of a total replacement, they will also save you a substantial amount of remodel time. Most replacements that require gutting and replacing cabinets can take up to six weeks. Enjoy a brand-new kitchen look in less than half that time with painted cabinets. Going white-washed is a timeless option for a fresh modern farmhouse look, or opt for Sage as another popular color for 2018 design trends.

Smaller, Compact Appliances

Downsizing is a great way to save on traditionally pricey appliances. Opting for a two-burner cooktop and a smaller fridge opens your kitchen for more space with less damage on your wallet. Consider using multiple small refrigerators for maximum organization. Placing an island inset for the “beverage-only” fridge will free up room for groceries in your smaller main refrigerator. The perfect recipe of form and function also comes into play with dual-purpose appliances. Think convection microwaves to save counter space or a refrigerator with a freezer drawer to maximize kitchen space.

Subway Tile

Not only is subway tile a modern look, it’s a great option for a backsplash or even an entire wall. You’ll get more bang for your buck than with intricate tile options, and add some bonus points for being super easy to clean. You’re not solely limited to a stark white here, either. Mirrored metallic subway tiles can lend a more glam look, or lay them out in herringbone design can give them a unique appeal. Use a dark gritty grout for more of an urban styled, industrial-inspired kitchen.

Splurge Where It Matters

Make the trade for traditional big-ticket expenses in the kitchen, and know where to put your money. Skip granite and go for quartz countertops. Use tile floors over expensive and high-maintenance hardwood. Instead, invest your money on eye-catching signature pieces of your kitchen like a baroque chandelier or oil rubbed cabinet drawer pulls that catch the eye.

You can design the kitchen of your dreams, without breaking the bank. These trends are just the beginning of ways to make your kitchen redo more affordable. If you’re looking for more inspiration, visit a Monark Showroom to discover the best in class for cooking, cooling and cleaning appliances to give your kitchen a modern facelift all within your budget.