If you really want it to look like you have a whole new kitchen, then consider repainting the cabinets. It’ll take a bit of work (you’ll have to unhinge all the doors, keep them organized, paint, prime, reattach, etc.), but the only cost really is the paint.
You could also invest in updating some of your cheaper appliances. For example, if your toaster or microwave are broken or just not working well, then buy a new one! It’ll be less frustrating to use, plus it’ll look a lot better in the kitchen!
Add some light to your kitchen to make it look even better! You could insert a window or skylight (if you managed to find someone cheap or do it yourself inexpensively), but that’ll probably be more than $160. Instead, you could hang up some more mirrors to reflect light and make it brighter.
If you don’t want to redo your whole lighting system (or add a window), then just focus in putting lights in spots that are pretty dark. Some common places are above the sink, near the oven, or in the cabinets. Work some lighting in some or all of those places to improve your kitchen.
Buy or make a pot holder that you can hang from your ceiling! This only works if your kitchen has a high ceiling (or else everyone will be hitting their head on pots and pans). You could make your own out of an old bike tire or something similar.
A super easy way to make your kitchen look brand new is by getting tons of plants and flowers! They brighten up the room and add tons of needed color. You could also carve out a section of your kitchen solely for growing herbs and other things.
Did you know there are stainless steel stickers you can put onto your fridge to make them look like a legitimate stainless steel fridge? No joke. So, if you want that look for your kitchen, then go for it!
You’d be surprised at how much the hardware in your kitchen can make a difference. Just by replacing all the handles and knobs in your kitchen, you can easily bring your kitchen into the 21st century.