Upgrading your kitchen can be a huge undertaking, however, it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re ready to remodel without spending a lot of dough, the following budget-friendly tips from Cheryl Hamilton-Gray of Hamilton-Gray Design will give your kitchen the facelift it needs, while keeping money in your wallet.

-Don’t be afraid to negotiate. As you begin to plan out your kitchen remodel, speak with everyone you’re dealing with to see if there is any room to negotiate when it comes to price. In the end, the worst that can happen is that you’ll get ‘no’ for an answer.

-Splurge on what’s important. There are a lot of elements that go into a kitchen upgrade, and if you aren’t careful, you’ll end up spending a lot more than you anticipated. Take some time before you get to work to pick out a few items that you want to spend a little extra money on. Once you have these items picked out, be flexible when it comes to everything else.

-Resist stainless steel. While stainless steel appliances are a popular choice for homeowners today, opting for white or black appliances can save you money.

-Shop around. In order to get the best deal, you may want to consider alternative shopping sources. Yard sales, estate sales, salvage yards and thrift and antique stores are great places to find unique items that will make your kitchen stand out. Think outside the box to create a kitchen that will be a conversation starter for years to come.

-Put yourself to work. If you love DIY projects, consider doing some of the work yourself. Whether it’s hanging wallpaper, painting, or even installing floors, you can find significant savings by getting your own hands dirty.