10 Budget Kitchen Upgrades Under $500

Swap cabinet hardware
Peel‑and‑stick backsplash
Under‑cabinet LED lighting
High‑cover paint + primer
Open‑shelf accent
Pull‑down faucet
Re‑caulk & deep clean
Statement pendants
Drawer organizers
Countertop refresh (oil/wax, repair kits)

Start with high‑visibility, low‑labor items for outsized impact.