13 Designer-Approved Ways to Get a Renovated Kitchen Look on a Budget
Have you ever walked into a kitchen and wondered how it looks so polished and put-together without a massive price tag? The secret is a series of strategic, budget-friendly updates that can completely transform a space. You don't need a full demolition to give your kitchen new life. By focusing on smart DIY projects and clever styling, you can achieve a sophisticated, renovated look for a fraction of the cost.
We've compiled 13 of the most impactful tips from design experts to help you create a space you'll love spending time in.
01|. Refresh Your Cabinets with Paint
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most powerful and affordable changes you can make. Better Homes & Gardens suggests that if your kitchen has dated wood cabinets, you can paint them a cool, dark tone to create a modern contrast.
You could also lean into the "color drenching" trend by painting the cabinets, walls, and trim all in the same shade for a seamless, high-end look. This is a simple weekend project that provides a massive visual impact.
02|. Update Your Hardware
Don't underestimate the power of new knobs, pulls, and handles. Upgrading your cabinet hardware is an easy, high-impact change that requires no renovation. According to Claire Garner, Director at Claire Garner Design Studio, replacing hardware with timeless options like brass can instantly refresh the space. Choosing a sleek matte black or an antique brass finish can make old cabinets feel brand new.
03|. Add Seating to Define Your Space
Even a small kitchen can benefit from a touch of extra furniture. If you have a kitchen island or peninsula, adding a couple of stylish stools can instantly create a cozy breakfast nook or a casual spot for guests to gather.
For a larger space, a small cafe table or a narrow bench can anchor the room and add a layer of warmth and functionality, making the kitchen feel more like a living area than just a workspace.
04.| Peel-and-Stick Backsplash
A new backsplash can provide a huge visual pop, and you don’t have to spend a fortune on tile. According to Julie Gokce, Senior Designer at More Kitchens, peel-and-stick tiles or waterproof panels are a DIY-friendly upgrade that costs a fraction of traditional tilework.
These come in a variety of styles that can mimic expensive materials like marble or subway tile, giving your kitchen an instant upgrade.
05.| Create a Statement Ceiling
While you're looking up, consider giving your ceiling a makeover. Better Homes & Gardens suggests that a statement ceiling can completely transform a room, and it's often a small expense. Whether you opt for a bold paint color, peel-and-stick wallpaper, or wood paneling, this unexpected design element adds a custom feel to the space.
You can also add simple molding or trim to the edges of the ceiling to give the space an even more finished and high-end look.
06.| Hide a Kitchen Eyesore with a Curtain
Sometimes, the simplest tricks are the most effective. In a recent Instagram video, DIY pro Samantha Broughman shared a clever and budget-friendly tip to instantly transform the look of a kitchen by hiding a range hood with a curtain. As seen in her reel, you just need a tension rod and a small curtain to completely conceal the hood, creating an instant cozy, cottagecore aesthetic.
Broughman suggests sourcing the items from a thrift store for even greater savings. If you choose this DIY, be sure to never leave your stove unattended while in use, as the curtain will be near a heat source.
07.| Use Under-Cabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting is a small update that provides a huge return on investment. According to James, an expert mentioned in Country Living, installing LED strips or puck lights beneath your cabinets is a simple yet powerful upgrade. This not only enhances task lighting but also helps to create a sophisticated ambiance in the evenings, giving your kitchen a luxurious feel.
When choosing your lighting, opt for a warm light with a color temperature of 2700K to 3000K. Avoid stark white or cool-toned lights above 4000K, which can make your kitchen feel clinical and uninviting.
08.| Add Open Shelving
Removing upper cabinets and replacing them with open shelving is a popular and affordable update. Victoria Robinson, a style and trend expert at Hillarys, says this allows you to display your favorite dishware, cookbooks, or decorative glass jars, making everyday items accessible and adding personality to the space.
For a clean, curated look, you can also group similar items or stick to a consistent color palette, ensuring the display feels intentional rather than cluttered.
09.| Go Big with Lighting
Upgrading your light fixtures is one of the easiest ways to change the feel of a kitchen. A new statement pendant or a set of stylish wall sconces can completely transform the look of the space, adding both function and personality. According to James Kendall, Operations Director at KES Lighting & Home, this is a quick update that can make a big impact.
10.| Upgrade Your Window Treatments
Windows are often overlooked in the kitchen. Swapping out old blinds for a stylish roman shade or a simple set of cafe curtains can instantly soften the space, add a pop of color, and give the room a more finished, custom look.
11.| Maximize Storage with Smart Solutions
A cluttered kitchen can often feel chaotic and dated, but smart organization can make it feel brand new. As experts at Country Living suggest, implementing budget-friendly storage solutions can make a huge visual impact.
To reduce visual clutter, consider using shelf risers to maximize vertical space, or add pull-out baskets and adhesive hooks inside cupboard doors for easy access. Drawer organizers and uniform glass jars for pantry staples are also great ways to make your space feel more put-together and intentionally designed.
12.| Freshen Up with Paint
You don’t have to repaint your whole kitchen to make a difference. If you have leftover paint, use it to jazz up the inside of open shelving, create a feature border around a window, or add a splash of color to an empty wall. These simple painting tricks from Bailey Oates, a Color Expert at Earthborn, are a great way to update your kitchen without investing too much time or money.
13.| Keep the Existing Countertops
To keep a kitchen refresh within budget, you don't always have to replace your existing countertops. Better Homes & Gardens suggests that you can keep the countertops and instead splurge on an unexpected accent, such as a penny tile backsplash. This allows you to save money while still giving the space a personalized, updated feel.
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