6 Kitchens, 6 DIY Updates

Kitchen updates can completely transform the look and feel of your home. With a few strategic DIY projects, you can create a kitchen that is efficient, beautiful, and uniquely yours without breaking the bank. Here are six inspiring kitchen makeovers with DIY ideas to help revamp your own cooking space.

Refreshing a Dated Kitchen for Under $2,000

Outdated oak cabinets, limited counter space, and worn appliances left this kitchen stuck in the past. Instead of a costly full remodel, it was refreshed on a $2,000 budget with strategic DIY updates for a completely fresh look.

Painting the Cabinets

• The oak cabinets were given a coat of white paint using a sprayer for full coverage.
• For a smooth finish, the doors were sanded and primed before painting.
• New modern hardware was installed for an updated look.
• Tip: Painting cabinets yourself can save thousands over a full cabinet replacement.

Updating the Countertops

• The existing laminate countertops were covered in white quartz using a DIY overlay kit.
• This affordable upgrade gave the look of luxury stone.
• The white quartz brightened up the whole room and made the space feel larger.
• Tip: Countertop overlay kits start under $100 and take a day to install.

Adding Open Shelving

• A wall was opened up by removing upper cabinets.
• Budget-friendly brackets and wood boards were used to create open shelving for displaying dishes.
• This simple change gave the kitchen an airy, modern feel.
• Tip: Open shelves provide style and eliminate the need for upper cabinet replacement.

More Quick DIY Fixes

• A fresh coat of bright white paint on the walls made the kitchen feel larger.
• The old laminate flooring was replaced with peel-and-stick vinyl tiles.
• New modern barstools, pendant lighting, and decor accessories updated the aesthetics.

Revamping a Kitchen on a $3,500 Budget

These homeowners needed more storage, updated styling, and a fresh layout. With a $3,500 budget, they completed a DIY kitchen overhaul themselves in a few weekends.

Building a Custom Pantry

• A useless space next to the fridge was transformed into a floor-to-ceiling pantry.
• Pine boards and matching trim created the framework secured right to the wall studs.
• Shelves were cut and installed to hold dry goods and small appliances.
• Tip: Custom built-ins maximize unused space in the kitchen.

Adding Storage with Open Shelving

• Upper cabinets were removed and replaced with open shelving made from pine boards and black brackets.
• The open shelves provided a place to display decorative dishes while eliminating bulky upper cabinets.
• Under cabinet lighting was installed to illuminate the shelving at night.
• Tip: Creative use of lighting can make a big impact for little cost.

Updating Cabinets with New Hardware and Paint

• The existing cabinet boxes were in good shape but had a dated oak finish.
• To provide a fresh white look, the doors and frames were painted using a sprayer.
• Complementing black hardware and light fixtures gave a modern styling.
• Tip: Paint and new hardware can transform cabinet look for under $300.

Switching Out the Countertops

• Instead of natural stone, white prefabricated quartz countertops were installed.
• This affordable option looks like high-end quartz but was 1/3 of the price.
• Quartz is durable, easy to clean, and gave the kitchen a seamless updated look.
• Tip: Prefabricated countertops install quickly and have the sleek styling of stone.

Opening up a Cramped Galley Kitchen

The awkward layout of this narrow galley kitchen made the space feel closed off and cramped. By removing a wall and adding an island, the kitchen was made open, functional, and bright.

Opening up the Space by Removing a Wall

• Taking down the wall separating the kitchen and dining room opened up the space.
• This allowed better flow and made the small galley kitchen feel more open.
• Structural beams and posts were added to provide needed support.
• Tip: Removing even a small section of wall can improve kitchen flow dramatically.

Building a DIY Island with Seating

• A narrow island was built to provide additional counter space and seating using stock cabinets and butcher block countertop.
• The island can be used for food prep or casual dining for two.
• Base cabinets were secured to the floor while the butcher block was attached to the cabinets.
• Tip: Islands can be built with DIY basics like pre-made cabinets and countertop.

Adding Functional Storage Solutions

• Clever storage transforms unused areas into functional space.
• Base cabinets maximize storage and a built-in pantry organizes dry goods.
• Open shelving replaces upper cabinets to reduce visual clutter.
• Tip: Maximize every inch of space with functional built-ins and storage solutions.

Installing New Stainless Steel Appliances

• Trading outdated appliances for new stainless steel ones gave a fresh updated look.
• A slide-in gas range, French door fridge, and hidden vent hood created a seamless aesthetic.
• Stainless steel provides a classic, clean appearance that pairs nicely with any style.
• Tip: Stainless steel appliances instantly provide a modern facelift.

Giving a Dark Galley Kitchen New Light and Life

This outdated galley kitchen was stuck in the 1970s with its honey oak cabinets, poor lighting, and closed off layout. A DIY remodel completely transformed it into a light, open space using just paint, new countertops, and updated backsplash.

Painting the Cabinets White

• The existing cabinet boxes were solid but had outdated orange-stained doors.
• Sanding, priming, and painting the doors white gave the cabinets a fresh modern look.
• New modern bar pulls replaced the dated round knobs.
• Tip: For an easy update, paint and new hardware can transform old cabinets.

Switching Out the Countertops

• Instead of natural stone, prefab quartz countertops were used for an affordable redesign.
• The white quartz countertops paired nicely with the painted white cabinets to open up the space.
• Quartz provides the look of high-end stone for less cost.
• Tip: Prefabricated countertops offer durability and styling at lower cost.

Adding a White Subway Tile Backsplash

• A white subway tile backsplash was installed as an easy DIY upgrade.
• The crisp white tile brightened up the space and reflected more light.
• Contrasting grout lines gave added visual interest.
• Tip: White tile is a simple, low-cost way to refresh a backsplash.

Improving Lighting and Removing Walls

• Under cabinet lighting was added to illuminate the counters and backsplash.
• The wall separating the kitchen and dining room was partially removed to improve flow.
• A new chandelier over the dining table provided ambient lighting.
• Tip: Improved lighting and an open layout can make a kitchen feel brand new.

Maximizing Space in a Tiny Kitchen

This awkward small kitchen was stuck in the past with little prep space, minimal storage, and poor workflow. Thoughtful changes including new cabinet layout, built-ins, and a window wall unit completely transformed the functionality.

Installing Floor-to-Ceiling Pantry Cabinets

• Custom pantry cabinets were designed to fit unused space next to the fridge.
• Maximizing vertical storage provided plenty of room for organization.
• Pull-out drawers keep items hidden but easily accessible.
• Tip: Custom cabinets in unused areas can dramatically increase storage.

Creating a Built-In Breakfast Nook

• A small unused space was converted into a built-in bench breakfast nook with added storage.
• The custom bench provides a place to enjoy coffee while maximizing unused space.
• Shelves hold cookbooks, small appliances, and other kitchen necessities.
• Tip: Built-in furniture can add function to challenging kitchen spaces.

Adding Wall Cabinets for Open Shelving

• Some upper cabinets were replaced with open shelving made from pine boards stained to match.
• The open shelves display items while keeping the space visually open.
• Wall cabinets were added to the right wall for increased storage.
• Tip: A mix of open and closed storage works well in small kitchens.

Installing a Wall Unit by the Window

• A custom wall unit was designed to fit perfectly in the unused space around the window.
• This built-in feature maximizes storage and adds workspace next to the sink.
• The white painted finish matches the clean aesthetic of the space.
• Tip: Use awkward spaces for specially designed storage solutions.

Giving a Cluttered Kitchen a Minimalist New Look

This small kitchen was dark and cluttered with too much stuff competing for space. A DIY makeover featuring decluttering, new cabinets, open shelving, and enhanced lighting created a serene minimalist retreat.

Decluttering and Donating Old Items

• The first step was clearing out all unnecessary small appliances, dinnerware, and food items.
• Anything not used regularly was donated or sold to maximize essential storage.
• Keeping only the basics eliminates clutter.
• Tip: Decluttering frees up valuable space in your kitchen.

Painting Cabinets and Adding New Hardware

• The existing cabinet boxes were in good shape with solid wood doors.
• Sanding, priming, and painting the doors white gave them a refreshed modern look.
• Matte black hardware paired nicely with the white for contrast.
• Tip: A coat of paint and new hardware provides an affordable cabinet transformation.

Removing Upper Cabinets for Open Shelving

• Removing some upper cabinets instantly opened up the space visually.
• The lower cabinets were kept for essential storage space.
• Floating shelves stylishly display items while keeping the look uncluttered.
• Tip: Trading upper cabinets for open shelves showcases decor.

Enhancing Lighting Elements

• New recessed lighting ensures the space is brightly and evenly illuminated.
• Under cabinet lights provide task lighting for food prep and cooking.
• A statement light fixture over the sink adds a minimalist focal point.
• Tip: Good lighting transforms a space from dull to bright and modern.

Final Takeaways

With some inventiveness and DIY spirit, it’s possible to completely transform the look, layout, and functionality of your kitchen on nearly any budget. Focus on high impact changes like new cabinet paint, updated countertops, open shelving, and improved lighting for an affordable kitchen makeover. Maximizing storage through decluttering, custom built-ins, and better organization can also radically enhance a kitchen. Don’t be afraid to remove walls or make structural changes to improve workflow and open up cramped galley kitchens. Use these inspiring real kitchen makeovers to unleash your own creativity and refresh your cooking space.