Upgrade Your Kitchen Without a Full Renovation With These 12 Easy Projects
Complete kitchen renovations can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and committing to that large expense isn’t in the cards for every homeowner. If you want to upgrade your kitchen without the hefty ticket price, consider these easy ways to upgrade a kitchen without a full renovation.
1. Add New Cabinet Hardware

If the cabinets in your home are in good shape but need an upgrade, consider adding new cabinet hardware. New cabinet hardware is a low-budget and DIY-friendly way of improving your space. It’s easy to install, and choosing the exact size hardware means you won’t have to drill new holes or patch old ones.
2. Add Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are a great way to add additional storage and visual appeal to your kitchen. Floating shelves are beginner-friendly, easy to DIY, and require minimal materials. The visual upgrade to your space is both timeless and elegant. Learn how to make your own floating shelves here.
3. Reface Kitchen Cabinets
If you are not planning on changing your kitchen layout and your cabinets are in good shape, consider refacing the cabinets. Refacing the cabinets with new doors, drawer fronts, and paint is a much more cost-efficient way to change your space. This project is easily completed with a handheld drill for the average DIYer.
4. Replace Old Appliances
Old, mismatched appliances can date a kitchen, and replacing them can improve your kitchen immediately. Although replacing the appliances isn’t the cheapest way to update your space, it will have a huge impact when considering the resale value. You can often find appliance packages on sale at your local big box stores.
5. Add an Accent to Your Island
Making a statement in your kitchen with the island is a great way to upgrade the space, and adding an accent using paint or wood trim is an economical way to achieve this. Making this small part of the kitchen a focal point will add depth and style to your kitchen with the least amount of work and cost to you, the homeowner. Makeover your island with wood slat trim.
6. Add Under Cabinet Lighting
Under cabinet lighting can add dimension to your kitchen, and this project is beginner, budget, and DIY-friendly to complete. Add under-cabinet lighting without tools using self-adhesive battery-powered puck lights, or add wired strips for even more light. You can purchase under-cabinet lighting for under $20 a light.
7. Install a Backsplash
The kitchen backsplash is a low-cost way to make a big change to your space, and with the right tools and research, you can DIY the backsplash in no time. You can install a backsplash for as low as $100 and make a huge impact on the style of your kitchen. You don’t even have to use morter to set it place!
8. Paint the Walls
A fresh coat of paint can make your kitchen feel fresh and new. If you want to make the quickest and easiest change to your kitchen, painting the walls is the way to go. It’s the perfect project for the beginner DIY enthusiast, and a gallon of paint can cost under $30.
9. Update Overhead Light Fixtures
Insufficient lighting in the kitchen can affect everything from wall to countertop color. Consider updating the overhead lighting to give the space a more appealing aesthetic. While you can always hire a handyman to avoid messing with anything electrical, many tutorials are available to make this a simple DIY project.
10. Install New Flooring
New flooring can make all the difference in the kitchen, and installing it yourself will keep this project budget-friendly. Installing floors can be intimidating, but you can complete this project quickly with proper research and some helpful hands. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to install your own flooring.
11. Create Practical Storage Solutions
Storage is always a battle in the kitchen, and coming up with creative ways to enhance storage space will help with your kitchen’s functionality. Consider adding additional shelves in cabinets or removable organizers. These upgrades, although minimal, can have a significant impact on your space.
12. Swap Out Your Faucet
A new kitchen faucet can make all the difference in enhancing your space. Not only is changing out a faucet straightforward but many models can be purchased for under $100. This is an easy beginner home improvement DIY that anyone can do! Check out this step-by-step-tutorial.
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Anika's goal is to inspire and empower beginners with woodworking, DIY, home improvement, and home decor ideas.
She wants everyone to unlock their creative potential and experience the feeling that comes with making something. Nothing feels better better than seeing something and saying "I can make that!"