How to Update Your Kitchen Without Spending a Lot of Money: Budget-Friendly Tips

After owning my home for over a decade, I finally decided to give my kitchen a makeover. I had always thought it would cost me…

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After owning my home for over a decade, I finally decided to give my kitchen a makeover. I had always thought it would cost me around $20K, but it turns out I only needed less than $900 to achieve the upgrade I wanted. If you’re thinking of doing the same, check out my full DIY kitchen upgrade video here: DIY Kitchen Makeover: How to Transform Your Kitchen on a Budget (Vlog edition).

Here’s how I updated my kitchen for under $900:

1. Clean and Repaint Cabinets. The first step in transforming my kitchen was to give the cabinets a fresh look. I started by thoroughly cleaning the cabinets with a degreaser to remove any built-up grease and grime. This is an essential step because it helps the paint adhere better and ensures a smooth finish. I then used liquid sandpaper, which is less harsh than traditional sandpaper but still effective for creating a rough surface that helps the paint stick. After prepping the surface, I applied a coat of black paint (color: Caviar) from Lowe’s. I chose (HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams  Infinity Satin Ultra White) for the interior of the cabinets, giving them a clean, bright finish. The paint went on smoothly, and after two coats, the cabinets looked brand new—without the hefty price tag of replacing them entirely. Repainting the cabinets gave my kitchen an instant facelift, and the bold black color brought a modern, sleek feel to the space.

2. Paint the Walls and Add Peel-and-Stick Tile. Next, I tackled the walls to create a clean and bright backdrop for my newly updated cabinets. I chose a simple white paint to lighten up the space and make the kitchen feel more open and airy. The paint I used was HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams Infinity Satin Ultra White, which provided excellent coverage and a smooth, durable finish. After painting the walls, I turned my attention to the backsplash area. Instead of investing in expensive tiles or a full backsplash installation, I decided to go peel-and-stick tile from Amazon. This was a game-changer! The tile was easy to apply, adhered perfectly to the wall, and instantly added a stylish touch to my kitchen. The peel-and-stick tiles were affordable and simple to install, and they made such a difference in giving the kitchen a polished, updated feel without the hefty cost of traditional tiling.

3. Paint the Countertops. First, I cleaned the countertops thoroughly to ensure no grease or debris would interfere with the paint. After cleaning, I applied two coats of white paint to the surface, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next. Once the white base was dry, I used the gray veining paint included in the Rust-Oleum Home Countertop White Marble Satin Countertop Refinishing Kit to create the marble effect. I freestyle the lines, adding veining wherever I felt it would enhance the look, and allowed the paint to dry. Overall, the process was simple, and the results were stunning—a beautiful marble look without the expensive price tag!

4. New Sink and Faucet. I had someone with experience install my new kitchen sink and faucet at no charge, and the process was quick and simple. After removing the old sink and faucet, the installation of the new ones was seamless. The new sink gives my kitchen a fresh, modern look, and the faucet adds both style and functionality. It was a great way to complete the makeover without a lot of hassle.

5. Add Peel-and-Stick Flooring. To finish off the kitchen upgrade, I added peel-and-stick flooring from Home Depot, choosing 12×12 tiles for a simple yet modern look. First, we removed the old peel-and-stick tiles, making sure to clean up any dirt and old adhesive to create a smooth surface for the new tiles. Since the original tiles were also 12×12, I decided to follow the same pattern from when we first moved into the home. The process was easy—just peel off the backing, align the tiles, and press them down. The new flooring was quick to install, and it gave the kitchen a fresh, updated feel. Plus, the peel-and-stick option was a budget-friendly and hassle-free solution, making this DIY upgrade both affordable and effective!

The Family Project
This was a family project, and we had so much fun working together to transform our kitchen on a budget. Each step of the way, from cleaning and painting to installing the new sink and peel-and-stick flooring, brought us closer and made the process even more rewarding. I can’t wait for our next DIY house-to-home project!

Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my DIY journey!!

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