When you ask most of us which room we want to update the most, the majority will answer “the kitchen”. We spend a good amount of time there, cooking, eating, doing homework, entertaining…And, you get the most return for your money in the kitchen. Problem is, kitchen remodels not only take a lot of cash, but a fair amount of time as well. We found TBD readers some great one day DIY kitchen remodel ideas & updates that won’t take a lot of time or money! You can start making that kitchen dream space this weekend!
DIY Kitchen Update & Remodel Ideas
Open Shelving Kitchen Update Ideas
Starting you off with a lesson on how to update your kitchen with open shelving! This is one of our favorite kitchen remodel ideas, because it fits any style from farmhouse to modern. ‘The DIY Playbook‘ shows us some great open shelving kitchen ideas so that our space looks just like those awesome magazines!
Pantry Makeover Ideas
If you have a small kitchen, you are probably thinking “what freakin pantry“? Right? Been there. But we decided to create pretty storage and do a fast kitchen update by removing the doors off one of our kitchen cabinets, and go all Pinterest pantry on it! We used food grade glass jars and styled it with our cutting board collection, (don’t judge, I have a problem, there are many more ;)), a pretty plant, and a wire basket for garlic and onions. Seriously, food is so pretty when we take away all the wasteful packaging! Now keep up with your new sustainable pantry makeover by buying in the bulk section. Or at least, with as little packaging as possible. And enjoy a pretty and updated kitchen! Note : We secured the hardware for the door we removed in zippered bags and taped them to the door, then slid it under a bed. Removing the door lightened up the kitchen space, which is definitely darker than we like. And we waited for a glassware sale at Hobby Lobby and stocked up!
DIY Tile Kitchen Countertop
If your countertops have seen better days, but new quartz or marble is not in the budget, then try this DIY tile kitchen countertop from ‘A Beautiful Mess‘. They even show you how to make this counter without a tile saw!
DIY Range Hood
One of the ways you can give your kitchen a custom updated look is to add a pretty DIY range hood, like this one from ‘Confessions of a Serial DIYer‘.They have tons of step by step photos and instructions for this farmhouse style kitchen remodel idea. Oh, and if you like cooking, you might want to check out all about growing your own food over at TGG… Our fav way to make a house smell like home? Use fresh herbs. Learn how to grow basil at TGG, indoors, or out, super, super easy!
Kitchen Tile Backsplash Idea
From ‘Pretty Handy Girl‘, learn how to tile a kitchen backsplash and add a kitchen update that adds value and sets the tone for the entire room. If you really want to make your kitchen look high end, take the tile all the way to the ceiling as well. Notice this tutorial also uses the open shelving idea!
Install New Kitchen Pendant Lighting
Learn all about how to update your kitchen pendant lighting from ‘Mamas Dance‘. They take you through the whole process on how to DIY this kitchen remodel idea. If you aren’t comfortable working with electricity, you can easily hire an electrician or handyman to install the pendant lighting you pick out. Love the copper look in this pretty kitchen space!
Kitchen Update – Wallpaper Ideas
Wallpaper is in, folks. Bright colors, graphic designs and subtle texture all can play a role in your kitchen update. You can even use removable peel and stick wallpaper for an instant update you can change at any time. Great for renters, too. Photo by ‘BHG‘. Find peel and stick wallpaper at ‘Wayfair‘.
Install New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
Installing new kitchen cabinet hardware takes only an hour or two and is one of those remodel ideas where a little thing makes a big impact. Find gorgeous cabinet pulls like this one at ‘Wayfair‘. Then jump on over to ‘The Turquoise Home‘ for a full tutorial on how to install them!
While you are at it, why not put in soft close hinges as well? Never hear a slamming kitchen door again! It’s a really simple kitchen update idea with this tutorial from ‘Joyfully Growing‘.
New Kitchen Bar Stools
Switch out your old kitchen bar stools for something new and fresh! We love these Slope Kitchen Bar Stools from ‘West Elm‘. Our favorite place to buy kitchen bar stools? Our “go to” sources are Wayfair, West Elm, Crate & Barrel and CB2.
Distressed Cabinets Kitchen Update
If you already have painted cabinets (we are NOT going to tell you how to paint cabinets in this post, as that is NOT a one day project in any DIY’ers world!), then think about adding a distressed finish. This is an easy, “after the fact” project that can be done in a day, but will totally make you fall in love with your kitchen update. Great for farmhouse or cottage style. Vintage lovers pay attention! Tutorial from HGTV.
We hope you enjoyed our post on One Day Kitchen Updates! You will also want to jump right on over to How to Install a Backsplash and How to Organize Your Kitchen on a Budget! We also think you will love our post on DIY Small Kitchen Decorating & Design Ideas over at our sister site, OhMeOhMy!
Note : This post has been freshened with updated projects.
Image Credits: The DIY Playbook, A Beautiful Mess, Confessions of a Serial DIYer, Pretty Handy Girl, Mamas Dance, BHG, Joyfully Growing, HGTV
you have some great ideas. when we built our home I had a hard time picking out a backsplash. went to home depot bought a roll of roof flashing and glued it to the wall. looks like stainless steel, is easy to clean (no grout) and is inexpensive. after 15 years still looks good. started out with open shelving in my kitchen because I like the look but after a couple of years got rid of them because everything has to be taken down and cleaned. they always look so nice on tv and pictures in magazines.
How has the stainless steel held up since completion? Peeling? Scratches? Discoloration?
Hi Mel, I would suggest you contact the blogger responsible for the project you are looking at, they are posted as links right there with each project. Good luck!
Mel – I used stainless steel film purchased off EBay to cover the front of our old black dishwasher over a year ago, and it has held up perfectly. The color wasn’t an exact match to the new stainless steel appliances, but it’s dang close and no one would ever guess it was film. You can’t even tell if you touch it. I’ve been thrilled!!
Love these quick and easy DIY ideas! Thanks for including my soft close hinges post in the roundup!
Thank you Ashley!