This post is about creating a Simple Kitchen Makeover on a Budget without having to do major renovations.
If you’ve ever looked at your kitchen and thought, “It’s not bad, but it could be better…”- this post is for you. I recently gave my kitchen a complete refresh on a budget, and while it wasn’t a weekend project, it was 100% worth the time and effort.
Here’s exactly what I did, how I did it, and a full breakdown of what it cost. Spoiler alert: This kitchen makeover came in under $800, and it looks exactly like the vintage charm I was going for.
The Paint Transformation Begins
The first thing I tackled was paint. The kitchen ceiling and walls got a fresh coat of Glidden’s Swiss Coffee, which is warm and creamy- perfect for softening the space. The biggest transformation came from the cabinets. They were black, and while dramatic, they made the space feel a bit heavy and dark. I sanded them lightly, and began to paint them in Behr’s Ancient Ivory, paint and primer.
The Result? Instant lightness. I felt like I gained three extra windows.
Small Hardware, Big Difference for this Kitchen Makeover on a budget
A kitchen makeover on a budget could be very challenging. Especially when it comes to the smaller details, that everyone notices. Switching out cabinet knobs and hinges was a game changer. I swapped the satin nickel knobs and hinges for brushed antique brass hardware, and I can’t stop admiring them.
They add the perfect amount of vintage charm and tie the whole look together. Simple, yet beautiful.
DIY Cafe Curtains
This next part might be my favorite.
I purchased a pair of velvet hunter green curtains that didn’t quite work for the original window I planned. Instead of returning them, I grabbed some hemming tape and turned them into an adorable DIY window valance and café curtains for the window as well as another set of curtains for the cubby cabinets.
They look charming, moody, and custom- and they cost worth it for everything I was able to get out of it.
Drama From The Ceiling
Never underestimate the power of a new light fixture. My husband installed a new ceiling light and added a ceiling medallion for some drama. It draws the eye upward and gives the space a “collected” feel without needing any major construction.
Utterly beautiful.
Function Meets Style
One of the most fun additions? I added an Echo Show 15 to the kitchen wall. but I didn’t stop there. I found a gold frame to place around it, which makes it look like framed art when it’s not playing music, a reel of a recipe, or an episode of I Love Lucy.
It’s pretty, practical and very entertaining!
Finishing Touches for This Kitchen Makeover on a Budget
To bring it all together, I layered in a few cozy, glam decor pieces:
- Canvas art
- A pair of large brass canisters with lids
- Candelabras and taper candles for warmth and drama
The result? A kitchen that feels like a beautiful mix of old-world charm and modern comfort. Think vintage Parisian café meets California cozy. So what did this kitchen makeover on a budget truly cost? Here’s the breakdown.
Budget Breakdown
| Item | Qty | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glidden Swiss Coffee Paint | 1 gallon | $30.00 | Home Depot |
| Behr Ancient Ivory Paint w/Primer | 1 gallon | $30.00 | Home Depot |
| Paint Roller Kit | 1 set | $15.00 | Home Depot |
| Cabinet Knobs | 50 pack | $59.95 | Amazon |
| Cabinet Hinges | 4 packs | $67.96 | Amazon |
| Peel + Stick Wallpaper | 1 roll | $8.49 | Amazon |
| Light Fixture | 1 | $135.99 | Amazon |
| Velvet Curtain Panel | 1 pair | $33.95 | Amazon |
| Hemming Tape | 1 roll | $5.29 | Amazon |
| Cafe Curtain Rod | 1 | $4.99 | Walmart |
| Echo Show 15 (sale price) | 1 | $214.99 | Amazon |
| Gold Frame for Echo | 1 | $56.95 | Amazon |
| Canvas Art Frames | 2 | $19.00 | Hobby Lobby |
| Gold Decorative Frames | 3 | $20.00 | Home Goods |
I separated the tax rate because California does have a higher than average rate and perhaps in your state the balance could be much less if any. Lastly, here is the grand total:
Total (before tax): $702.56
Estimated tax (9.75% in CA): $68.50
Estimated Final Total: $771.06
Final Thoughts on our Kitchen Makeover on a Budget
Was it “cheap?” Not exactly. But for a room I use every single day, this kitchen makeover was worth every penny. I stayed under my $1000 max and made sure every dollar was intentional.
Be okay with refurbishing some of your older decor pieces. You’ll probably note that I didn’t include some decor items in my price list when comparing the photos, reason being because these were things I already owned and not purchased for this makeover.
If your kitchen is in need of a refresh and a full renovation isn’t in the cards, I hope this gives you some hope (and ideas!). You don’t need a contractor or a $30K remodel to make your kitchen feel brand new, you just need to DIY a simple kitchen on a budget!
You just need a plan, a little creativity, and the confidence to get your hands a little dirty.
xo, Julia
p.s. if these kind of blog posts are your vibe, click here to check out our next blog post about our Backyard and Patio Refresh Mini-Series we’re starting.
