8 Ways to Update Your Kitchen with No Remodel

The kitchen is an important space and should be one you love–and there are lots of ways you can update it without starting from scratch.

While we all want a gorgeous, custom kitchen, it might not be in the cards for you at the moment. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do. Here are some ways to update your kitchen, no remodel necessary.

They range in price from minimal to more extensive, but altogether they can transform the look – without actually changing the core of the kitchen.

  1. Paint the Walls

This is always my go-to way to update any space. A fresh coat of paint can liven up a room and make a huge difference. 

  1. Paint the Cabinets

This is not a quick fix but it can change your entire kitchen if the color of your cabinets doesn’t do it for you. If you have brown cabinets and you paint them a crisp white or a moody dark gray, your kitchen will be transformed. If this seems like too much for you to take on, you can also hire someone to do it for you. (BCP Note: Painted cabinets don’t last forever. The upper cabinets will stay nice, but you might see some nicks at the corners on the bottom cabinets, so expect to have to touch them up after a couple years.)

  1. Switch out the Cabinet Hardware

This is an easy one. I’ve done it in my own home and I am not handy! All you need is a drill or screwdriver and your new hardware. Just make sure you replace the hardware with new ones that are the same size so you don’t have to drill new holes. (BCP Note: If you have an odd-sized handles, you can get handles that are adjustable!). 

  1. Get a New Faucet

Another hack that can change the whole look of your kitchen. If your faucets have seen better days style-wise, replacing them with a more contemporary option will make a big difference. As well as making washing dishes slightly more enjoyable (if that’s possible).

  1. Replace the Backsplash

You can either replace it with a tile backsplash in which case, you will most likely need a pro. Or for a more DIY option, you can replace it with a peel-and-stick backsplash. Just keep in mind that this will most likely be a more temporary option. Here and here are some peel-and-stick options.

  1. New Lighting

The kitchen is the area of your home that would benefit the most from good lighting. Investing in it is a wise choice. Replacing your current lighting and/or adding spots and under-cabinet lighting will definitely make cooking more enjoyable and make your kitchen look better and brighter.

  1. New Flooring

You can either hire a pro and replace your flooring. Or you can go the DIY route and replace it with peel-and-stick tile. Here and here are some options.

  1. New Countertops

Replacing the countertops can also make a huge difference. However, this can get costly. It’s one of the biggest expenses in a new kitchen. You can also change the look of your current countertops by using a countertop paint kit like this one from Giani.

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Ahuva Schmerhold

Ahuva is a Monsey-based interior designer with virtual clients worldwide. With an emphasis on affordability, Ahuva brings a fresh perspective to each project. You can find her sharing more home decor tips like these on her blog at interiorsbyahuva.com/blog/. Sign up for her email list for a free paint color guide. She can also be reached at interiorsbyahuva@gmail.com.

20 responses to “8 Ways to Update Your Kitchen with No Remodel”

  1. NH Avatar
    NH

    What color lighting do you recommend for a kitchen?

    1. Ahuva Schmerhold Avatar

      Warm white or bright white are best for kitchens. Hope this helps!

    2. NR Avatar
      NR

      I like 4000k in my kitchen. It’s a perfect white without being to bright.

  2. AS Avatar
    AS

    This is a great post, thank you! Any ideas on how to brighten a kitchen with no windows?

    1. Ahuva Schmerhold Avatar

      Thank you!
      To brighten a kitchen with no windows:
      1. make sure you have abundant and bright lighting as much as possible. Add under-cabinet lights.
      2. Use light and airy colors if possible. Also, use high reflective floors, backsplash, and high gloss paint to bounce the light around.
      3. Get furniture that is lighter like glass tables and open-back chairs
      4. Cut the clutter! Clutter will always make a room appear smaller.
      Hope this helps!

  3. RS Avatar
    RS

    Believe it or not, just got new cabinet hardware on Shien! its the right size and seems to be good quality! and they have many options to choose from!

  4. etty Avatar
    etty

    hi! can you post good lighting deals and ideas with links please?
    thank you for a great post!

    1. Ahuva Schmerhold Avatar

      Hi Etty,
      I emailed you

      1. Toby Avatar
        Toby

        Hi can h send me link as well re doing kitchen and looking for lighting ideas besides for the spots

  5. Chavi Avatar
    Chavi

    Anyway an entire post can be about affordable lighting for throughout the home?

    1. Ahuva Schmerhold Avatar

      HI Chavi. I emailed you a link and will definitely file this idea away for the future. Thanks 🙂

  6. Rivky Avatar
    Rivky

    Any links for affordable under cabinet lighting?

    1. Leah Avatar
      Leah

      GETINLIGHT Led Under Cabinet… https://amzn.to/3pgJelz

    2. Ahuva Schmerhold Avatar

      Hi Rivky! The one posted looks good. In general, plugins will work better than battery-powered ones. In my experience, the batteries need to be replaced often.
      Here’s another link for you to check out: https://amzn.to/41gwdph

  7. Margie Avatar
    Margie

    Dollar Tree has some great stick on tiles!

  8. Esther Avatar
    Esther

    Hi. Do you recommend spotlights in a basement apartment instead of an old style rectangular fluorescent fixture? If yes, what kind of spots?

  9. Esther Avatar
    Esther

    I was asking about the kitchen specifically in my previous question….

    1. Ahuva Schmerhold Avatar

      Hi Esther! Sent you an email 🙂

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