18 DIYs for a Designer Kitchen

Everyone wants to have a fabulous kitchen. However, most of us either don’t have the time or the budget to embark on a complete makeover – regardless of how much we would love to do one. So, what can be done to update or improve upon a kitchen that isn’t going anywhere for a while.

This post was originally published in 2015 but has been updated to reflect current trends.

Sure, you could refinish (paint) your cabinets if you’re so inclined. You can do all of the more expensive and obvious updates – replace cabinetry, add new countertops, etc. 

These are all great ways to improve your kitchen. Unfortunately, they are also the most expensive and/or labor-intensive options. What most of us want are easy and affordable kitchen upgrades.

So what’s a person to do if they are on a tight budget and don’t have several weeks to wait on a kitchen remodel?

Well, there actually are several easy kitchen DIYs that you can do for a customized look and feel, even with the most basic of kitchens. With just a little bit of effort, any kitchen can have that pizazz. 

Best of all, there is no need to do everything all at once. Just add one update at a time, and watch your friends and family ooh and ahh over the changes with these easy DIY custom kitchen ideas.

(This post may contain affiliate links (*). That means that I make a small commission from sales that result through these links, at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.)

Change the Backsplash

A very simple and inexpensive way to change the look of a kitchen is to change the grout color of the backsplash. You could also use this same concept on floor tiles.

The product that I like to use for this is Mapei’s Color and Sealer.* Apply it with a small paintbrush or a child’s toothbrush. For drastic changes like the above image, you will need to do two coats. TIP – multiple thin coats are better than one heavy coat.

Change the Hardware

Consider changing old hardware out with a newer updated version. You will be amazed at how much just this little change can achieve. Even old cabinets can look refreshed with just this one simple improvement.

Update the Faucet

Just as a change in hardware updates a look, so too does a change in faucets. Try to find a faucet that lends itself to the overall look that you want to achieve. A shiny new faucet will help to liven up a tired space.

These faucet designs (above) are just one of the latest kitchen trends. This sleek beauty is available in several finishes. You can grab one here!*

Change the Color

You don’t have to do an entire refinish on all of your cabinets to get the benefit of a new color scheme. You could get a whole new look by doing some strategic painting.

You could paint a single section, such as the island, range, or sink cabinet, to obtain contrast. You could also paint all the lowers for a more dramatic change. Even a small amount of paint change can make a whole world of difference.

Check out the latest colors trending in kitchen design!

Add a Furniture Piece

To add storage and extend the kitchen, consider bringing in a repurposed piece of furniture. This is a great way to make a kitchen look and feel like a custom space. 

Don’t be concerned if the furniture style is different. You can easily blend raised panel doors with shaker cabinets by painting or staining the piece to match. The slight difference in style will add personality to your kitchen.

Add Cabinet Feet

Adding legs/feet or arched insets in front of the toe kick can give the illusion of furniture. This small detail will also give the cabinets a finished appearance.

An inset can be made by jigsawing an arch into a 1″x4″ length of wood. Finish it to match the cabinets and attach. Further detail can be achieved with shoe molding if desired.

For a quicker DIY, grab one of these wooden feet sets,* paint, and install!

Raise the Height with Stacks

If you really want a custom kitchen, those cabinets have to go all the way to the ceiling. You can take any cabinet higher by installing stacked cabinets.

You can build your own cabinets or you can purchase them from ready-to-go. This is by far my favorite update to do when I want to make a big impact. Be sure to check out my post on adding stacked cabinets.

Install Crown Molding and/or Box Tops

Crown molding is another detail that makes cabinetry look finished. It can be used as a finishing touch, but it also is a great way to close the gap between the ceiling and the cabinets.

If the space is too deep for the crown to completely close the gap, the cabinets can be boxed out before adding molding.

Molding can also be used to camouflage cabinets that are under a soffit. Use a small crown to ease the cabinets into the soffit. Then, add a larger crown at the ceiling. Finally, paint all the trim and the soffit to match the cabinets.

Install Under-Mount Cabinets

An alternative to adding stacked cabinets is to add under-mount cabinets. To do this you will need to first raise the wall cabinets. Then, build and attach the under-mounts. TIP – Remember to maintain 18” of space between the under-mounts and the lowers for proper workspace.

Install Under Cabinet Lighting

Don’t underestimate the power of some good lighting. Add under-mount lighting to help soften countertops and to create an elegant mood.

My go-to recommendation for a DIY kit is this one from LiteEver.* If you need an extra out-of-sight outlet, be sure to check out my post on adding an outlet.

Add Glass Panels

Change out a few cabinets panels for glass. Anytime that you can do something to break up the flow of a set of even solid doors, it will lend to a customized look. Use a select set of cabinets to convert to glass and use it to display your best dishware.

Exchange Cabinets for Open Shelving

A great way to add some texture and style is to replace a few cabinets with floating shelves. Since they are much cheaper than replacing cabinets, you can do a lot with very little.

However, there are some downsides to open shelves. You may want to check out all the pros and cons before making your decision.

Convert Cabinets Space to Plate Rack

Another great idea to add some customization is to remove the doors from a set of raised cabinets. Finish the interior to create a display cabinet. Then, install a DIYed plate rack beneath.

Plate racks are a relatively easy project for the average DIYer. Plus, it gives a nice customized space for storing your plates. (Pst… I have even more great ways to use dowel rods!)

Make Base Cabinets More Efficient

Base cabinets can be so difficult to make the most use of space. To get more efficient storage, consider installing a pull-out drawer.

You can build/buy wooden drawers if that is your preference. However, these stainless steel pull-outs* are quite easy to install for the average DIYer.

Add Customization to Drawers

Drawers can become a showpiece as well as a super efficient storage space. The above dish drawer insert is part of my own kitchen build. You can get the directions here.

Convert Spacers to Storage

Another great way to customize your space is to convert a spacer (or spice drawer). In my kitchen, I had a spice drawer/spacer located on each side of my range. Well, who really needs that many spices?

I turned one of my spice drawers into a knife and cutting board drawer (with room for the extra spices). But, you could also use this space for sheet pans or utensils.

Install Soft Closures

Nothing says “details” like the feel of a soft closing door. Luckily, this is a very easy upgrade that anyone can do themselves.

You can replace all of the hinges with soft-close hinges* (make sure you know your over-hang). If you don’t want to go to the trouble of removing old hinges, you could just add these dampeners.*

This same technique applies to drawers, too. You could go to the trouble of replacing all the drawer glides, but I don’t recommend it unless you just want new hardware. Instead, you can use these drawer adapters* that are much easier to install.

Install Laminate or Vinyl Flooring

Right now, hardwood flooring is the highest-end of the high-end products that are trendy for kitchens. They are also time-consuming and expensive to install.

Instead, consider installing some luxury vinyl strips or install floating laminate flooring. Both are easy for the average DIYer and both will give a kitchen a warm and cozy feel.

Final Thoughts

There are so many ways that a kitchen can get an upgrade. Small little touches can make a big impact when they are combined with one another.

So, if you desire a fresh new kitchen but don’t want the hassle or expense of a demo, maybe try to incorporate a few of these DIY ideas into your kitchen and see how you like it!