Easy DIY Kitchen Upgrades on a Small Budget

Kitchen upgrades are something most homeowners do at some time, considering that they enhance lifestyle and home value. According to the Houzz Trends Survey 2025, investment in this area continues to grow in the UK. The median spending for minor and major kitchen improvements jumped by 34% in 2025. Homeowners spent £13,000 on these projects in 2024, and the current figure stands at £17,500.

The numbers look impressive, but not everyone may have thousands to spare. Well, smart homeowners follow the DIY route, using their skills and creativity to refresh their kitchens without breaking the bank. The best part is that you don’t have to be a DIY wizard to make noticeable improvements in your cooking space.

In this article, we will share a few practical DIY ideas worth trying to revamp your kitchen on a budget.

Table of Contents

Declutter and Organise

A cluttered space has a massive mental load. Psychology Today cites studies stating that it can cause spikes in cortisol, the stress hormone. Women tend to encounter higher spikes compared to men. That’s because women often carry the burden of fixing the clutter problem. Why not start the kitchen makeover project with a decluttering job? Makes sense!

Start by decluttering your cabinets and drawers to maximise space and functionality. Remove items you don’t use weekly because you may actually never use them. Relocate seldom-used appliances to less accessible storage areas like a pantry or attic. Get rid of broken or rarely used items.

For example, an old or defective pressure cooker should be the first thing to go out. Several pressure cooker explosion incidents have been reported. Recently, a mum suffered from severe burns caused by her pressure cooker jetting soup on her.

TorHoerman Law notes that there are active lawsuits against some leading pressure cooker brands in the US. They are facing these claims for selling defective and dangerous products that were not designed for safety. So when you declutter, get rid of such appliances for good.

After decluttering, organise your cabinets by frequency of use to prioritise daily essentials. Clean and reorganise drawers with dividers for utensils and stack lids vertically to save space. This process will make your kitchen more functional and visually neat and inviting.

Refresh with a Coat of Paint

Painting your kitchen cabinets or walls is a budget-friendly way to update your kitchen’s look without a full renovation. Cost may be a concern if you opt for professional services. MyBuilder notes that the hourly rate in the UK is £8-£25 per square meter. This may add up to a lot even if you have a fairly large kitchen. DIY solves the problem if you are ready to get your hands dirty.

You will enjoy the project as it gives you the creative freedom to choose the colours for your cooking space. White is the classic favourite though you can experiment with warm tones and rich hues. According to Better Homes & Gardens, the popular kitchen colours for 2025 include green, brown, terracotta, blue, and burgundy.

Popular modern cabinet colours include sage green, navy, charcoal gray, and classic blue. DIYers can use a paint sprayer to speed up the process and provide a smooth finish. You can also paint countertops or tiles with specialised paint to create a fresh, new surface.

Hang Open Shelves

Kitchen storage is one area where most homeowners struggle, but a DIY project can eliminate the issue for good. Trying to replace some upper cabinets with open shelving. This can open up your kitchen and make it feel lighter and more spacious. Open shelves are also great for displaying attractive dishware, cookbooks, or decorative items like plants.

Installing open shelves is a breeze if you are good at DIY projects. Most of the products have simple user manuals that show the steps to set them up in minutes. When installing, ensure shelves are level and securely fastened with quality brackets.

Once installed, you can style your shelves with a cohesive colour palette. Mix functional items with decor to create a curated, welcoming look. If you are hesitant about removing cabinet doors permanently, you can remove the doors to create open cabinets as a reversible option.

Create a Cosy Nook

According to House & Garden, a kitchen nook can make your space more inviting and comfortable and offers structure. It is ideal for homeowners who use their kitchens as social spaces rather than only cooking zones. A cosy nook is great for chatting, drinking coffee, or reading newspapers.

Adding a cosy kitchen nook is a simple DIY project that does not require a lot of time and investment. Position the nook near a window to maximise natural light and views. You can opt for bench seating around a small table or a café-style table with chairs for smaller spaces.

Choose warm, earthy colours to create a comforting atmosphere. Accessorise with rugs, antique hardware, and soft lighting to enhance the cosy vibe. Adding a potted plant in the corner can make it even more inviting.

FAQs

What adds the most value to a kitchen remodel?

Adding a kitchen island with seating can give you a high return on investment (ROI). This creates a central gathering spot and enhances functionality. You can also try updating kitchen cabinets and improving pantry organisation. Buyers appreciate practical and stylish kitchens, so focusing on these areas can boost resale value.

Does a kitchen makeover have to be expensive?

No, a kitchen makeover does not have to burn a hole in your wallet. Simple DIY projects like painting cabinets, decluttering and reorganising, and swapping hardware can refresh your kitchen affordably. Full renovations can be costly, but these small impactful improvements can be done on a budget.

What kitchen design never goes out of style?

Timeless kitchen styles include traditional elegance with rich wood cabinetry and natural stone countertops. These styles maintain their appeal over time due to their classic materials and warm, inviting aesthetics. You may also opt for the minimalist contemporary style if you want modern decor that stays in style forever.

Kitchen upgrades can add immense value to your home, but many homeowners struggle with the hefty investment. The good thing is that some DIY upgrades can help you achieve your ROI goals without spending a fortune. You don’t have to be an expert to implement these, just a little creativity and effort will get you there!