5 Beautiful Ways to Refresh Your Kitchen Without a Full Remodel

TLDR

A full kitchen remodel can easily cost anywhere from $12,000 to $20,000. Refreshing your cabinets with paint, new hardware, and other elements is significantly more affordable—usually ranging from $300 to $5,000, depending on your kitchen size.

Why Choose a Cabinet Makeover Over a Full Remodel?

When wanting to update your cabinets, you need to consider your budget, time, and mental effort. From initial conception to finding a contractor, drawing up designs, and building and installing cabinet boxes and new doors, which can keep your kitchen unusable for months. It’s no surprise that many homeowners are now seeking budget-friendly ways to refresh their old kitchen. The updates below can take anywhere from a day to a week, giving you that “new look” without breaking the bank or your mental fortitude.

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are perfect for adding storage and display space without bulky cabinetry. They work beautifully in both traditional and modern kitchens, especially when styled with curated items. Opt for durable woods or metals, especially in high-use spaces like kitchens.

Average Cost: $30 - $150 per shelf (materials and installation)

DIY vs. Professional: DIY open shelving can cost as little as $20 each if you’re handy, while custom, professionally installed shelves can range higher based on materials and labor.

Paint Cabinets

Painting kitchen cabinets is one of the simplest and most impactful choices. Choosing the right cabinet paint colors can dramatically change the vibe of your space. Popular shades right now include soft greens, moody blues, and warm grays, ideal for both wood cabinets and modern kitchen designs.

Average Cost: $200 - $600 for DIY cabinet refacing (supplies only), $1,000 - $5,000 for a professional paint job (depends on kitchen size and finish)

DIY vs. Professional: DIY is budget-friendly but requires significant prep and patience. Professional painting costs more but delivers a durable, factory-smooth finish. Brittany from Pretty Handy Girl shares great tips on DIY painting cabinets.

New Hardware

Brushed brass, matte black, and polished nickel are trendy options that give an instant modern look. Mixing different types (pulls for drawers, knobs for doors) can also create a custom look.

Style and Finish Matter: Brushed brass and matte black finishes are trending right now, giving a modern and slightly vintage feel to any space. If you’re going for a more traditional look, polished nickel is always a classic choice for drawer fronts. Don’t know where to start? Check out Rejuvenation’s hardware collection for a range of styles to suit any cabinet refinishing design.

Size It Right: Larger handles add a bold look, while smaller knobs are subtle and sleek. A great tip is to mix and match: use larger pulls for drawers and smaller knobs for cabinet doors to add visual interest.

Average Cost: $3 - $20 per piece, totaling $200 - $400 for an average kitchen.

Update Appliances

Replacing outdated appliances with energy-efficient models can provide both functional and aesthetic upgrades. Stainless steel and matte black are popular finishes for wood cabinets, while colorful, retro-style appliances are making a comeback in modern kitchens.

Average Cost: $300 - $3,000 per appliance, depending on brand and model of the new ones.

Elevate Your Lighting

Swap outdated fixtures for modern, statement pieces that match your cabinet hardware for a cohesive new life. Under-cabinet lighting can also add functionality and a polished finish.

Average Cost: $100 - $500 per fixture, with installation adding $100 - $200 if done professionally

Make the Most Impact

So what makes the biggest impact? A fresh coat of paint can drastically change the enitre look of the space you spend most of your time in, without the cost or hassle of a full remodel. Depending on your project, we’re in and out in as little as 3 days to a week. Learn more about our process here. Let’s get started!