When you ask most of us which room we want to update the most, the majority will answer “the kitchen.” We spend so much of our time there—cooking, eating, doing homework, entertaining… And, you get a good return for your money in the kitchen. Problem is, a kitchen renovation takes not only a lot of cash but a fair amount of time as well. At least, they usually do. But sometimes, we just want a fresh look, not a full remodel! So, we’ve gathered some of our favorite ideas for kitchen updates that don’t require renovating. 

These ideas are a great way to update the overall look of your kitchen without a complete remodel. And, of course, we kept a limited budget it in mind. You’ll find that often it’s the small changes that can make the biggest difference. So, whether it’s your kitchen design that’s feeling a bit outdated or even perhaps the functionality of your kitchen that’s causing you to grow tired of it, read on for some creative ways to breath new life into the heart of your home.

How to Update Kitchen Cabinets and Shelves

Think you need new cabinets? Think again… simply updating your old cabinets and shelves can go a long way in your kitchen! Whether it’s new cabinet hardware, a fresh coat of paint, or installing some open shelving, you can totally refresh your kitchen without a full remodel. Here are some of our favorite ideas!

Install New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Installing new hardware takes only an hour or two and is one of the most budget-friendly ways to make a big impact. Find gorgeous cabinet hardware like this one at Wayfair. Then jump on over to “The Turquoise Home” for a full tutorial on how to install them!

While you are at it, why not put in soft close hinges as well? Never hear a slamming kitchen door again! It’s a really simple kitchen update idea with this tutorial from “Joyfully Growing.”

Open Shelving Kitchen Update Ideas

Starting you off with a lesson on how to update your kitchen with open shelving! This is one of our favorite kitchen remodel ideas because it fits any style, from farmhouse to modern look. “The DIY Playbook” shows us some great open shelving kitchen ideas so that our space looks just like those awesome magazines!

Distressed Cabinets Kitchen Update

If you already have painted cabinets, then think about adding a distressed finish. This is an easy, “after the fact” project that can be done in a day, but it will totally make you fall in love with your cabinet color all over again. Great for farmhouse or cottage style! Vintage lovers, pay attention! Tutorial from HGTV.

Take Your Kitchen Cabinets to the Ceiling

If you have dead space above your upper cabinets, why not extend them up to the ceiling? It’s easier than you’d think, and it can give you a lot more storage space! This tutorial from “Pennies for a Fortune” has everything you need to know.

Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Painting your cabinets is another (relatively) easy way to update your kitchen. You can go with a new coat of paint without changing the color, or you can choose something completely different to give your kitchen a fresh new look. Check out this guide for kitchen cabinet colors ideas and inspiration, and this guide on how to paint your kitchen cabinets. We promise it’s not too hard!

DIY Kitchen Updates for Your Pantry

Your pantry is where the kitchen action really happens! Seriously though, an updated, organized pantry can make you feel like you’ve had a whole kitchen makeover. These DIY pantry updates won’t take you more than a weekend, but they’ll make a huge difference…

DIY Pantry Makeover with Shelves

This guide from “The DIY Mommy” shows you just how easy it is to totally transform your pantry with a few easy updates like decorative items and budget-friendly ways to organize. She focuses on shelving, which is super helpful for maximizing storage space and keeping things clutter-free.

Easy Kitchen Updates with Pantry Containers

If you’re anything like me, your pantry is probably full of open boxes, bags, and other packages of food. All that packaging makes things kind of hard to organize. But with containers for your pantry, you can totally change the feel of your kitchen. Just check out this amazing transformation from “Caitlin Marie Design!”

DIY Kitchen Update for a Small Pantry

Even small, crowded pantries can be turned into beautiful, functional spaces. If you need proof of that, check out this before-and-after guide from “Handmade Haven.” It’s really easy to follow, and the results are stunning and beautifully organized!

IKEA Hacks for DIY Kitchen Pantry Updates

If you know anything about us, you know we love a good IKEA hack! This project from “Hey There, Home” turns a dysfunctional kitchen closet pantry into a spacious, ultra-organized pantry cabinet with both shelves and drawers. Bliss!

Easy Kitchen Updates: Walls and Backsplashes

A fresh coat of paint on any wall can be a transformation, but it can make an even bigger difference in your kitchen. Whether you’re adding wallpaper, freshening up the paint, or updating with a new backsplash, here are some simple kitchen wall update ideas that pack a punch.

Kitchen Tile Backsplash Idea

From “Pretty Handy Girl,” learn how to tile a kitchen backsplash for a kitchen update that adds value and sets the tone for the entire room. If you really want to make your kitchen look high-end, take the tile all the way to the ceiling! Notice this tutorial also uses the open shelving idea! And If you’re looking for backsplash ideas that don’t require removing your old one, we’ve got plenty for you here!

DIY Kitchen Wallpaper Ideas

Wallpaper is in, folks. Bright colors, graphic designs and subtle texture all can play a role in your kitchen update. You can even use removable peel-and-stick wallpaper for an instant update you can change at any time. Great for renters, too. Photo by “BHG.” Find peel-and-stick wallpaper at Wayfair.

Easy Kitchen Updates with Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

Who doesn’t love a good peel-and-stick?! It’s so easy to use, it looks amazing, and it’s perfect if you’re on a budget. We can’t get enough of this peel-and-stick backsplash from “At Home with Ashley,” it’s so adorable!

DIY Kitchen Update: Plate Rack or Wall

You might think plate walls are for grandmas, but we disagree! Sure, you might not be showing off your antique plate collection, but a plate rack is a great way to add a new vibe to your kitchen. It doesn’t have to be old-fashioned, either – look at this amazing farmhouse-style plate rack from “The Ponds Farmhouse.” Gorgeous, right?!

Other DIY Kitchen Updates That Make a Huge Difference

It’s not just your shelves, cabinets, pantry, and walls that can be updated – there are lots of other “little” upgrades you can make to give your kitchen a new life. Here are some of our favorite DIY makeovers that won’t take you more than a few days!

DIY Tile Kitchen Countertop

If your countertops have seen better days, but new countertops are not in the budget, then try this DIY tile kitchen countertop from “A Beautiful Mess.” They even show you how to make this counter without a tile saw!

DIY Range Hood

One of the ways you can give your kitchen a custom updated look is to add a pretty DIY range hood, like this one from “Confessions of a Serial DIYer.” They have tons of step-by-step photos and instructions for this farmhouse-style kitchen remodel idea. Oh, and if you like cooking, you might want to check out all about growing your own food over at TGG… Our fav way to make a house smell like home? Use fresh herbs. Learn how to grow basil at TGG, indoors, or out, super, super easy!

DIY Kitchen Updates with Pendant Lighting

Learn all about how to update your kitchen light fixtures from “Mamas Dance.” They take you through the whole process of how to DIY this kitchen renovation idea. And this doesn’t have to be a full DIY project – in face it’s always a good idea to hire an electrician! It’ll still be a budget friendly kitchen update either way. We love the copper look in this pretty kitchen space!

Level Up Your Decor With a Personalized Touch

Make your kitchen truly look like your own with a bit of personalized decor. I love the idea of a custom cutting board to display, and high-end wood cutting boards are certainly worth displaying! Forest Decor makes gorgeous cutting boards – they sent me one of their olive wood salad bowls and I am in LOVE! I can only imagine the cutting boards are beautiful too.

New Kitchen Bar Stools

Switch out your old kitchen bar stools for something new and fresh! We love these Slope Kitchen Bar Stools from West Elm. Our favorite place to buy kitchen bar stools? Our “go-to” sources are Wayfair, West Elm, Crate & Barrel, and CB2.

Update Your Kitchen by Adding A Coffee Station

If there’s one thing every kitchen could use, it’s a coffee station to get you going in the morning! We’ve got plenty of home coffee bar ideas in our guide – there’s something to suit every style! We especially love the vibe that this one from “Hey Wanderer,” isn’t it cute?!

Update Your Kitchen with New Appliances

Last but certainly not least, consider updating your appliances if they’re outdated! New appliances will completely change the feel of your kitchen. Consider swapping out old models for stainless steel appliances for a more modern look.

Update Your Kitchen Without Renovating – It’s Worth It!

We hope you enjoyed our post on One Day Kitchen Updates! You will also want to jump right on over to How to Install a Backsplash and How to Organize Your Kitchen on a Budget! We also think you will love our post on DIY Small Kitchen Decorating & Design Ideas over at our sister site, OhMeOhMy!

Note : This post has been freshened with updated projects.