You’ll want to refresh your kitchen decor once you see how easy it is to create a space you truly love. These simple, affordable updates give this kitchen a whole new personality without any major renovation or contractors—perfect for DIYers and renters alike.
This year I completed one full room makeover in my home, and it took just three and a half months. It feels fast for me, and I’m proud I stayed focused and finished what I started. Writing down my home goals and a clear design plan made a big difference—setting intentions really helps you follow through.
Now that the room is finished, here are simple, mostly budget-friendly cosmetic updates you can make to refresh any space. Most of these ideas are renter-friendly and require no major demolition or repainting of walls. If you don’t love a room, these small changes can help you transform it into a space you adore.
First, a look at the kitchen before the makeover:
There was nothing structurally wrong with this eat-in kitchen, but I wanted to bring in more of my traditional/coastal farmhouse style. The curtains were a quick purchase from when we moved in six years ago and never hung high enough. The wall color had changed since then (Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams), so the curtains no longer felt right. The table had good bones but needed a new finish, and the window blinds were worn—one section had even been missing for more than a year.
And here’s the kitchen after the makeover. I’m really pleased with how it turned out—cozy, brighter, and more reflective of my taste.
Below I share the main updates I made and practical suggestions you can use in your own kitchen makeover. Where relevant, I note specifics about finishes and products I used.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.
My Favorite Updates for DIY Kitchen Makeovers
1. Paint or Stain the Furniture
Refinishing furniture is one of the most impactful and budget-friendly updates. If a piece has great shape but the finish doesn’t suit your style, paint or stain can completely change the look. I stripped and restained the tabletop a couple of years ago, then recently painted the base with a simple technique I love. The lighter base now complements the refreshed kitchen palette and gives the table a modern farmhouse feel.
2. Change Out the Knobs
Swapping hardware is a small change that adds personality. The table had plain wooden knobs that matched the top; I replaced them with hand-painted ceramic knobs in green and white to bring a coastal touch. New knobs are an inexpensive way to customize furniture and cabinets.
3. Add Texture and Interest to the Walls
Think beyond framed art—consider baskets, plates, planters, hats, shells, or vintage letters to add texture and depth. I removed an old “EAT” sign and replaced it with a more layered display that brings life to the wall without looking like standard art. For this space I used a hanging rail system to arrange pieces at different heights, which gives visual interest and a curated, collected feel.
See all the details of the Fintorp hanging system here.
4. Typography Signs
Typography signs offer a simple way to add art and meaning. As a writer, I love displaying inspiring or encouraging words around the home. Hanging a message sign in an unexpected spot—like above a window or over trim—adds charm and personality. I used a verse that feels welcoming in a dining area and it completes the look without crowding the walls.
5. Curtains
New curtains are an easy way to change the mood of a room. Hang curtains high and wide to make windows—and the room—appear larger. I also used a simple curtain ring hack for a smooth hang and a cleaner look. Striped, neutral, or textured panels can all update the space without a major investment.
6. Blinds
Replacing worn blinds with woven bamboo shades made the biggest visual impact in this makeover. I chose jute-colored woven woods for warmth and texture. While bamboo shades are not the cheapest update, they transform light and add a natural element that feels timeless and worth saving up for.
I wrote a full guide about selecting and installing bamboo shades—everything you need to know if you’re considering them for your home.
7. Mismatched Chairs
Swapping chairs is an easy, budget-friendly way to refresh a dining area. You can mix styles for an eclectic look or replace heavy, older chairs with lighter, more compact ones. I replaced my ladder-back chairs with smaller x-back chairs to modernize the space, but I kept the old chairs in mind for a sturdier option while my kids are young.
8. Lighting
If the lighting doesn’t fit your style, replace it. I swapped an outdated fixture for a simple, budget-friendly chandelier that complements the modern farmhouse aesthetic. The right light fixture can improve both the function and look of a kitchen.
Here’s a side-by-side before and after—small changes add up to a big transformation.
The final result feels brighter, more personal, and much more like our family’s style. I hope these ideas inspire you to tackle a kitchen makeover—even small updates can make a room feel new.
What are your favorite updates for a kitchen makeover?
Sources:
- Striped Navy Curtains
- Curtain Rod
- Sign with the verse from Acts 2:46
- Hand-painted Knobs (sold out)
- Bamboo Blinds (jute wheat)
- Fiddle Leaf Fig
- 5-Light Chandelier
- X-Back Dining Chairs
- Hanging Wall System
- Chalk & Chalkboard Eraser Holder
- Chalkboard
- Teak Wood Vase
- Lamb’s Ear Stems
More Posts You Will Love:
- Upgrade Any Rental Home with These 7 Temporary Tenant Improvements
- How to Decorate the Kitchen for Christmas (3-Step Formula)
- How to Decorate Kitchen Counters {Decorating 101}
- Decorating Shelves in a Farmhouse Kitchen
- How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets without Professional Equipment