Transform your kitchen on a budget with Benjamin Moore Simply White paint — a simple update that delivers a fresh, timeless result you’ll enjoy for years.
I can’t believe the day is finally here: my kitchen cabinets are white. It’s been a long-awaited change and seeing the finished result feels like a little celebration. After nearly four years of wanting this refresh, the transformation is complete and I’m thrilled with how it turned out.
When we first bought the house, the kitchen was perfectly functional but uninspired. From the real estate listing photo, it was clear the space needed a lighter, brighter look. Even then I imagined painting those cabinets white to modernize the room and make it feel more like my style.
Life, budget constraints, and small children stretched out that plan for years, but eventually I committed to the makeover. I practiced first with a smaller project—painting bathroom cabinets—to build confidence. Once that went well, I took on the kitchen, though it proved more time-consuming and demanding than I anticipated.
I began prepping in early November with the idea that it would take only a few weeks. In reality the work took longer and required a lot of focused effort. I hired childcare during the week before Thanksgiving so I could work consistently and finished the main painting by early December. Looking back, I probably should have scheduled the project for January to avoid holiday stress, but the warmer weather made garage prep easier.
Instead of sharing detailed how-to steps here, I wanted to show the finished result and highlight the paint choice that made the biggest visual difference: Benjamin Moore Simply White. The color brightens the entire space, creates a clean backdrop for decor, and pairs well with both wood and metal accents.
Below are photos of the updated kitchen, including close-ups of styling and small details that help the room feel fresh and welcoming. I’m already planning a few more updates, like replacing the countertops and adding a backsplash, but those are larger projects that will wait while I save or research DIY solutions.
Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Simply White
RELATED: How to Prime Cabinets for a Smooth Finish
I plan to change the wall that currently holds the EAT sign. The sign will move and I’ll install open shelving made from reclaimed barn wood. Shelving will create accessible storage for art supplies and frequently used items while giving me another opportunity to style the kitchen seasonally.
Small styling updates—fresh flowers, a neat daily planner, and a few well-chosen decorative pieces—make a big difference against the Simply White backdrop. The clean paint color allows accessories to stand out without competing with the cabinetry.
I kept photographing the space because each angle showed the impact of the paint: more light, a fresher feeling, and a neutral canvas for future updates. The improvement is noticeable whether the room is styled or being used for everyday life.
A tidy countertop and a simple bouquet go a long way. While reality is rarely this pristine, these small touches help illustrate the potential of a white-painted kitchen.
A close-up of my everyday planner and flowers—practical items that look lovely against white cabinets—reminds me that functional spaces can feel beautiful too. Using a consistent paint color across cabinets creates a calm, cohesive look that elevates daily routines.
One final side-by-side of the before and after shows how dramatic a difference a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore Simply White can make. It’s a budget-friendly makeover that brightens the room, modernizes the space, and sets the stage for future improvements.
I’ll share the full DIY tutorial soon with step-by-step instructions for painting kitchen cabinets, including tips for prepping, priming, and finishing for a smooth, durable result. The guide will cover how to manage the project with children at home and how to plan the work to avoid holiday rush and stress.
Update: I have published the full tutorial titled “How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets” for those interested in a complete how-to.
Kitchen Sources:
Curtains: Target (product referenced)
Kitchen mat: Target clearance (similar product referenced)
White and wood bar stools: Target (product referenced)
Green bar stools: repainted from a previous piece
Decorative art and EAT sign: DIY and store-sourced pieces referenced
More posts you might enjoy:
- How to Decorate the Kitchen for Christmas (3-Step Formula)
- How to Decorate Kitchen Counters {Decorating 101}
- Traditional Brass Chandelier in the Kitchen
- Gorgeous Kitchen Chandeliers You’ll Love
- Ideal Cabinet Knob Placement {Tips And Tricks}