10 Affordable Kitchen Makeovers You Can Do in a Weekend

Add Floating Shelves

Adding floating shelves is one of the quickest ways to make a magazine-worthy update to your kitchen with just a power drill and a couple of hours. If you’re ambitious, you can remove the current upper cabinets to make room for them, but you can also add floating shelves on a blank, unused wall.

“Sometimes adding floating shelves requires removing a cabinet or two to make room,” says Jessica Moran, owner of Jessica Moran Interiors. “But the outcome instantly creates warmth and brings personality to an otherwise sterile space.”

Paint the Island

Painting the cabinetry will give you the biggest bang for your buck, though tackling the entire kitchen might be too much for even the most patient DIYers. Instead, try the island, which you can knock out in a weekend.

“Have some fun—if you’re looking to add a little splash of color without the full commitment, dress the island with your favorite deep blue or jewel green. Incorporating dark hues on an island can also help hide the shoe marks underneath the seating area,” says Jennifer Guerin, interior designer and color consultant at JG Color Studios.

Hang Window Treatments

Are your windows undressed in the kitchen? Add a small valance for added color and texture. “Fresh window treatments can transform a space and create a cozy and calming ambiance,” says Jennifer Wagener, interior designer and owner of Elmsbrook Designs/Decorating Den Interiors.

Plus, hanging window treatments is generally a quick project. If you’re hanging a tension rod and café curtain, you don’t need to set aside more than a few minutes.

Update Cabinet Hardware

Grab a screwdriver, and you can easily give your cabinets a new look in a few hours and with just a hundred dollars or so. “Anyone can perform a DIY kitchen makeover by simply changing out cabinet hardware and fixtures,” Wagener says. 

Considering that new cabinetry can cost you well into the thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars, this is a quick project that makes a big impact.

Style Shelving

If you’re lucky enough to have beautiful open shelving (or you add it!), you know that it can make your space feel more light and modern. But it also allows you to add color and warmth to your space. Set a few hours aside on a weekend to intentionally style your shelving for a new look.

“Use open shelving to showcase beautiful dishes, plants, or art, which adds a personal touch and a fresh, airy vibe to the kitchen,” says Laura McCroskey, owner and interior designer at McCroskey Interiors.

Incorporate a Pot Rack

Whether you have space above your island or your oven, hanging a pot rack is an easy project that can add warmth, a metallic tone, and an opportunity to showcase beautiful cookware. Think of this as the area where you put your grandmother’s cast iron on display or show off that antique copper find.

Install Butcher Block

Want to update your countertops but also want to save money? Installing butcher block is an affordable option that a skilled DIYer can tackle themselves in a weekend. “Think butcher block,” says Chrisicos. “It’s a substantial savings compared to other countertop materials.”

Try a Coat of Paint

You can give a room—including the kitchen—a new look with a can of paint, a roller, and a plans-free Saturday. “When it comes to low-cost and quick kitchen updates, the fastest way to make a big impact is by applying a fresh coat of paint. It can transform the space instantly and at a very low cost,” says Jessica Hannesson, founder and lead designer of Hannesson Home Interiors.

Install Battery-Powered Lights

Electrical installation might not be a project that’s easy (or safe!) for most people to try at home. But new battery-powered sconces and LED strip lights open up a world of DIY opportunities.

“For a fast and low-maintenance kitchen update option, consider adding battery-operated wall sconces or installing under-cabinet lighting. Adding warm lighting to the space makes it feel more inviting and homey,” says Hannesson.

Add Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Want to add color, print, and a potentially bold look to your kitchen? Tiling the backsplash is one option but requires time, skill, and expense. Instead, try your hand at installing peel and stick wallpaper.

“One of the easiest ways to give your kitchen a fresh, modern look in just a weekend is with peel and stick wallpaper. It’s a DIY-friendly option that makes updating your kitchen fun and functional,” says Samantha Bryan, owner and founder at Decorganize It. And, when you get bored of it, you can swap it out!