15 Easy Kitchen Updates

Nothing reinvigorates a home like stylish kitchen updates. Unfortunately, the costs to completely remodel a kitchen can quickly add up. From updating a kitchen without replacing cabinets to unexpected floor treatments, this guide shows you 15 easy kitchen updates you can do yourself. Read on to find out how to change up your kitchen without spending a lot of money or time.

Decorative Shelves

Shelves are a budget-friendly way to add space with a decorative touch. Installing new wooden or glass shelves over the sink or next to your cabinetry is one of the simpliest DIY kitchen update ideas you can tackle. Cabinet shelving is a simple way to increase storage capacity and add much-needed space to showcase collections or sentimental items.

Get Bold with Color

Few things change the face of a room like a fresh coat of paint. A splash of color can help set a new tone for your kitchen style. Try bright, creamy pastels for a vintage look, warm reds and yellows for a Tuscan feel, neutrals to make a traditional classic style or vibrant greens and blues to modernize your look.

Replace Window Treatments

One of the most dramatic changes is updating the window treatments in your kitchen. You can choose natural materials such as bamboo, use a traditional roman shade or try curtains in a bold, graphic print.

Go for Greenery

Give a small kitchen a vibrant pop of charm with trim in a lush color and a wall garden of potted plants. Fill terracotta pots with basil, thyme, rosemary and other cooking herbs.

Refresh Faucets and Sinks

A kitchen sink and kitchen faucet are the focal points of many kitchens. Make sure they're worth all the attention. You can switch out your faucet relatively inexpensively, adding a refreshed look while lowering water and energy costs. 

For sinks, look for features like dual, triple or extra-deep basins and integral chopping boards, especially if you're an avid cook or aspire to become one. Consider distinctive design choices such as a farmhouse or cast iron style.

Tip: Save water with a new faucet by selecting one that carries the WaterSense® label from the U.S. EPA. 

Pick a Patterned Rug

Even the easiest DIY kitchen updates aren't as easy as this. Change the look of your floors without the cost of new flooring with a rug. Outdoor rugs are a great choice. They are very durable, made for high foot traffic and can usually be cleaned with the spray of a hose. 

Tip: Be sure to use a non-slip rug pad under the rug to protect your existing flooring.

Bring In New Lighting

Wake up a tired kitchen with new lighting. Consider updating the existing fixture, install track lighting or add a series of pendant lights. Effortless small kitchen updates such as adding under-the-cabinet string lights or puck lights can bring new life to the space.

Install a Backsplash

You do not have to take on a tiling extravaganza to refresh the space over your sink. Add galvanized steel flat sheets as a backsplash to make a sleek, seamless effect that complements your appliances. To add interest and depth to your kitchen decor, install mosaic tiles, hang peel-and-stick wallpaper or paint existing tile a new color.

Add a Kitchen Cart

Small kitchen updates can give you more space without taking up space. Add a kitchen cart that expands your countertop and gets rid of clutter. Keep small appliances, cookware and specialty items tucked away and out of sight.

Refinish Your Cabinets

Don't replace your kitchen cabinets. Dramatic kitchen update ideas include renewing the life of your existing wood or laminate cabinetry by painting or refinishing them. Try a faux finish for a rich, antique look. Add some detailed painting to create highlights and shadows that give it a sense of depth. Take out the center face of a cabinet door and install a glass front. 

Tip: Save time refinishing your cabinets by removing the doors and drawers, and refinishing those separately.

Lay a Tile Floor

Get a new floor in less than one weekend with click-in floating laminate flooring. Increase the effect of this kitchen update idea by using surprising texture combinations. Pair different flooring options such as a natural wood look with a modern black and white checkerboard.

Update Cabinetry Hardware

Small details make a big impact. For an easy kitchen update, simply swap out your existing cabinet hardware for a chrome or rubbed bronze finish. Save money on cabinet hardware by purchasing hinges, knobs and pulls in contractor packs.

Create a Coffee Cart Bar

Perk up an unused corner of your kitchen with a rolling bar cart stocked with your favorite coffee and tea must-haves. Free up counterspace for an uncluttered look and make everyone's morning at the same time.

Replace Countertops

Replace heavily stained, chipped or scratched countertops for a fresh look. Butcher block, stone, composite, stainless steel and laminate are all great options that will instantly update your space.

Add an Accent Wall

Bring focus to your kitchen with an accent wall in a bright color or a lively piece of wallpaper. Giving your walls a facelift changes the look and feel of your kitchen. You can go for a drastic change with a completely different color choice for your walls, or go subtle with newly painted borders and accents. 

Follow these easy kitchen updates and you'll be cooking in a new space in no time. With everything from stylish sinks to new window treatments, The Home Depot has just what you need to make your project go smoothly.