Homeowner Shares Their No-Demo Kitchen Refresh On A Budget
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Becoming a new homeowner is incredibly rewarding. You've done the hard work of saving and finding a property that best suits your needs and now you get to settle in and make it feel like home. Nobody needs to be told how expensive designing and decorating can get, so it's easy to understand why people seek budget-friendly ideas when updating various rooms. Kitchen remodels are especially costly, averaging between $27,000 and $35,000 for a total demo. This will, of course, depend on the size of the room and the kitchen decor you choose.
The good news is the entire world of decor inspiration is at your fingertips. The internet is no stranger to connecting people with similar budget constraints for advice on remodels that don't compromise on style or charm. You can even find plenty of no-demo kitchen remodels that you can recreate on a budget. A creator on TikTok, for example, completely transformed their kitchen without any demolition for less than $700 using affordable materials.
@onemoreproject Our no demo kitchen refresh!! This project took us about a month to complete, and it was totally worth the effort while we save up for a bigger kitchen renovation. After all, our kitchen is the room that we spend the most time in, and we want it to feel comfortable and welcoming! Most of the materials we used are linked in our Amazon Storefront—link in bio! (Paid link) Next project on the list: an outdoor paver patio 😍 #kitchenrefresh #kitchenmakeover #kitchenupdate #diykitchen #diyhomeprojects
In the video, the creator took on the challenge of an affordable renovation that looks drastically different from the original design. With the help of paint, simple laminate application, and minor cosmetic changes to the lighting fixtures, they completely refreshed the space with a bright, minimalist decor-style kitchen. The transformation is proof you don't have to break the bank or tear down the walls to update a kitchen; even simple changes can make a house into a home. Whether you want to emulate this simple, functional design or just need inspiration for your own no-demo kitchen project, you'll want to know exactly what they did.
How these TikTok creators managed their no-demo kitchen remodel
A full kitchen remodel can be both financially and physically draining, but this budget-friendly, no-demo remodel is proof that it doesn't have to cost a lot of time or money to make a difference. They focused on countertop paint, paint for the walls and cabinetry, hardware, lighting fixtures, and new seating; which cost them a fraction of your average kitchen remodel.
First, they painted their laminate countertops using the Giani Granite Countertop Paint Kit, which retails for $99.95. Next, they took their cabinetry from an energetic green to a tamer, minimalist white paint using scuff-resistant paint called Scuff x Paint by Benjamin Moore, which goes for $90. "Painting is by far one of the most cost-effective ways to transform and elevate a space," explains the TikTok creator. They also drenched the base cabinets and backsplash with this color for a creamy, uniform finish.
Next, they got rid of the original hardware and replaced them with new brass cabinet pulls, which add color and depth to the white paint. For the lighting fixtures, the creator took out the outdated LED ceiling lights and installed a modern, LED flush mount ceiling light they got from Costco along with a pendant light over the sink. They added a brass chandelier to match the hardware you see throughout the kitchen. The warm lighting gives the space a modern yet cozy aesthetic. For the final touches, they added a boho-style rug for the dining room and brown wooden barstools for the counter peninsula.
How to do a no-demo kitchen remodel on a budget
If you're feeling inspired by this affordable transformation, you're not alone. "This is the kind of cost-effective inspiration I needed," said a commenter. You can apply the same steps and supplies with your own unique styling choices to add your personal flair to the DIY.
The creator in the video uses black granite in their kitchen, but there's a variety of different countertop paint kits by Giani. The white marble paint kit is a great choice to emulate a classic, clean, and bright kitchen; but if you're aiming for elegant or rustic decor, the Venetian gold quartz shade could be a better fit. For a moody color scheme, slate or grey marble works well.
As for interior paint, you might fare well with Behr Ultra scuff-resistant paint, which is a paint and primer in one that's a budget-friendly alternative to Benjamin Moore. Neutral tones may be the perfect backdrop, but keep your countertop laminate in mind when choosing the paint for the walls and cabinetry. Earthy shades like warm, brown Whiskey Barrel or bright, green Jojoba from Behr are great foundation shades that work well with the countertop laminate choices we mentioned. Consider adding peel-and-stick tiles to the backsplash instead of paint to save the cost of an additional can.
You can find budget-friendly ceiling and pendant lighting at stores like Costco or IKEA. The SINNERLIG bamboo pendant lamp, for example, is a beautiful addition for a bohemian-style kitchen, while the MUDDERVERK complements modern-style decor. You can also find budget-friendly seating at these stores, though thrift stores are typically more affordable places to look.