Renovating your kitchen is a notoriously expensive endeavor. While a good makeover will increase the value of your home, redesigning a kitchen from the ground up isn’t for the faint of heart. From finding and hiring the right contractor to going without a proper cookspace for months on end, kitchen renos are an investment in more ways than one.

Fortunately, Havenly designers have more than a few tricks up their sleeves when it comes to refreshing your kitchen on a budget. From hardware upgrades to styling tricks, these creative hacks and DIYs will make your space look more expensive and high-end, while saving you thousands.

Ahead, find our tried-and-true, designer-approved hacks to freshen up your kitchen in no time, leaving your wallet intact!

1. Kitchen Remodel Hacks: “Refinish” Your Cabinets

“When we think of a remodel, the dollar signs flash before our eyes, and we throw our hands up,” says Havenly designer Vivian Torres, who updated her Denver kitchen with a DIY mindset and a whole lot of love. Instead, she suggests updating kitchen cabinetry in a way that doesn’t break the bank. IKEA’s Sektion cabinets are an affordable, highly-configurable place to start.

Bonus: opt for an unfinished style so you can customize the color through paint (Vivian chose Oxford Gray by Benjamin Moore in the photo pictured here) and hardware, such as brass knobs. To save even more money, consider sanding and repainting your existing cabinets — just rent a paint sprayer from your local hardware store! Here’s our complete DIY guide. 

2. Kitchen Remodel Hacks: Install Floating Shelves

If cabinets are a little to pro-level for you, open shelving is an easier route that offers storage and style at once. “They’re super easy to install, whether you source materials through your local hardware store, or check out Semihandmade for finished products,” says Vivian, who suggests moving an upper cabinet to make room for a floating shelf instead. All that’s left to do? Show off your pretty cooking wares — and your styling skills.

3. Kitchen Remodel Hacks: Customize with Paint and Hardware

Many of our designers can personally attest to the impact (and ease) of this particular DIY. Simply swap outdated knobs and pulls in your kitchen for something fresh, and you’ll be surprised how much you love the cabinets you already have — all for as little as $100. Just remember: if your cabinets have existing pulls, be sure to choose new hardware that’s the same length to avoid unsightly drill holes!

4. Kitchen Remodel Hacks: Refresh Your Backsplash

There are so many ways to upgrade your kitchen backsplash, from removing and replacing tiles to adding a peel-and-stick option or even painting your existing tiles. You’ll be amazed at what a fresh backdrop can do to reinvigorate the aesthetic of your space — all in a day or two. 

5. Kitchen Remodel Hacks: Update Lighting

Lighting is often seen as the jewelry of any room, and the same rule applies to kitchens. Consider freshening up can lighting or spotlights with a sleek, simple pendant, or a trio of pendants (depending on the size of your space). Don’t sleep on task lighting either — a miniature table lamp styled just so can look elegant and cozy on a kitchen counter. 

6. Kitchen Remodel Hacks: Create a Cozy Breakfast Nook 

Vivian’s next idea to reinvigorate your kitchen — no matter the size — is to add a breakfast nook. “Just because you have a small kitchen or dining nook doesn’t mean that it can’t be comfortable, personal, and beautiful,” Vivian says. By adding a DIY breakfast nook, you’ll create a small-space solution brimming with style. “The L-shape maximizes seating around a small bistro table and also offers space-saving storage,” Vivian shares. 

Again, it’s IKEA to the rescue here. Vivian used three horizontal Sektion wall cabinets and filled in the remaining corner gap with fiberboard (sometimes known as MDF) she had cut to size at Home Depot. Paint and brass handles create an elevated, custom aesthetic, as do an upholstered cushion, a fun mix of pillows, and a cozy throw. “It’s perfect for cuddling up to that morning cup of joe,” Vivian says.  

7. Kitchen Remodel Hacks: Never Stop Styling

This designer-approved hack lets you get creative with your counter space. “Counter styling goes a long way,” says Havenly Managing Editor Heather Goerzen. While the items you incorporate will depend on your kitchen’s style, space, and functional needs, you can find products that are beautiful and practical, such as glass oil and vinegar dispensers, potted herbs, and cutting boards (Heather suggests stacking and layering them for extra panache). Another easy, affordable DIY? Fresh produce. Place apples, citrus, and even savory options like onions or potatoes in a woven basket or marble bowl. “Baskets and bowls with fresh produce are always a designer staple,” Heather says. 

8. Kitchen Remodel Hacks: Don’t Forget a Runner

Your kitchen probably has tile or wood floors, but you can bring a touch of softness and style with a runner. Whether you opt for a coastal look with jute or something patterned and boho, a floor covering adds an element of texture and visual intrigue to your space.

Need more designer-approved kitchen ideas? Hire your own designer to create a bespoke look for your space — get started with our Havenly style quiz.