This blog post from Bless’er House showcases how a simple, budget-friendly kitchen makeover transformed a dated space into a charming cottagecore-inspired kitchen without a massive renovation. The approach focuses on small changes like paint, DIY projects, and some affordable upgrades to create a fresh, welcoming space.
Before and After
In the before-and-after comparison, the kitchen evolves dramatically. With no expensive remodels, the transformation is driven by cosmetic changes that have a big impact. The previous kitchen felt outdated, but simple fixes have given it new life with a cozy, rustic style.
Before
After
Key Budget Tips for a Kitchen Facelift
- Paint: A fresh coat of paint can work wonders. For around $300, you can give your kitchen a new vibe by simply painting walls and cabinets.
- Backsplash: If your old tiles are outdated, consider peel-and-stick or panel backsplashes as an easy and inexpensive update.
- Floors: While major floor replacements can be pricey, floating luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring can be installed over existing tiles for a budget-friendly upgrade.
- Lighting: Swapping out standard lighting fixtures for something with more character can transform the mood of your space.
- Hardware: Changing knobs and pulls on cabinets is an affordable way to make them feel brand new.
1. Detailed Upgrades and Costs
- Painted Cabinets
- Cost: $280
- The cabinets were repainted in Benjamin Moore Simply White for the upper cabinets and Sherwin Williams Billiard Green for the lower cabinets. The results still hold up beautifully after 4 years.
2. Herringbone LVP Flooring
- Cost: $815
- The new flooring mimics a herringbone pattern and gives the kitchen a vintage, cottage-inspired look, enhancing the charm of the space without the cost of traditional wood flooring.
3. IKEA Pantry Cabinets
- Cost: $980
- Two IKEA Hemnes cabinets were painted the same color as the kitchen cabinets, providing much-needed storage in an otherwise wasted space.
4. Lighting Upgrades
- Cost: $391
- Aged brass pendant lights and a new brass track light were added to replace old, yellowed fixtures, offering a more cohesive and warmer look.
5. DIY Pressed Tin Backsplash
- Cost: $160
- The new backsplash made with pressed tin adds an intricate, vintage touch and is easy to clean.
Other Design Elements and Projects
- Command Center Wall: The old cluttered shelf was replaced with a clean wall design featuring a family command center for better organization.
- Framed Handwritten Recipes: Family recipes were framed to add a personal and sentimental touch to the kitchen.
- Open Shelving: The removal of an old, arch-shaped shelf allowed for a simple, streamlined open shelving space to display dishes and decor.
Command Center Wall
Framed Handwritten Recipes
Open Shelving
The Finished Kitchen Facelift
It’s taken a lot of re-imagining, but this kitchen finally does feel like home. It was a long time to work our way into this cottagecore style look, but I think that’s part of what made the journey more fun.
And even though we do plan to eventually do the big HGTV-level renovation one day, I’m so glad we can wait several years and not feel rushed to make that happen.
Total Cost and Budget Breakdown
Over the course of five years, the total spent on the kitchen facelift was $3,921, averaging about $785 per year for improvements. This gradual, DIY-driven approach allowed for a beautiful transformation without the pressure of an expensive renovation.