Hello Design Lovers! 
It’s so crazy that October has just flown by! This year is going by so fast and so slow at the same time (if that’s even possible)…but hey 2020!
Anyway, I’m so excited to share some fun DIY projects you can start working on for your kitchen. No renovation, contractors (depending on how handy you are), or large budgets are required for these projects 😉. These ideas I’m about to spill can also work for those who are renting. But, of course, as always, just check with your landlord if you’re able to do any of these budget-friendly ideas.
Maybe your kitchen is a little old and outdated. It might need a little facelift to make it seem less rundown and out of date. These ideas are great if you just bought a house that needs some work done but maybe you don’t have the time or the money to get started on renovating your whole kitchen. You’ll need some patience (that’s a given), some materials (which I’ll mention for each item), of course money (but don’t worry, it doesn’t have to cost a lot), creativity, and a desire to turn your kitchen into a space that feels more like you…at least for the meantime. So let’s get to it!
Here’s an example of pulling some neutral color tones from a rug and as you can see, the paint colors compliment the rug. I find this to be the easiest way to select paint colors. Happy decorating!
1.STICKER BACKSPLASH
Okay, so hear me out on this one. Let’s just say your rental unit doesn’t have backsplash- it simply has sheetrock and that’s it. Or let’s just say you have hideous laminate backsplash from the 50s that makes you cringe every time you look at it. I have a solution for you and that’s peel and stick backsplash! There are tons of options out there as far as retailers who sell them and designs that fit your style. Basically, it’s a vinyl wallpaper that doesn’t require grout or glue and they’re relatively easy to wipe clean. Updating your backsplash is such a quick, easy way to transform your kitchen. I would advise you to do your own research before purchasing your peel and stick backsplash since different retailers vary slightly. I’ve shared some of my favorites so just click on the image to be redirected to the link!
Amazon 
Etsy 
Wayfair 2. STENCIL YOUR FLOOR TILE
Over the summer, I wrote a blog post about stenciling your patio area to give your yard a fresh look. Cutting Edge Stencils is such a great company that has been featured multiple times by HGTV Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, This Old House, Country Living, and more! In other words, they’re pretty much your “go-to” company when shopping around for stencils. They have SO many design options to choose from, tutorials, ideas, and supplies you’ll need to get the job done!
Just like for most of these DIY projects, you do need some patience so keep that in mind. But that’s not to say it’s impossible to get stylish, budget-friendly floors for your kitchen! They’re such a great idea for a temporary “fix” and their patterns are gorgeous.
Cutting Edge Stencils 
Cutting Edge Stencils 3. PAINT YOUR KITCHEN CABINETS
Painting your cabinets is a lot of work but worth it if you know you aren’t going to be renovating your kitchen for years to come. It might even be worth it to hire a painter if you want them to come out good. If not, and you’re up for the challenge, then by all means go for it! I don’t wanna sound discouraging but there is a lot that goes into the prep before you can begin painting your cabinets. Good HouseKeeping came out with a really great article that sets the expectations and reality for those who are going the DIY route. You can click here to access the great information found in that article.
If you’re okay with hiring a painter (a good one at best), simply ask your family, friends, neighbors, or go to Houzz for some recommendations. This might be your best bet if you aren’t the most handy or don’t feel like putting in so much time and energy into it. And that’s TOTALLY fine! There’s a lot that goes into painting your kitchen cabinets if you want them to look good. If you live in Northern New Jersey, be sure to check out Furniture Rescues (click on the name to get redirected to her website)! Rachel does AMAZING work when it comes to painting kitchen cabinets. So just know that in the end, it’ll be worth it for a temporary fix or who knows, maybe a permanent one.
Furniture Rescues: BEFORE 
Furniture Rescues: AFTER 
CertaPro Painters 4. CONTACT PAPER FOR YOUR COUNTERTOPS
Some of you may never have heard of using contact paper to transform your countertops. Similar to the solution I shared for your backsplash, this is a patterned, vinyl peel and stick wallpaper that you put over your existing countertops to give your kitchen that upgrade it needs! It’s relatively inexpensive and you have a decent amount of options to choose from. Be sure to check out Amazon for some marble patterned contact paper! Rebecca & Genevieve used contact paper for her bandaid kitchen “remodel” and it came out beautiful (and was also inexpensive 😉). Check out her countertops!
Rebecca & Genevieve 
Amazon 5. SWAP OUT LIGHT FIXTURES, HANDLES/PULLS, FAUCET
Last but not least, changing your light fixtures, handles/pulls on your cabinet doors and drawers, and swapping out your faucet are like the jewelry pieces to your kitchen design. If you really want to take your temporary fix to the next level, these simple pieces will make such a BIG difference. Your kitchen will feel complete after painting your kitchen cabinets, stenciling your floors, using contact paper for your countertops, and using stickers for your backsplash. This is the final touch if you really want your kitchen to feel a little more like you and your style.
You don’t have to go too crazy with spending a lot of money on these pieces. There are plenty of budget-friendly retailers where you can get relatively inexpensive hardware, light fixtures, and faucets. Build.com has a wide variety of options that won’t break the bank. Amazon and Wayfair also have great options for staying on budget!
Build.com 
Wayfair 
Amazon
Well…there ya have it! I hope you found these ideas useful. I didn’t get too much into detail as far as “how to…” because I just wanted to get your creative juices flowing here. But if you do have any questions, feel free to ask me! It’s okay if you don’t have the money or time to get your kitchen renovated but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. There are solutions to EVERYTHING even for those on a budget. I hope I have inspired you to tackle some of these projects yourself (or hire some great painters, electricians, plumbers). It’ll all be worth it temporarily, until you’re ready to have the kitchen of your dreams!