​5 Quick and Easy Kitchen Remodel Ideas

These projects range in cost and time commitment, but they all can typically be accomplished by a motivated DIYer with a bit of experience. If you don’t have a lot of experience doing DIY home improvement projects, then you may feel so overwhelmed you aren’t sure where to start. Before you start getting too stressed, take a deep breath and know that you do not have to have your own workshop or have years of experience to complete projects that will drastically improve your spaces. In this blog, we are going to take a look at 5 quick and easy kitchen remodel ideas that are DIY-friendly!

1. New Paint for Your Walls and Kitchen Cabinets

Nothing will make your kitchen feel bright and fresh like a new coat of paint. Over time, grease and smudges can build up causing your once glorious cabinets to look drab. Even if you have never painted before, giving just your kitchen walls a fresh coat of paint is a great entry-level DIY project. The first step to getting started painting your kitchen walls or cabinets is to select your new paint color.

There is a huge variety of colors and sheens to choose from, and it can be difficult to picture how your kitchen will look. When deciding on your color choice, you should consider your kitchen design and preferences. If you are remodeling your home in order to sell, then you may consider opting for more neutral colors like whites and off whites. These can also be great choices for those with darker kitchens, as bright white kitchen cabinets and walls will help reflect light throughout the space.

If you are looking to create the next modern trend, then you may need to do some more research. Paint manufacturers and interior designers are constantly innovating when it comes to the next trending color or combination of colors. One way you can use trending colors to create modern spaces is with a two-tone kitchen. As the name suggests, this looks is accomplished by painting your base cabinets a different color than your wall cabinets. In smaller kitchens, this can actually make your kitchen feel larger.

In addition to your paint, you will also need a primer for your walls and cabinets. It is important to use at least 2 coats of primer and let it fully dry before painting. You will also need some painter’s tape, drop cloths, and a few other supplies. If you are looking for a guide on finishing your kitchen cabinets, check out our guide. It provides detailed instructions along with links to supplies you will need to get the job done. To give you an idea of what all goes into the kitchen cabinet painting process, here is a general breakdown of what it will look like:

1. Remove the cabinet doors that will be painted.
2. Remove any dirt and grease with trisodium phosphate (TSP), and sand away any nicks and cracks.
3. Prime your cabinets and let them dry. You will need to use at least two coats of primer, and you should remember to lightly sand between coats.
4. Paint your cabinets. Again, you will most likely need at least two coats of paint. If you are painting in your bathroom, or other high moisture areas, be sure to select paints and primers designed to deal with the added moisture.

2. Get Creative with Wallpaper

Just like with fashion, interior design trends can come back into style after going out. One example of this is wallpaper. Wallpaper has enjoyed popularity at various points whether it was a highly ornate style, or something more modest. Wallpaper allows you to quickly and relatively easily a completely new design. This may be great for your walls, but what about your cabinets?

You can also use the same wallpaper that you applied to your walls for the inside of your cabinet boxes. This will create a surprising unity when the cabinets are opened. Plus, if you give the exterior of your cabinets a fresh coat of paint, your kitchen will be feeling brand new in no time. One trend we are loving with wallpaper is taking the eclectic approach and using pieces of various vintage wallpapers. Check out these steps to get started with wallpaper.

1. Prime the surface receiving the wallpaper with two coats of primer.
2. Measure your surface and cut the wallpaper to size. It can be helpful to add around 6” to each side for trimming and creating the perfect fit.
3. Smooth the wallpaper to the wall using a straightedge or soft bristle brush.
4. Clean up the corners and trim away any extra.
5. Repeat as needed.

4. Open Shelving and Removing Cabinet Doors

This next quick kitchen remodel is for those of us who have smaller, maybe even cramped, kitchens. One way to help remedy this is to create long lines of sight. An easy way to do this if you have wall cabinets is to remove the cabinet doors. If you have a lot of wall cabinet storage, then you may not want to remove all the cabinet doors. This technique is only effective when the exposed cabinets can be kept clean and neatly organized. If your cabinets are overflowing, this will likely have the opposite effect.

Alternatively, if you do not have all wall cabinets, you could consider installing open shelving. Open shelving will provide your kitchen with more storage, which is always a benefit and can help with overcrowded cabinets. In addition, open shelving also helps to pull your eyes up, which can help make the room feel a bit larger.

5. Upgrade Your Hardware

This project can be a great complement to any of the others on this list, or it can be a stand-alone project. Updating your kitchen hardware can be a great opportunity to inject some personality into your kitchen design. There are about as many options for shape, material, and color as you can imagine for kitchen hardware, so finding the perfect piece will only take some looking. If you have darker finished kitchen cabinets, then you may choose to opt for hardware close to gold colors to create a sophisticated, traditional look. Or, if you are looking for more modern, minimalist vibes, then you may consider pairing bright white cabinets with matte black hardware.

Finishing Up

Whether you choose just one of these projects or a combination of several, these are a great way to get started DIYing your way to a fresh kitchen. Plus, the experience you will gain can translate to other areas of your home that may need some attention. Be sure to check out our blog page for more informative guides and DIY projects.

If you are ready to start ordering or if you need assistance, please feel free to call us at 1-844-326-6680 or email info@cabinetdoormart.com. Our team is here to help with everything from measuring to ordering.