20 Kitchen Remodel Ideas To Transform Any Kitchen

large remodeled kitchen

Ever feel stuck when it comes to giving your kitchen a new vibe? Don’t be. We’ll show your 20 kitchen remodel ideas that are easy and affordable tricks to modernize your kitchen.

Just adding greenery or hanging artwork can give your kitchen a fresh look. Or add shelving and organizers to make better use of your kitchen space.

Even if you’re looking for smaller updates or want to renovate existing elements, there are plenty of ways to breathe life back into your cooking area. Here’s some inspiration — well, 20 bits of inspiration — to get you started on your next-level kitchen remodeling ideas. 

1. Refresh Your Kitchen Cabinets

A kitchen with grey and yellow cabinets
Photo Credit: Pexels

Your kitchen’s atmosphere largely depends on your kitchen cabinets. A quick repaint or re-stain can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen space. You might also consider adding glass cabinet doors or applying beadboard to some pieces for a different texture.

Choosing a paint color that complements your decor is key in either traditional or contemporary-style kitchens. Perhaps you might opt for a bold hunter green or navy blue if you fancy classic tastes. Alternatively, for more modern kitchens, colors like lively pink or yellow alongside metallic accents could provide an excellent backdrop. 

See Related:
10 Kitchen Cabinet Styles and Trends
7 Types of Kitchen Cabinets
A Complete Guide to Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

2. Install Window Treatments

Is natural light missing from your kitchen? Sunlight brightens up any room, making it warm and invigorating — the fitting vibe to enjoy cooking! Installing fresh window treatments allows sunlight to beam into your kitchen.

Think sheer curtains or bamboo shades. They filter soft sunlight throughout the day, subtly enhancing natural lighting regulations without complete exposure — a perfect balance of privacy and sunshine. 

3. Reimagine Existing Features

Kitchen counter and tile backsplash with a shelf and mug rack
Photo Credit: UnitedPhotoStudio / Adobe Stock Free / License

Can’t afford an entire kitchen remodel? Budget constraints shouldn’t hold back your kitchen remodeling ideas. Paint is an easy way to add flair and style, plus it’s one of the cheapest updates. 

Does your kitchen have an island? If so, apply a coat of paint and go bold with color or pattern. You could also add barstools to make it more of a focal point or splash on some bright wallpaper to create a dramatic impact. 

Also, you don’t have to knock down walls to find more space — just try decluttering and re-organizing the existing areas. Consider hanging a cork board or magnetic board to store recipes, grocery lists, or weekly affirmations.

4. Update Light Fixtures

Classic or worn-out light fixtures can limit your kitchen’s potential. Swapping them out for more modern options can spruce up the feel of your kitchen. Beaded pendant lights, artsy pieces with warm metals and alluring finishes, or delicate glass scones along the walls do not disappoint if you’re looking for subtle elegance to enhance that farmhouse feel.

See Related:
How to Choose the Best Kitchen Lighting
Types of Kitchen Ceiling Lights: Light Up Your Cooking Space

5. Add New Appliances

A white modern kitchen with a silver microwave
Photo Credit: oscar / Adobe Stock Free / License

It’s amazing what a few new kitchen appliances can do to breathe new life into your kitchen. Swap out those tired, old appliances for modern ones. A matching set of stainless steel or matte black appliances is an effortless way to nudge your kitchen gently into the present day.

Remember, appliances should seamlessly blend with your overall kitchen design instead of sticking out awkwardly. So go for timeless and sleek designs over flashy models that could steal attention away from other features.

6. Hang Artwork

Add some artwork to those empty walls. Hanging a painting, graphics, or even framed photos can inject an elegant yet personal touch into your cooking space.

You could mix and match larger pieces with smaller frames from other rooms for a truly unique gallery wall. These little decorations will add loads of visual interest to your kitchen.

7. Go Green with Plants

Potted plants on a kitchen island
Photo Credit: Pexels

Bringing greenery into your kitchen is an easy way to make the space livelier. Low-maintenance options like succulents, mini cacti, or trailing ivy are all excellent picks that bring color and freshness without needing constant care. 

Hanging planters are the way to go if you’re tight on counter space — they look great when clustered together, and there’s plenty of room to mix up their sizes and shapes.

8. Change Out Chairs and Stools

A brown table and chairs next to a white kitchen
Photo Credit: Pexels

If you have a dining area in the kitchen, switch out chairs or stools. Look for something fresh that will make your seating more appealing and comfortable.

For example, contemporary metal barstools add an industrial feel to your space, while traditional wood finishes bring warmth and coziness — perfect for creating a casual dining environment. 

9. Customize Crown Molding

White crown molding along a kitchen ceiling
Photo Credit: The Finishing Company Richmond Va / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Buying a few pieces of crown molding may not seem like the most exciting way to update your kitchen, but it can give the room an instant facelift. Add molding to corners or along edges to create beautiful visual effects. 

Choose a style that complements the décor in your kitchen, from sleek minimalism to ornate Victorian options. There are plenty of crown molding kits available at home improvement stores, or you could try making it from scratch.

10. Replace Door and Drawer Handles

Crystal knobs on white kitchen drawers
Photo Credit: PxHere

For an inexpensive but highly impactful change, replace your old kitchen hardware with something more modern. Choose from traditional knobs or more decorative picks like sleek pendants and delicate glass handles in different colors and finishes. 

Don’t forget the cabinet pulls and knobs. Updating those can add touches of sophistication, too. A gold or brass finish can add one or two points of interest to your kitchen.

11. Lay Out the Floor with Colors and Patterns

A white floor with small black squares in lines
Photo Credit: Pexels

Bring your kitchen floor to life with patterned tiles. Installing hexagons, ovals, and larger squares can be a simple way to add geometric charm. Mix these shapes in bright colors or flashy patterns for eye-catching effects. 

Want something more subtle? Try neutral or matte tile hues that fade into the background but still offer an intriguing contrast when partnered with furniture and various shades of wood.

12. Purchase Shelving and Organizers

A shelf above a sink with glass jars and cups
Photo Credit: Pexels

Open shelving has been all the rage for the past couple of years. It’s become particularly popular in modern-style kitchens that need extra storage space. Try adding removable shelves, sliding racks, and pullout drawers with labeled partitions to store anything from snacks to small appliances. 

Floating shelves also make a style statement in contemporary kitchens. They add a light yet glamorous feel while freeing up counter space. You can easily customize the height and the width to maximize storage potential.  

13. Update the Kitchen Backsplash

A backsplash with dark brown, light brown, white, and mint tiles
Photo Credit: Pexels

Most people overlook the backsplash. It’s typically seen as an insignificant element, but tiling your backsplash with uniquely colored stone or tile can do wonders for both large and small kitchens. 

Go for something fun and colorful, like rainbow-colored mosaics, if that’s your style. Be sure to keep within the color scheme of the room. If you’re looking for a more subtle approach, focus on one or two main colors that go well with existing furniture pieces, artwork, and cabinetry.  

14. Alter the Ceiling

A white kitchen ceiling with inset lights, hanging lights, and crown molding
Photo Credit: Pexels

Believe it or not, the ceiling offers a fantastic opportunity for customization. You may choose to paint it a bright color that contrasts with your walls, or maybe create something more unique, like adding wooden beams to add rustic charm.

For a more traditional feel, you could fit plaster cornices or add a ceiling rose. The focus on the unexpected area will elevate your kitchen design to another level. 

15. Get a New Kitchen Rug

A long, narrow, brown and black rug on a white kitchen floor
Photo Credit: Pexels

Your kitchen floor rug is not just practical for catching spills, but it’s also an easy way to overhaul the kitchen interior. So why not update yours?

Try to stick to an area rug with a bold pattern, like leopard or chevron. The starker look will create a stunning contrast against your upper cabinets, countertops, and other furniture pieces. For a softer touch, try luxurious shades like deep blues and emerald greens. 

16. Add Accent Pieces

A table with a bowl of decorative wicker balls. On one wall is an empty glass display case. On the other wall is a shelf filled with plates, vases, plants, and a ceramic rabbit.
Photo Credit: Pexels

Accent pieces are always fun! Start by picking two or three colors that you’d like to incorporate. These could range from plates or serving trays to tabletop decorations. Display the pieces on your kitchen counters, shelves, and even window ledges – you’ll be surprised how little hints of color can totally transform the room. 

Your accent pieces could feature different patterns such as stripes, polka dots, or chevron prints. This way, you mix in various hues without making any large changes.  

17. Suspend a Centerpiece

A pot rack with bronze cookware suspended over a kitchen island
Photo Credit: Chalon Handmade / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Add a centerpiece, like an antique pot rack or modern ice bucket. You can almost always find unique items at flea markets and thrift stores – just make sure that the pieces you choose will tie together your existing decor elements. 

While you’re at it, add some personalized touches to the kitchen walls. Paint a meaningful mural for extra drama, pick up an ornate mirror for more glitz and glamor, or opt for vintage shelves that add character with a sprinkle of nostalgia.

See Related:
How to Hang Something From the Ceiling

18. Install a Kitchen Island

A white marble kitchen island with a sink
Photo Credit: Pexels

Maximize your kitchen’s functionality by installing a central island. This extra space can be used for storage, extra seating, serving meals, or just about anything else you need it for. Plus – with the right finishes and hardware – this focal point is sure to jazz up the kitchen with its big statement-making style.  

You can also combine functionality with fashion by creating a theme with contrasting colors or patterned accents.  

Pro Tip: Measure your available kitchen area first. Having an island that is too small will leave your kitchen feeling cramped and overcrowded.

19. Choose Unconventional Materials

A kitchen with an exposed brick wall

Feeling a bit daring? Consider purchasing kitchen tile that goes off the beaten path. Think of slightly more original combinations, such as copper and concrete finishes, natural stone materials in earth tones, or marble with veins running through it.

What about patterned wallpaper? It’s a great way to add some personality or humor to your kitchen space.

You can also go for unconventional exposed brick designs or patterned tiles. These types of features can add an unexpected touch of character while visually opening up the kitchen.

20. Add Personal Touches

A kitchen sink with novelty license plates, artwork, and shelving above it
Photo Credit: Pexels

Add your own special finishing touches. This could be anything from wedding gifts to funny photos. Another idea is to add messages and reminders to your kitchen walls with blackboard paint. 

If you’re a fan of modern typography, add some fun quotes on the walls or countertop area in the form of decals. You can also choose decorative hangings and wallpapers with creative figures and designs. These will add pieces of your personality to the room without being too overwhelming. 

Ready, Set, Remodel!

Now that you’re brimming with kitchen remodel ideas, it’s time to choose which ones best fit your taste and start transforming your kitchen into a place of joy and creativity. Whether big or small changes, each idea can add a fresh wave of inspiration to redefine the space where flavors mingle.

Remember that the secret behind any remarkable makeover lies in reflecting your personal style while improving functionality.

Main Photo Credit: PxHere

Adrian Nita

Adrian Nita, a former marine navigation officer, has transitioned his precision and attention to detail into the world of painting and color. When not exploring the latest hues and painting techniques, Adrian enjoys annoying his wife with new painting projects in their home.