DIY Kitchen Renovation Ideas

DIY Kitchen Renovation Ideas: Transform Your Space Without Breaking the Bank

Dreaming of a brand-new kitchen but not quite ready for the price tag? A full kitchen refit can cost thousands, but with a bit of creativity and elbow grease, you can breathe new life into your existing space. Whether you’re planning a weekend refresh or a bigger DIY project, here are some brilliant DIY kitchen renovation ideas to update your space on a budget.

From cabinet makeovers to clever lighting hacks, these ideas are ideal for homeowners and renters alike. Need tools or equipment for the job? Speedy Hire has everything you need to tackle your kitchen reno with confidence.

 

Easy DIY Ways to Renovate Your Kitchen Space

Below are some simple ideas to improve your kitchen space, which are easy to fit in around work and other commitments and won’t stretch the purse strings.

 

Idea 1: Tile a backsplash

A lot of kitchens will have existing tiles around the worktop area or acting as a splashback. If they’re looking past their best, or are a boring dated design, why not replace them? Or maybe your kitchen doesn’t have tiles, and you’re fed up with pasta sauce stains on the wall and shining your stainless-steel splashback.

If you want modern and clean, Metro tiles are the way to go. If you want a Mediterranean feel, there are hundreds of patterns out there. Or why not try farmhouse-style if you want something rustic in an older property? The tiles can be as small or large as you like, to suit your lifestyle and keep them clean.

You will need:

• Tile cutter
• Tiling adhesive spreader
• Tile adhesive
• Tile spacers
• Suitable tiles

You can remove your old tiles by using a suitable chisel or scraper. Wear protective gloves and a mask, as it can get quite messy. Then once the wall is clean, free from old grout and dirt, with any holes filled in, you’re ready to go.

 

Idea 2: Paint your kitchen cabinets

A fresh coat of paint can completely transform tired, outdated units. Choose a bold colour for a statement look or stick with classic neutrals like off-white, sage green, or navy.

You will need:

• Belt sander
• Degreaser
• Sugar soap
• Primer
• Kitchen door paint
• Masking tape
• Paint sprayer

Do everything one door at a time so it isn’t too chaotic. Remove the cupboard doors from the hinges if possible and remove the handles. Remove any self-adhesive film so you’re just left with the plain wood or MDF door. Sand it down (a belt sander may be required for this) to create a rough surface that the paint can stick to, before using sugar soap to remove residue.

SPEEDY TOP TIP! Why not paint the bottom cupboards a different colour to the top wall cupboards? Painting the bottom half in a dark colour and the top half in a light colour can minimise the heavy appearance of upper cabinets.

If you feel like your door styles are a little outdated and boring too, why not use MDF to act as a border panel/trim around the edges? This style of cabinet, also known as a Shaker kitchen, is modern and makes your kitchen look entirely new without an entire kitchen remodel.

 

Idea 3: Paint everything else, too!

Why stop there? There’s now a paint for every occasion and use available, from tile paint which won’t flake off when it gets wet, to paint for furniture such as dining tables and chairs, and even for PVC window frames or wooden flooring. Some home renovation Instagram accounts have even painted their kitchen worktop.

If you thoroughly read how to prepare and do the job correctly, there is no reason why you can’t use paint to drastically change the look of your (almost) entire home.

You will need:

• Paint
• Primer suitable for your surface
• Dust sheets
• Airless paint sprayer (or paint brushes and rollers for delicate areas)

You will need to clean and prime any surfaces before painting. This is especially relevant if you’re painting tiles; a blast of steam can get grout looking fresher. When painting small areas, always cover other surfaces with dust sheets or old cloth.

Of course, you can just paint the walls and internal doors if you’re not feeling quite so brave.

 

Idea 4: Upgrade Your Worktops

New worktops can make your kitchen feel like new. Laminate worktops are budget-friendly, and with the right tools, you can cut and fit them yourself.

Worktop upgrade ideas:

• Fit budget laminate or wood-effect worktops
• Cover existing worktops with heat-resistant vinyl wrap
• Install a butcher block for a rustic look

 

Idea 5: Swap cupboards for open shelving

Struggling to think of how you can add decorative accents to your kitchen? Do the upper cupboards just seem a bit too heavy for your space, blocking light and making it all feel too enclosed? Why not swap some wall cabinets for open shelving?

They can be decorative or practical, adding coloured jugs, accessories and pictures or using them as storage for your cookbooks or dried goods in jars (such as tea bags, coffee and pasta). The space will feel more open. Just don’t remove too many cupboards all at once, in case you then struggle for hidden storage!

You will need:

• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Shelf brackets
• Shelves
• Spirit level
• Filler

​SPEEDY TOP TIP! Renting your home, or not sure about whether you’ll change your mind? Just remove the doors and leave some cupboards open, instead. Keep the doors, hinges, and screws all together, so the change is easily rectified.

 

Idea 6: Add pops of colour using accents

Whether you add plants and greenery, such as an herb garden on your windowsill, or buy a brand-new colourful roller blind for your window, there are some really easy ways to add colour, texture and personality to your kitchen. These items aren’t just for living areas. Even picking a theme and sticking to it for your kitchen storage canisters, tea towels and oven gloves can make an impression.

Why not put your colourful cookbooks on show, or add a gallery wall of pictures? Wallpapering a single wall could even be a big change. If you don’t have much bench space for adding a vase of flowers or a fancy decorative egg box, are there any appliances you could store away because you don’t use them often?

 

Idea 7: Change the Lighting

Swapping old lighting fixtures is a simple update that makes a big difference. Under-cabinet lights, pendant lamps, or LED strips can brighten the space and add a modern touch.

Ideas to try:

• Install pendant lights over a breakfast bar
• Fit LED strip lighting beneath cabinets
• Replace dated ceiling lights with sleek, modern fixtures

 

Idea 8: Update Handles and Fixtures

Swapping out cabinet handles, taps, and even electrical faceplates can refresh your kitchen with minimal effort. Choose sleek brass for a luxe feel, or go matte black for a modern look.

 

Ready for more DIY inspiration?

You don’t have to buy expensive tools for a one-off kitchen refresh. Speedy Hire offers:

• Power tools and decorating equipment
• Safety gear like goggles and gloves
• Same-day delivery options and expert support
• Flexible hire periods

Please visit our Skills and Projects page for more inspiration and help for your DIY projects.