50 (Almost!) Free Kitchen Updates

A total kitchen makeover, like this stunning designer example, is one of the most expensive home reno projects — but from the island to the cabinets to the backsplash and everything in between, you can freshen up your existing kitchen's style with tasteful tweaks and a few of our designer-approved tricks. Keep reading for our best tips.

Ah ... paint, what can't it transform? One of the most budget-friendly fixes around, paint is also one of the easiest projects to tackle yourself. And best of all, if you change your mind, just paint it again in a new hue. Speaking of a new hue, this kitchen island is a real attention grabber with a fresh coat of Oceanside by Sherwin-Williams. Get our best tips to give your kitchen island a new look, below.

This timeless kitchen proves that a little paint can go a long way. To recreate the look, use a saturated shade, like the Randolph Blue by Benjamin Moore shown here, to highlight your kitchen's trim, molding and millwork. For a balanced palette, opt for soft white walls and a neutral island to let the look-at-me trim steal the show. Get more kitchen paint color suggestions, below.

Rearranging your existing furniture and accessories is a completely free way to reimagine any space. Of course, cabinets and large appliances make kitchens a little more — well, permanent — but you can still shift around the movable bits. Start by clearing the countertops and removing any furniture, like rolling islands or butcher blocks, then play with a new arrangement, keeping your kitchen's functionality and flow in mind.