7 Cheap DIY Kitchen Upgrades You Can Make Today
The cost of remodeling a kitchen realistically anywhere in California can easily reach past $25,000 — but that doesn’t mean you have to spend in the thousands to make a decently great remodel. So, the truth? Really, just a few clever, low-cost changes can make your kitchen look and feel brand new. Our guide will walk you in detail through 7 cheap DIY kitchen upgrades you can make today, all under a $100 and with the aim in mind that the upgrade fulfills a real aesthetic change.
Let’s get started:
1. Swap Out Cabinet Hardware
Replacing your outdated (or some times even broken) handles or knobs with something modern and classy (such as matte black, brass, or brushed nickel) will instantly refresh your cabinetry.
💡 Quick Tips:
- Measure hole spacing before purchasing
- Use a template for faster installation
- Check out this Home Depot guide
Average cost: $25–$60
2. Install Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Tiles
These are renter-friendly, water-resistant, and surprisingly stylish. Most sets mimic ceramic or glass tile.
🎯 Why it Works:
- Easy to install in an hour
- No grout, no mess
- Great behind sinks or stoves
Most peel-and-stick options cost $1–$3 per sq ft.
3. Open Shelving for Style + Storage
Open shelves bring that clean, Pinterest-style aesthetic — and give you a place to show off your best mugs, plants, or cookbooks.
🛠️ Install Options:
- Remove doors from existing cabinets
- Buy affordable floating shelf brackets
- Paint or stain wood planks for a custom look
You can set up open shelving for under $50 total.
4. Replace Your Faucet with a Pull-Down Model
Upgrading your faucet is one of the most functional changes you can make — especially if you’re using an old fixture.
🚰 Features to Look For:
- California water-saving rating (1.5 GPM or less)
- Pull-down sprayer
- Single-handle operation
See EPA’s WaterSense guide for eco-rated fixtures.
5. Add LED Strip Lights Under Cabinets
This upgrade will add both ambiance and functionality — and it’s truly one of the easiest lighting changes you can DIY.
✨ Benefits:
- Brightens food prep areas
- Improves nighttime visibility
- Stick-on models don’t require wiring
Budget: $20–$40
6. Paint the Cabinets (or Just the Island)
Painting is a high-impact, low-cost project — especially if you focus on just one feature like your island or lower cabinets.
🎨 Color Trends for 2025:
- Sage Green
- Matte Navy
- Greige (gray-beige)
Use cabinet-grade enamel paint and a mini roller for best results. You can easily DIY it too. 😉
7. Upgrade Your Drawer Organization
Sounds simple enough yet you see the amount of people missing out on this life hack. Clear dividers or modular inserts instantly bring order.
📦 Try This:
- Expandable bamboo organizers
- Dollar-store trays for custom combos
- Custom drawer dividers from IKEA or Amazon
DIY drawer upgrades start around $15.
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So…In Conclusion, You Don’t Need Thousands to Modernize Your Kitchen…
With less than $100 and a Saturday afternoon, you can knock out one (or several) of these DIY upgrades — no demo, no dust, and no stress.
Want professional help with installation, plumbing, or appliance upgrades (or even a full on kitchen remodel?) The Handy Geeks has you covered all across California.
📞 Call us at (818) 835-0556 or book online to get started today.
Areas we serve:
Here’s a list of California areas The Handy Geeks can list as service locations to boost SEO and local relevance:
- Los Angeles
- Woodland Hills
- West Hills
- San Diego
- San Jose
- Burbank
- Santa Monica
- Pasadena
- Encino
- Sherman Oaks
- Glendale
- Studio City
- Orange County
- Riverside
- Long Beach
- Torrance
- Anaheim
- Oxnard
- Ventura
- Thousand Oaks
- Santa Clarita
- Palmdale
- Lancaster
- San Bernardino
- Chino Hills
- Irvine
- Fullerton
- Newport Beach
- Redondo Beach
- Culver City
- Beverly Hills
FAQ
What’s the cheapest kitchen upgrade with the biggest impact?
Swapping hardware or adding under-cabinet lighting both offer strong bang-for-buck.
Can I do these if I’m renting?
Yes — especially peel-and-stick backsplashes, lighting, and organizer upgrades.
Are painted cabinets durable?
Yes — if you use cabinet-grade enamel paint and apply it properly, paint can last 5+ years.