I asked designers to share their most successful DIY kitchen projects – these are the 8 ways they recommended to refresh without remodeling

Upgrading your kitchen doesn't need to mean a total re-design; getting creative with a simple DIY project can do wonders to transform the heart of your home, adding rustic charm and improved functionality.

From upgrading kitchen hardware to decorating with paint, restoring vintage furniture pieces to switching out the lighting, there are so many straightforward and cost-effective DIY kitchen projects to consider, and we've rounded up our favorites for you here.

Whether you're looking to add more of a homey and lived-in feel to your space or are after clever ways to store practical items, these DIY kitchen ideas offer plenty of inspiration for a fun weekend project.

1. Repurpose a vintage table as a kitchen island

Decorating with vintage is a simple way to add character to any room, and in the kitchen, a previously loved table can serve as a functional island unit. Here, interior designer Kathryn Hunt of Kathryn Hunt Studio did just that – a simple and cost-effective way to upgrade a kitchen while tapping into the latest kitchen island trends.

'Originally a vintage table discovered at the Brimfield Antique Market, it was given new life with a bit of creativity and elbow grease. We loved its turned legs and classic shape, and with a little sanding, a rich stain, and a few tweaks, it became the centerpiece of the kitchen. For DIY-minded homeowners, reimagining a vintage find as a kitchen island is not only cost-effective but a great way to bring personality and practicality into the room,' says Kathryn.

2. Install a rail and hook system

One way to add charm to a kitchen is to keep functional items on show, and installing a rail and hook system allows for clever kitchen storage ideas. 'I love the functionality of rail and hook systems that help you keep your most-used kitchen tools at arm’s reach,' explains interior designer Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors. 'Clients love them for dish towels, too.'

'Try installing them underneath a floating shelf or on the side of the kitchen island. They also look amazing over a range, and even in a pantry for those pots and pans that are as pretty as they are functional,' adds Ashley.

Bring this idea to life and shop this rail utensil storage hanger from Amazon to keep your space organized.

3. Add rustic charm with beadboard

If you're looking for a way to make your kitchen feel more cozy and lived-in, consider adding beadboard to the walls. In the kitchen of Kathryn Faull of Maresca Textiles' historic Chicago bungalow, beadboard was just one of the kitchen DIY projects that transformed the space.

'Once we removed the upper kitchen cabinets, we needed a way to cover the walls,' explains Kathryn. 'We sourced the beadboard strips from our local hardware store and referenced YouTube videos to figure out the proper way to install them. We used individual boards, as opposed to sheets of beadboard, and installed them on the reverse side to give this space a more modern feel. My husband made the peg shelf above the beadboard to add much-needed storage in the entryway and sink area. We often use that peg rail to hang extra kitchen items.'

Beadboard is a wonderful way to add texture to a kitchen, whether you opt for white or paint it a bolder color. Shop this reversible wainscoting from Wayfair to create a similar look in your own kitchen.

4. Attach a curtain to a kitchen island

Another corner of Kathryn Faull's rustic kitchen inspires a further kitchen DIY project: adding a curtain to conceal kitchen island storage. 'I made the pleated skirt using a simple linen pinstripe fabric that’s ruched and then velcroed to the underside of the kitchen island, which we sourced from a kitchen supply company,' explains Kathryn. 'Again, I referenced online tutorials to determine the best way to execute this functional skirted island.'

Not only does this simple DIY project allow for items stored beneath a kitchen island to remain hidden, but it also adds softness to a space and an opportunity to experiment with pattern and color.

5. Update the hardware

One of the easiest and quickest DIY ideas for a kitchen is to update the hardware. Although a small detail, hardware can add lots of charm and textural interest to a space.

'In my farmhouse kitchen at Silent G Farms, we updated the hardware after buying the home. It was a subtle yet impactful change to our country escape,' says interior designer Elizabeth Bolognino of Elizabeth Bolognino Interiors, whose kitchen is pictured above.

This is echoed by designer Jessica Whitley, who adds: 'One of the simplest and most effective DIY upgrades in a kitchen is changing the hardware – it’s like jewelry for cabinetry. Swapping in modern pulls or classic knobs can instantly refresh the look.'

Whatever your design style, the latest kitchen hardware trends offer plenty of inspiration for your space.

6. Opt for a vintage storage cabinet

If you're on the hunt for more vintage kitchen ideas, opting for a vintage storage cabinet is not only practical but also a great way to add design flair.

'This featured storage cabinet, a restored vintage piece, lends character and soul to the kitchen,' explains the interior designer Natalia Miyar. 'Its natural patina and charm blend seamlessly with the home’s rustic architectural elements, such as original wooden doors and woven dining chairs. Juxtaposed against clean-lined design and modern marble surfaces, the cabinet provides a warm, historical counterpoint, adding depth, authenticity, and visual interest to this home.'

7. Give kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint

Don't forget about kitchen paint ideas when thinking of ways to elevate your space. A fresh coat of paint in a new color can do wonders to transform the room, whether it's on the walls or kitchen cabinets. Here, designer Nadia Watts chose Benjamin Moore's Nocturnal Gray for the cabinets, adding a splash of color without appearing too bold.

'For DIYers with moderate experience, focusing on surface upgrades and styling can bring warmth and sophistication without needing full custom millwork or stonework,' says Nadia, who recommends 'painting existing cabinets in a warm or deep tone.'

Whether you're drawn to neutral kitchen ideas or something more colorful, the latest kitchen cabinet color trends will help you choose a stylish paint shade to refresh your space.

8. Refresh your lighting with battery powered LED strips

Kitchen lighting ideas are not only a functional element, but a great way to add interest to your space, and swapping the light shades for something that adds design flair is a simple DIY project to consider. 'Swapping or installing pendant lighting is a relatively simple DIY upgrade with a big visual payoff,' says Nadia Watts.

Additionally, Nadia adds that 'battery-powered LED strips can mimic the under-cabinet glow without rewiring' – another easy DIY option if you're looking to enhance the lighting within your prep space.

Which of these kitchen DIY projects will you try out? Whether you're a DIY pro or are new to these ideas, these creative projects can help you add character and personality to your space. If you're looking for more stylish advice, the latest kitchen trends will no doubt give you some more inspiration.