D.I.Y. Made Easy: An affordable kitchen makeover

Looking to refresh your kitchen without spending the earth? Kitchen renovations can be expensive, especially if you want to add a bit of style.

However, with a little D.I.Y. and some good advice, you can complete a low-cost makeover without needing to be an expert or have it take months. It could even be a weekend project.

Sydney couple and reality TV stars, Steph and Gian, have recently completed a budget reno on a small kitchen, using some clever and fast D.I.Y. tips. The architect and D.I.Y. duo prove you don’t need a full renovation to create a big impact – it can just be about some simple cosmetic changes.

Instead of replacing everything, their project centres on revamping and elevating what’s already there - introducing colour, texture and personality into what was a previously basic, outdated space.

Start by updating the joinery

If the layout of the kitchen is still functional, it can be surprisingly cost-effective to update the existing cabinets instead of replacing them. You can replace the cupboard doors, or freshen the joinery with a new colour palette. This is where paint really comes into its own.

Because the original kitchen was fairly bland, especially in terms of colour (white on white, essentially) Steph and Gian repainted the cabinet doors using the Dulux Renovation Range (especially designed for these sorts of projects) in ‘Safari Suit’ (a Taubmans Colour).

The earthy beige instantly made over the space, layering it with a more modern palette. They decided to keep the existing stone bench, which took on a whole new life when paired with the new colour scheme and saved them a lot of money.

The couple also updated the look of the above-bench cabinetry by adding a new Shaker-style profile. In a clever D.I.Y. solution, Steph used MDF panels from Bunnings to frame the door profiles, adding depth and character. Gian finished the transformation by adding new handles, installed easily using the user-friendly Kaboodle handle drilling template.

“The handles change everything,” he says, pointing to the refreshed cupboards.

Gian also offers a handy tip – make sure you label the back of all the cupboard doors when you remove them. It makes the reinstallation process much simpler.

Tackling the breakfast bar

The existing kitchen included a breakfast bar for informal dining, which was useful in a family house, but was sadly tired and bland in style, reflecting the origin of the space.

As part of the refresh, Steph and Gian brought their signature ‘Japandi’ style to the kitchen by wrapping the breakfast bar in a stained V-groove timber panel to introduce texture and a custom feel. It was the perfect way to elevating the space without undergoing major construction work.

It also provided the perfect counterpoint to the newly painted overhead cupboards, framing the kitchen and complementing the timber floor.

The power of paint

A fresh coat of paint helps brighten any space – and can give it an instant style upgrade. Steph and Gian chose an earthy, mid-strength tone ‘Safari Suit’ (a Taubmans Colour) to align with their Japandi aesthetic, but other modern choices could include dark cabinetry such as a deep blue or charcoal for a more dramatic look.

The key to painting existing surfaces is all about the preparation – and the right products. After spending time in their local Bunnings and talking to a paint expert, Steph and Gian used the Dulux Renovation Range , which is purpose-made for these sorts of surfaces. This water-based renovator paint range is perfect for painting surfaces in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry.

Steph and Gian used it for all the cabinetry, as well as the glass splashback, reducing the need to retile the area, and creating a cohesive new colour palette throughout the kitchen zone.

Watch the video to see how they transformed this kitchen!

Looking to D.I.Y. your own kitchen makeover?

Take a trip to your local Bunnings Warehouse and or check out more of our kitchen projects for some more inspiration and plenty of practical advice. 

Frequently asked questions

1. How can I update my kitchen on a budget?
You can refresh your kitchen affordably by repainting cabinetry, replacing handles, updating panels and working with existing layouts instead of doing a full renovation.

2. What is the easiest D.I.Y. kitchen upgrade?
Painting cupboards and changing handles are among the simplest upgrades. These small changes can dramatically improve the look of your kitchen.

3. Can I paint kitchen cabinets myself?
Yes, with proper preparation and the right products such as renovation paint designed for kitchens, you can paint cabinets yourself and achieve a durable finish.

4. Do I need to replace cabinets to modernise my kitchen?
No, if your layout is functional, updating existing cabinets with paint, new handles or added profiles can create a modern look without replacing them.

5. What products should I use for kitchen D.I.Y. projects?
Use high-quality primers, renovation paints, brushes and rollers designed for kitchen surfaces, along with reliable adhesives and fillers for preparation work.