If you’re looking around your house and are in desperate need of some kitchen update ideas, but don’t want to or can’t do a full renovation, I got you.  The kitchen is one of those rooms that feels like a ton of money needs to be spent – or a ton of stuff needs to be demolished – in order for there to be a big change.  But that’s just not the case!  There are a lot of ways to change the way your kitchen feels without smashing something or spending thousands of dollars.  So whether you’re a renter who wants to add a touch of personalization, or a homeowner who isn’t looking for a full-on renovation, I bet one of these ideas will help you give your kitchen a new feel.

7 Ways to Update Your Kitchen Without Doing a Full Renovation

1. Swap Out Cabinet Hardware

This is probably the easiest and possibly the most budget-friendly way to give your kitchen a quick and painless update.  Swapping out cabinet hardware might seem like a small change, but it can actually make a big difference.  Just make sure you measure the distance in between the screw holes for your existing hardware so you ensure you’re buying new hardware that fits.

Here are some of my faves:

Rattan Wrapped Handle

5″ Center Pull (Set of 10)

Leather Brass Pull

Bin Cabinet Pull

2. Change Plumbing Fixtures

This is another change that seems minimal, but the impact can be BIG.  Maybe your kitchen is in need of a little drama, or maybe you want to change out your 80s faucet (or let’s be real, your builder-grade faucet) for something fresh and modern.  Make this change, and maybe you’ll like doing the dishes a little bit more!

Here are some of my faves:

Kingston Heritage Faucet

32″ Undermount Sink

33″ Farmhouse Sink

Signature Hardware Pasta Arm

3. Add Some Open Shelving

Whether you’re filling a blank patch of wall to add some more storage, or taking down a bulky upper cabinet you don’t need, open shelves can be a really fun addition to a kitchen.  Sometimes adding open shelves can add the illusion of more space than there actually is.  Who doesn’t want that?!  And if styling them sounds tricky to you, it really isn’t – here are some tips.

Here are some of my faves:

White Oak Floating Shelf

Double Wide Display Shelf

Wood & Metal Wall Shelf

Floating Entertainment Shelves (Set of 2)

4. Paint Walls or Cabinets

Now, this change is a little more involved – and a little more of a commitment – but a little paint can go a long way in a kitchen!  Put it on the walls, put it on the cabinets, you choose!  But please promise me: you’ll test the paint swatch before you commit to it on your walls or cabinets. Here are some of my favorite kitchen cabinet paint colors to help you get some ideas.

Here are some of my faves:

Penthouse by Clare Paint

Deep Dive by Clare Paint

Current Mood by Clare Paint

Views by Clare Paint

5. Change Out Light Fixtures

Out of all of my kitchen update ideas, this one might be the most fun!  Lighting can really set the style of a space, so if you’re looking to set a new style for your kitchen without demo’ing, why not change the light fixtures?

Here are some of my faves:

Rattan Pendant

Brass Dome Pendant

Duncan Semi Flush Mount

Glass Globe Pendant

6. Add Some Real or Peel & Stick Backsplash Tiles

Sometimes people think installing backsplash tile means putting it ALL over the kitchen.  But if you have a small space where some backsplash tile would look great, that’s really not such a huge undertaking.  And I know peel & stick tile sounds weird, but there are a few brands out there that make some pretty real looking options!

Here are some of my faves:

10″x10″ Scalloped Tile

11″x12″ Natural Stone Tile

Frosted Glossy Tile

Peel & Stick Subway Tile

7. Freshen up Decor

This is something you can do RIGHT NOW without a trip to the hardware store or a call to your handyman.  Take all the decor out of your kitchen.  That’s right – take it out!  I’m not saying you have to go buy new stuff, I’m saying sometimes you can’t see the potential for a new look until it’s a blank slate.  Pull out that pitcher from your grandma that’s in the back of the tallest cabinet, grab a plant from the living room, take that functional wood cutting board and keep it out on display.  Move it around, rethink what “decor” means and fill your kitchen with things that make you happy!

Here are some of my faves:

Bay Crest Vase

Balboa Bread Box

Huntington Harbor Cutting Board

Ives Tray