Dreaming of a kitchen refresh but don’t have the dough for a full renovation?
The good news is that cooking up a stylish, modern kitchen doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a few savvy swaps and clever upgrades, you can whisk your space into shape without dishing out for a full remodel.
Whether your cabinets are past their best-before date, your benchtops are looking a little undercooked, or you just want to spice things up, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to give your kitchen a fresh new look.
From quick DIY touch-ups to bigger transformations on a budget, here are Build-it’s top recipes for success to help you refresh your kitchen without breaking the bank.
Cook up a cabinet facelift
Cost: $200–$1,500
Time: 1–3 days
Replacing kitchen cabinets can be one of the biggest renovation costs, but painting or refacing them can achieve a brand-new look for a fraction of the price.
Bunnings recommends refinishing cabinets as a cost-effective alternative to a full kitchen remodel.
“Painting your cabinets or replacing handles and hinges is a great way to modernise your kitchen on a budget,” they say.
✔ Paint or stain your existing cabinets for a fresh new look.
✔ Swap out handles and knobs for a modern touch.
✔ Refacing cabinet doors with peel-and-stick vinyl is a quick and affordable fix.
If you’re not handy with the tools, hiring a local kitchen remodelling contractor or carpenter to refinish your cabinets is still one of the simplest, most affordable upgrades they can do.
Bake up a better benchtop
Cost: $150–$1,200
Time: 1–2 days
Benchtops dominate the look of a kitchen, but replacing them can be costly. If your existing benchtops are solid but outdated, a cost-effective upgrade can transform the entire space.
The Bunnings website highlights benchtop resurfacing as a great way to refresh your kitchen affordably.
“Resurfacing your benchtop with laminate or stone-look finishes is an affordable way to modernise your kitchen without the hefty price tag,” they say.
✔ Benchtop resurfacing kits offer a DIY-friendly way to refresh worn-out laminate surfaces.
✔ Timber-look or stone-look vinyl wraps are an affordable alternative to full replacements.
✔ If you’re willing to spend a little more, engineered stone overlays can be installed directly over your existing benchtops.
Sizzle your splashback
Cost: $100–$800
Time: 1–2 days
A dated splashback can instantly age a kitchen, but you don’t need to remove it to refresh the space.
Bunnings suggests painting your splashback or using peel-and-stick tiles as an easy and affordable upgrade.
“Painting or using peel-and-stick tiles on your splashback is a great way to update your kitchen at a fraction of the cost of retiling,” they state.
✔ Tile paint is a budget-friendly way to cover outdated splashback colours.
✔ Stick-on tiles or peel-and-stick splashback panels mimic the look of real tiles without the cost or mess of retiling.
✔ Glass and acrylic panels can be a cost-effective alternative for a modern, easy-to-clean finish.
Tap into a fresh new look
Cost: $150–$700
Time: 1 day
A simple fixture swap can instantly modernise your kitchen. Replacing outdated taps and handles with a sleek, modern fixture is a quick win that adds both style and function.
The Bunnings website suggests upgrading tapware as one of the best ways to upgrade your kitchen style without letting the cash leak from your wallet.
“Upgrading your tapware is one of the easiest ways to make your kitchen look more modern and stylish, without the need for a full remodel,” they state.
✔ Matte black or brushed brass finishes give a contemporary touch.
✔ Pull-out or gooseneck taps offer a high-end feel without the price tag.
✔ Replacing an old, scratched sink can also instantly improve your kitchen’s look.
If you don’t know how to change a tap yourself, speak to a local kitchen renovator or plumbing specialist, as this will still be a very affordable upgrade.
Brighten things up
Cost: $100–$500
Time: 1 day
Lighting completely changes the look and feel of a kitchen, and a few simple upgrades can make your space brighter and more inviting.
Bunnings Workshop Community Leader Mitch suggests under-cabinet lighting as a cost-effective way to enhance kitchen ambience.
“Installing under-cabinet lighting or updating your fixtures can dramatically change the look and feel of your kitchen without a big price tag,” he said.
✔ Under-cabinet LED strip lights improve task lighting and add a modern touch.
✔ Pendant lights over an island or dining area create a stylish focal point.
✔ Swapping outdated light fixtures for sleek, energy-efficient designs can instantly lift the space.
Season your walls with style
Cost: $150–$500
Time: 1–2 days
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a kitchen. Stick to light, neutral tones to make the space feel larger and brighter.
Bunnings recommends kitchen repainting as one of the most affordable upgrades:
“Painting your kitchen walls is an easy and budget-friendly way to refresh the space and make it feel new again,” they advise.
✔ Crisp whites, greys, or warm neutrals are timeless choices.
✔ Feature walls with panelling or textured paint can add depth and interest without a huge investment.
✔ Chalkboard paint on one wall creates a fun and functional space for notes and shopping lists.
Whisk away the clutter
Cost: $50–$300
Time: 1 day
Sometimes, a clutter-free space and a few stylish accessories are all you need to refresh your kitchen.
✔ Floating shelves add open storage and a designer look.
✔ Stylish storage jars, potted herbs, and decorative trays create an effortless, modern vibe.
✔ Removing bulky appliances from benchtops makes your kitchen feel more spacious and organised.
