Kitchens are the focal point of the home. They’re where we congregate with family and friends, host deep discussions, and throw celebrations. Because they get so much use, keeping them fresh and inspired can be a challenge.

If you just bought your first home or feel like your dream kitchen is growing stale, you need to check out these 10 DIY projects to modernize your kitchen. 

1. Painted Cabinets and New Handles

Let’s start with one of the most popular methods to refresh your kitchen: cabinet painting. Just look at the above before and after photo. A fresh coat of paint and a set of stylish handles can completely modernize a set of cabinets.

Keep in mind that most cabinetry is designed and built well. It’s usually just the finish, in the above case the exposed wood, that will date the setup. This project is generally quick and cost effective; just make sure you do it properly. Don’t cut costs on this project or it will look cheap.  

2. Pan and Utensil Hangers

We’ve all seen pictures of beautifully laid out European kitchens. One staple of that look is displayed pots, pans, and kitchen utensils.

Hanging your pans reduces the need for cabinets, allowing your kitchen more space and a lighter feel. You can buy fabricated hangers at your local home improvement store or, for a more rustic or industrial touch, you can upcycle old railing or wood.

As home buyers increasingly seek open layouts, opening up your kitchen this way could also increase your resale value. Your neighbors are guaranteed to be impressed. After all, you spent $600 on that copper pot set from Williams-Sonoma. Why not show it off? 

3. Open Shelving 

A great way to open up a smaller kitchen is to get rid of cabinets entirely. Adding open shelving instead will allow more light to reflect in the kitchen, brightening and opening up the space.

Shelving also gives you an opportunity to bring unexpected decorations, like paintings, pictures, and statues, into your kitchen. This is a quick and easy way to cozy up your kitchen and tie it into the vibe and decor of the rest of the home. 

4. DIY Kitchen Cupboard Curtains

If exposed shelving still hasn’t given your kitchen the airyness that you’re looking for, try installing cupboard curtains. Curtain shelving is a new and emerging trend so you’re bound to be the first home in the neighborhood to try it out.

The look is progressive, functional, and stylish, though it is inherently simple and minimalist. It will not look good paired with traditional or modern cabinetry. Like exposed shelving, it’s best used in smaller/cozier kitchens.

5. New Stainless Steel Faucet

Faucets are often overlooked, blending into the overall design of the kitchen. But when they make a statement, they can be a great conversation starter.

When was the last time you paid attention to yours? A quick trip to your local home improvement store can bring freshness and modernism to your kitchen.

Check out a few radical designs that aren’t typically offered in-store. These might work in your kitchen depending on your setup.

6. DIY Kitchen Storage Stand

If you don’t quite have enough countertop space, try building a rolling kitchen cart. It’s the perfect place for that one appliance that just won’t fit on the countertop. 

7. Food Bins for Your Pantry

We took this idea straight out of the pantry of Khloé Kardashian. If you’re looking to be more organized, a quick and simple way to do so is with personalized organization containers.

Start with a modern set of containers like these. Make a label design with this Avery label maker and you have a pantry organization system even Khloe would be jealous of. Easy!

8. Herb Holders

If you love making food from scratch why not have a fresh set of herbs available at all times? A simple herb rack like the one in pinned above can give all of your meals that fresh flare that they’ve been missing. Most herbs are easy to grow too, so this DIY idea will work even if you don’t have the greenest of thumbs. 

9. Sleek Backsplash

So now that you upcycled your shelving, or got rid of it entirely, let’s talk about that backsplash. 

Your backsplash is your kitchen’s accent wall. It defines the style and modernity of the entire space. This is the space to get as stylish or creative as you want. Let’s just not have anymore boring white walls okay?

Now that your kitchen has undergone a transformation, add that exclamation point! 

10. LED Under Cabinet Lighting

A big trend in modern kitchens is LED under cabinet lighting. LED strips are cheap but they add a sense of wealth and modernity to your kitchen. Most can change colors, are easy to install, and can be found at any home improvement or big box store. Use the LEDs as accent lighting or to light your kitchen at night. 

There you go: 10 Projects to Modernize Your Kitchen

Whether you have a modern kitchen or a kitchen that was modern in 1972, these 10 projects are just for you. A few quick changes and a bit of creativity can have lasting effects.  

For more kitchen ideas, home DIY projects and design inspiration, check out our Pinterest. Happy building!

Want to make your kitchen cleaning routine a breeze? Click here for our top degreaser picks.

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