After living in my home for over 15 years, it was finally time to give the kitchen a refresh. Nothing drastic—just a thoughtful, budget-friendly update that would brighten the space and make it feel new again. I decided to take on the work myself, turning it into a small but rewarding project.

The plan was simple: repaint the cabinets, install a peel-and-stick countertop, and add new backsplashes. Even small changes can dramatically transform a room, and this project proved that to be true.

To keep everything on track, I created a detailed project timeline and broke the work into manageable steps. I also built a budget strategy to make the updates as cost-effective as possible, relying on a mix of thrift store finds, repurposed materials, and smart shopping.

Timeline

I mapped out the full project schedule—from sanding and priming to painting, sealing, and installation.

budget

Keeping the project affordable was part of the fun. My total spend was just $224 (not including future upgrades to the sink and faucet). Here’s the breakdown:

• Dark blue paint, “oops” shelf $9
• Light blue paint sample size $7
• Peel and stick counter top cover $110
• Peel and stick backsplash behind stove $37
• Mosaic tile backsplash from the thrift store $9
• Tools, grout, and supplies $59
• Total: $224

Before and After

This small DIY project completely changed the look and feel of the kitchen—brighter, cleaner, and more modern. It’s a great reminder that thoughtful planning and a modest budget can go a long way.