When one of our busy DIY moms—who always inspires me—sent photos of her kitchen door makeover, we couldn’t wait to share. Here’s her note:
Hi, guys! Sam and I just finished our kitchen door project and I thought it might make a fun Reader Redesign. We only spent $35 on it, so it seemed right up the YHL alley. You can see the step-by-step process on my blog. Basically we applied black chalkboard paint to our flat metal kitchen door and trimmed it with lightweight boards (which we secured by screwing into the door to prevent buckling). We love that it mimics the look of an expensive solid wood paneled door. Hope you and the bean are feeling well, Sherry! — Jacci
Here’s what the plain metal door looked like before Jacci worked her magic:
Here it is in progress as the trim and paint go on:
And here’s the same door after the $35 transformation — a fresh, functional focal point that looks like a custom wood door:
What a smart, resourceful update by Jacci and Sam. They took an ordinary metal door, added chalkboard paint and simple trim, and ended up with a high-impact look for very little money. The project adds both charm and usefulness to the kitchen—perfect for notes, menus, or family reminders.
If you’re inspired by this makeover, consider these quick tips drawn from Jacci’s approach:
- Choose a durable chalkboard or matte paint made for doors and metal surfaces.
- Use lightweight boards for trim so the door can still open and close easily; secure them with screws into the door to prevent buckling.
- Plan the panel layout in advance and measure carefully for a balanced, custom look.
- Keep the budget in mind—small materials and a little time can produce a big transformation.
Thanks to Jacci for sharing her photos and process. This is a great example of how small, thoughtful changes can give everyday elements in your home a fresh, stylish life. Who’s tempted to try this on their own kitchen door?