If you’ve ever heard that little voice telling you, “A kitchen makeover? You can’t afford that,” let Erin’s budget-friendly transformation change your mind. Below is her account of the project and how she turned a tired space into a bright, livable kitchen without a full renovation.
I wanted to share my blog post about our kitchen remodel. It’s a temporary, low-cost update until we can afford to gut the kitchen and install a new one in a few years (hopefully!).
The biggest purchase was new appliances. Aside from that, we spent no more than $100 on paint, stenciling supplies, and a simple shelf above the microwave.
I also finished the floor by stenciling it, and I love the result. If this had been our forever kitchen, I might not have dared to stencil the floor, but because this is a “make-do-until-we-can-gut-it” stage, I went for it — and I’m so glad I did.
The floor was the most time-consuming part of the update. We started by peeling old linoleum off the plywood subfloor. Then we filled gaps and imperfections with wood putty, sanded the surface smooth, and applied primer and paint. That stage had been finished for a while, but we waited to paint and stencil until the rest of the kitchen work was done. I’m glad we waited — moving things around left scratches and a few paint drips, so finishing last made sense!
This makeover is a great example of how powerful paint and a few thoughtful updates can be in a budget kitchen remodel. Fresh paint on the cabinets brightened the space instantly, and a painted brick backsplash created visual interest without the expense of new materials. Small, strategic purchases and a little DIY effort delivered a dramatic transformation while keeping costs low.
The approach Erin took is useful for anyone planning a temporary or transitional kitchen update: invest in appliances if needed, refresh surfaces with paint, and add accents like a shelf or a patterned floor to give the room personality. Stenciling the floor was a bold choice that paid off — it added pattern and texture to the space without the cost of new flooring.
Practical tips from Erin’s process:
- Start by addressing the subfloor if you’re removing old vinyl — fill, sand, and prime before painting.
- Delay finishing delicate paint details until heavy moving is done to avoid scratches and drips.
- Choose one standout element (like a stenciled floor or painted backsplash) to create visual impact while keeping the rest of the update modest.
- Set a strict small budget for paint and supplies and focus your money on the items that matter most, such as appliances.
We love how fresh and bright Erin’s kitchen has become. The painted cabinets and decorative floor are real room-changers, and they show how a temporary remodel can be both stylish and sensible. For more details on her full process and photos, check her blog post referenced by Erin for her personal write-up and step-by-step notes.
Psst — Erin mentioned she picked a winner for a giveaway related to the project. Check her blog to see the announcement and any additional updates.