A kitchen does not always need a massive budget to feel brand new I once worked on a small rental kitchen that looked tired with old laminate counters and dull cabinets Instead of replacing everything we focused on simple upgrades The cabinets were sanded and painted white with new handles added The countertop was replaced with a butcher block style that gave the room warmth A peel and stick backsplash was installed in a subway tile design and new lighting under the cabinets changed the mood instantly
The difference was striking The kitchen went from dark and cramped to bright and inviting without knocking down any walls The whole project stayed within a modest budget and it made the property feel more valuable for both renters and potential buyers
Final thought A before and after transformation does not always need demolition Sometimes small choices in paint lighting and finishes can completely shift the look and function of a space