Before:
The kitchen was small, dimly lit, and closed off from the rest of the house. Brown cabinets, worn countertops, and a single overhead light made cooking feel like a chore. There was barely enough counter space for meal prep, and the cluttered layout made the room feel even smaller.
The Plan:
Open up the space, improve lighting, and update finishes, all while keeping the work within a modest budget.
After:
By removing a set of upper cabinets and replacing them with open shelving, the kitchen immediately felt larger. White paint on the remaining cabinets brightened the room, while a peel-and-stick subway tile backsplash added texture without a big expense. Under-cabinet LED strips brought in layered lighting, and a slim rolling island provided extra prep space without crowding the room.
The Result:
The kitchen now feels airy, inviting, and far more functional. That proof that smart changes, not just expensive ones, can transform a space.
DIY Takeaway:
Small updates like paint, open shelving, and affordable lighting swaps can completely change how a room looks and works, even without a full remodel.
