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anninaustin

update my kitchen without paint or tools?

last month

I’m trying to make this kitchen look a little more updated, on a small budget, without painting the cabinets.

The backsplash is subway tile I installed a few years ago.

Looking more for decoration ideas. TIA

Comments (11)

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    normally there is a toaster / blender /coffee pot etc and those can be stylish and so on. However I dont see any electrical outlets. What type of use occurs here? the question about decor is one thing but kitchens are spaces for work so thats what we think about first and foremost here.

    If "without tools" means raw food literally then set out your mortar and pestle...your live food growing troughs , great containers . etc, I guess.


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  • PRO
    last month
    last modified: last month

    No paint... no tools... that only leaves placing some practical and some decorative items on your counters. Do you own furniture for the dining area near the window? Let us know if there's anything you willing to do.

  • PRO
    last month

    I don't understand "No tools" ........?Who lives here? There is no sign of life whatsoever. What do your other rooms look like? Is there a color you like? You don't need a coffee pot? A small table/2 chairs at the window?

    The hardware on the cabinets couldn't be a matte black ?

    You're asking us to read the mind of a person out on the street: )

  • last month

    When budget allows consider updating the flooring and countertop. They seem to fight one another in this space.

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Providing your budget, knowing what your dining set looks like style wise and your definition of “decorative“ will help you get more helpful advice. Owing or renting will also make a difference.

    Budget/interest allowing, I’d change the hardware to black (need a screwdriver though) to create more of a connection with the flooring (look on Amazon and hardware stores for bulk options to save money). A set of framed prints in dining area and a runner will make a difference. Regarding counters, once functional items are added, then see what would suit.





  • last month

    You can put a bright colored rug on the floor . That would help

    Assuming you have no tools and are restricted on what you can do .Maybe this is a temp place to live?

    It looks like a nice clean kitchen and there isnt much you can do to it without at least a screwdriver.

    Once you get your stuff in there, if that is the plan, it will be fine.

    How awkward that the fridge butts up to the sink so badly and blocks the only source of natrual light!

  • PRO
    last month

    Sorry but a counter depth fridge is where I would start. Then lighting and lots of it . Add some color . The floor and the counter are fighting so add color on the counter to take your eye there . No runner it will be atripping hazrd all the time in that tiny space . I see nothing on the counters which I like to a point but a colorful kettle and toaster could at least be there .The white backspalsh relates to nothing so an odd choice . The eating spaot could have a lot more interest for sure starting with a nice colorful roman shade and some colorful chairs at your table which of course we need to see.

  • PRO
    last month

    No paint or tools leaves accessories. Rugs, curtains, lamps (yes, even on counter tops!), vases, dish towels, toaster, stand mixer, utensil crock, tea kettle, coffee pot, blender, shelves, wallpaper. Wall decor can be prints, plates or trays. Pick something with a pattern and colors you like and work from there.

    Or add organic textures, like reclaimed wood shelves, wood cheese boards, copper pots or molds, living plants.














  • PRO
    last month

    As another poster said, the flooring and countertops don't go well together. So, will suggest saving up and replacing both. I like your backsplash. It's plain, simple and not distracting. It will provide a good backdrop for your countertops.

  • PRO
    last month

    On a small budget, replacing the flooring and/or counter tops is not feasible. And saving up could well take years. The small things could pack a bigger punch while saving up for more costly and substantial changes.

  • last month

    I've had a lot of kitchens over the years and most of the time little money to remodel. My go-to's are always new dish towels and pot holders, a bowl of fruit, a tray for olive oil, etc., a crock for utensils and always a vase of flowers (Trader Joe's) on the kitchen table. Th bowl, tray, crock and vases are usually found in thrift stores and garage sales - I now have quite a collection. Tablecloths and wood cutting boards are also good options. Have fun searching for treasures!