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A full kitchen remodel can take months. These three projects take a weekend and change the room more than you’d expect.
Saturday: paint the cabinets
Prep is 80% of the job. Remove doors and hardware, label everything with painter’s tape, degrease with a TSP substitute, scuff-sand and prime with a bonding primer. Use a cabinet-grade enamel and a foam roller for a sprayed-on look.
Cabinet painting kit (foam rollers + angled brush)
High-density foam rollers leave far fewer marks on flat doors.
- Smooth finish
- Includes tray liners
Sunday morning: swap the hardware
Measure the hole spacing (center to center) before you shop — matching existing holes saves you from filling and redrilling. Matte black and warm brass both look great against light-painted cabinets.
Sunday afternoon: under-cabinet lighting
Plug-in or battery LED strips light your counters and make the whole kitchen feel finished. Choose a warm color temperature to match your other lights.
What it costs
| Project | DIY cost (approx.) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet paint + supplies | $150–$300 | 1–2 days |
| New hardware (20 pulls) | $60–$200 | 2 hours |
| Under-cabinet LEDs | $40–$120 | 1–2 hours |
Costs vary by kitchen size and region — treat these as a starting point.
