Low Cost Kitchen Makeover in a Coastal Style

See how a drab 1980s kitchen was transformed into functional space with the help of some new paint, updated hardware, a beadboard backsplash and shiplap-style walls.

By: Laurie March

Related To:

A Kitchen Evolution

This light and breezy kitchen was once a disfunctional mess with an outdated look. By thinking outside the design box, these first-time homebuyers were able to update the space for not a lot of money and just a little elbow grease.

Before: A Questionable Kitchen

This kitchen was in need of a facelift that wouldn’t cost the homeowners an arm and a leg. With a few easy-to-incorporate design ideas, this sad space is transformed into an enjoyable meeting place.

Before: A Sad State of Affairs

This pantry space is not utilized as well as it could be. It is hard to locate items and remove them without creating spills or messes.

After: Pulling Your Weight

Retrofitting the pantry with bamboo drawers allows the homeowners to access all their dry goods and cookware with just a simple glide.

Before: Getting In The Way

This is one of the most frustrating design flaws in this kitchen. The perpendicular drawers are so close together, the opposing handles stop them from opening. The pull had to be removed from one of the drawers to access the other drawer. The previous owners had built the kitchen cabinets, and did not take this into account when they designed the space.

After: Slide On By

The problem is solved by installing flip-up, inset drawer-pulls. Now it’s easy to have full access to both drawers. Sturdy hardware makes for a comfortable grip and a stylish look.

Before: Bye, Bye 80s Seashells

This grimy, overly pink backsplash had its day and now it’s done. For a family with no time for the mess and disruption a re-tile would require, one of the simplest fixes for an outdated backsplash is properly installing beadboard over it.

A Charming Green Update

Beadboard is inexpensive, durable when coated with semi-gloss paint and a clear acrylic coat, and it makes for clean lines. Another bonus? It can be painted any shade under the sun!

Small Touches

Even the smallest details, like replacing beige outlet covers with crisp white ones makes a difference in giving an old kitchen a new look.

Before: Dining Area

This uninviting, empty breakfast nook was the last place anyone wanted to eat, and it's kind of an awkward use of space.

After: Stylish Dining

The eating area is now functional and loaded with personality. A wood accent wall adds warmth to the white-based color palette, while touches of turquiose lend a fun coastal feel. Extra storage is provided by wall shelves and a rolling cart that was painted and tricked out with a variety of baking accessories.

That's More Like It

Using leftover flooring from a remodel in the living room, an accent wall was installed to create a striking, warm focal point. The deep hue creates a cozy counterpoint to the crisp-white and green color palette, and ties the kitchen in with the rest of the home via the coordinating flooring.

The Magic of Metal

A slim metal trim, often used as a flooring or tile transition piece, breaks up the driftwood gray accent wall in a clean way. It blends seamlessly with the other metal finishes in the kitchen hardware, and adds a contemporary touch.

Bakers Delight

Trick out a plain rolling island with a few easy updates into an enviable baking cart. A favorite paint color, some trendy drawer pulls and a vintage rolling pin modernize the basic cart, and glam up a very useful storage piece.

Mo' Shelves, Mo' Storage

In a smaller space, a larger shelving unit can be bulky. A couple of smaller shelves can provide more space for overflow cooking materials and some pretty, baking supplies – just waiting for a happy cookie creating adventure!

Hang in There

Many cooking utensils and basics can be quite pretty. Save room in your cabinets and create a charming, focal point by hanging colorful colanders vertically. Bonus – they’re easy to grab when needed.

Bring It to The Table

Like cabinetry, tables can be sanded down and painted for an exceptional update. White is a standard for a fresh, clean look but you can choose any color that goes with your color scheme.

Have a Seat

A banquette not only expands the seating potential in the breakfast nook, but it also adds an air of sophistication.

Let There Be Light

A new light fixture not only illuminates the dining nook, but it helps set the mood. This light inspires warmth while elegantly emphasizing "less is more".

Add Open Access to Frequent Use Items

This swanky open glassware cabinet provides easy access to everyday glasses. Purchasing glasses that are pretty, and in a matching set will help everyone remember where the glasses go.

Shop This Look

Photo By: Bethany Nauert

Photo By: Mondrian Correa

Photo By: Bethany Nauert

Photo By: Mondrian Correa

Photo By: Bethany Nauert

Photo By: Mondrian Correa

Photo By: Bethany Nauert

Photo By: Mondrian Correa

Photo By: Bethany Nauert

Don't Miss:

Don't Miss:

Low Cost Kitchen Makeover in a Coastal Style

Related To:

A Kitchen Evolution

Before: A Questionable Kitchen

Before: A Sad State of Affairs

After: Pulling Your Weight

Before: Getting In The Way

After: Slide On By

Before: Bye, Bye 80s Seashells

A Charming Green Update

Small Touches

Before: Dining Area

After: Stylish Dining

That's More Like It

The Magic of Metal

Bakers Delight

Mo' Shelves, Mo' Storage

Hang in There

Bring It to The Table

Have a Seat

Let There Be Light

Add Open Access to Frequent Use Items

Shop This Look

That's More Like It

Mo' Shelves, Mo' Storage