Budget kitchen transformation using paint

SoniaR

🖼️

The project:

Our kitchen had served our family well for many years, but it was ready for a fresh start. We wanted to create a space that felt brighter, more inviting, and better suited to our style—all without the expense of a full renovation. On a tight budget, we transformed the space by painting the dated timber cabinetry a bold charcoal, painting the existing benchtops, adding modern lighting, and finishing it with a classic subway tile splashback. We completely refreshed the kitchen while keeping its practical layout. Now it's the true heart of our home—a place where family and friends naturally gather, meals are shared, memories are made, and everyday life feels just that little bit more special.

- Materials:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-1l-renovation-range-primer_p0116494

https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-1l-renovation-range-clear-coat-satin-satin_p0116488

https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-2l-deep-satin-renovation-range-cabinet-doors_p0116474 - Domino

https://www.bunnings.com.au/rust-oleum-home-countertop-kit-tint-base-satin-deep_p0865912 - White

- Tools:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/uni-pro-100mm-you-can-do-it-gloss-and-low-sheen-mini-roller-kit-9mm-nap_p0096129

https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-1l-wall-surface-cleaner-super-concentrate-sugar-soap_p1230181

Sandpaper

Microfibre cloths

- Step 1:

10 Steps to Complete the Project

1. Removed all cupboard doors, drawers, and hardware, labelling everything to make reassembly easier.
2. Set up a dedicated workspace in the garage and thoroughly sanded all cupboard doors, drawers, and cabinet frames.
3. Cleaned every surface to remove dust, grease, and sanding residue to ensure proper paint adhesion.
4. Applied the primer (base coat) to all cabinetry and allowed it to dry completely.
5. Applied the first coat of colour to the cabinetry, followed by a second coat.
6. Sealed the painted cabinetry with the top coat.
7. Sanded the existing laminate benchtops, cleaned them thoroughly, then applied the base coat.
8. Painted the benchtops with the chosen finish and applied the top coat.
9. Reinstalled all cupboard doors and drawers and fitted new modern handles to complete the updated look.
10. Finished the renovation with a new subway tile splashback, updated lighting, and a final clean, revealing our budget-friendly kitchen transformation.

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @SoniaR. It's terrific to have you join us and many thanks for sharing your wonderful kitchen transformation.

What an incredible difference you've achieved without the expense of a full renovation. Painting the timber cabinetry in charcoal has given the kitchen a completely new personality, and pairing it with the subway tile splashback, updated lighting and new handles has created a fresh, contemporary look. It's hard to believe it's the same kitchen.

I also love that you've shared photos from throughout the project. Seeing the original kitchen, the preparation work, and the transformation really highlights how much can be achieved with careful planning, plenty of preparation, and a bit of elbow grease. I'm sure your project will inspire many members who think a kitchen makeover is out of reach on a tight budget.

Congratulations on a fantastic result.

Mitchell