Top 10 Farmhouse Kitchen Updates (on a budget)

Updating your kitchen doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are my top 10 farmhouse kitchen updates (on a budget, nonetheless).

1. Wall Color

Wall color is such an easy and inexpensive thing to change. $25 or so for a gallon and you’re off.

I always recommend picking something neutral, so that you have freedom to change everything else up, without having to repaint. White is always safe. Gray is pretty safe as well. Here are my top 3 favorite neutral paint colors.

1. White Dove – Benjamin Moore
2. Eider White – Sherwin Williams – I haven’t personally used this one, but from what I’ve seen, it’s a great mix between white and gray.
3. On the Rocks – Sherwin Williams – My entire house is this color… for now 😉

Also, just FYI… You can get any color mixed at Home Depot in any of their paints. I, recently, got the Behr Premium Plus (my favorite paint ever) tinted to White Dove (Benjamin Moore). Much cheaper than BM, but the same color.

2. Cabinet Color

When we bought our house, the top cabinets were white, but the bottom cabinets were light gray with a blue tint. I’m a black and white lover, so you better believe I painted the bottom cabinets.

I used Rustoleum Chalk Paint (in charcoal) for my primer, simply because I already had it in the house and I’m lazy… And then I used Broadway from Behr over that. If you’re looking for a real deal primer, I recommend the 1-2-3 Zinsser primer. I use that when I need a real primer.

3. Paint Your Backsplash

I’ve gotten some flack for this one, but here’s the deal. If you don’t like something, and you’re not ready/don’t have the money to spend on it at the moment, I’m all about changing it, so that you like it more for the time being. Even if it breaks probably all rules that have ever existed.

My backsplash was aqua colored glass subway tile. Super cute, just not for me. So, I used real primer this time (1-2-3 Zinsser) and gave it a few coats. I finished it with BM White Dove. I have debated putting a clear coat on it, but so far it hasn’t chipped a bit. It honestly seems very sturdy. It’s been about 6 months since I did it. So my point is, just do it!

4. Lighting

This is something that you can change up without a lot of money. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Overhead light

• Oil Rubbed Bronze
• Satin Nickel Finish

2. Above sink

• Black IKEA pendant
• White IKEA pendant
• Oil Rubbed Bronze IKEA pendant

3. Above Dining Table

• Dark gray IKEA pendant
• White IKEA pendant (I have this one)
• Black IKEA pendant

Amazon also has a lot of great, inexpensive, farmhouse-inspired sconces and pendants.

5. Add Some Plants!

Plants literally bring so much life into a space. If you have a local Trader Joe’s, they have some great, low maintenance options. If plants scare you, fake ones are OK, but make sure they don’t scream “I’m fake!”. Ikea has a few fake plants that look somewhat real. But, succulents are very low maintenance and add a lot. You can even order plants on Amazon!

6. Add a Rug

Adding a rug adds so much warmth. I recommend a jute rug, of some sort. I picked one up just last week for my kitchen, $24.99 from Home Goods.

7. Wall Decor

Use wall decor to add in some texture and interest. If your kitchen is all white, for example, use wall decor to add in some character. Maybe pick a wood tone or accent color and add pops of it.

8. Add or Change Handles/Knobs

This can be pricier, but it doesn’t have to be. Check Hobby Lobby on a day when their knobs and handles are 50% off.

9. Add Shelves or Take a Cabinet Door Off

I’m guilty of both… I took the door off of one of my cabinets and painted the inside white. It added a lot of character and I got it all done during Miles’ nap.

I also added shelves with IKEA brackets on some wall space that was empty. It was simple and adds some character, as well.

10. Accessorize

I would recommend investing (or thrifting) a few simple, white pieces for your kitchen. Maybe a white pitcher for the counter or for your floating shelves. Or a utensil holder, shown below.

White keeps everything feeling clean, so that you can add interest elsewhere.

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