Newly remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances

8 DIY kitchen remodeling ideas: Tips & inspiration

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a reflection of how you create. From colors and finishes that reflect your style to must-have appliances that keep up with your skills, a kitchen remodel is full of possibilities. In this guide, you’ll find kitchen renovation tips from start to finish, whether you’re planning a lavish makeover or a simpler renovation.

Read on below to discover how to plan for your remodel, determine the right layout for you and choose the design updates and appliance upgrades that will help make your kitchen a creative and functional space.

Two people drinking coffee in a modern, updated kitchen

Can you remodel a kitchen yourself?

Remodeling a kitchen yourself can provide you with the opportunity to create your ideal space. By handling a remodel on your own, you can integrate your style, aesthetic and preferences into your kitchen to help it match the way you create.

Some labor-intensive elements of a kitchen remodel may require the help of a professional, like plumbing updates, changes to electrical wiring, gas line installation or wall removal. However, if you just want to give your kitchen a facelift with a few surface updates like painting, changes to the hardware and other surface updates, you may be able to manage it on your own with proper planning.

Planning and designing your remodel are two of the easiest steps to tackle on your own if you already have an eye for design, but you can always consult a designer or contractor to take your project to the next level.

How to plan a DIY kitchen remodel

Think about what your ideal kitchen looks and feels like. Get inspired on social media by the latest kitchen appliance and design trends. Decide on what your wants and must-haves are while determining the scope of your project. Plan your new layout, consider upgrading appliances and don’t forget the power of color for your DIY kitchen renovation.

Before getting started, determine your design, timeline and budget. This will help guide your decisions and give you a better idea of how to prepare for your remodel.

Determining the type of remodel you’re doing is the first step to any kitchen renovation. From there, you can start choosing a layout, selecting a color scheme, picking cabinets and countertops and shopping for major appliance upgrades.

Black French door refrigerator and wall oven in an updated kitchen

1. Decide the scope of your kitchen remodel

Before you get started on your kitchen remodel, evaluate the current setup of your kitchen to help you determine the level of effort needed to bring your vision to life. Inspect the cabinets and flooring, then measure your current appliances to see if your existing layout will work for your remodel ideas.

If it’s time for a total refresh, start with a complete tear-out, which likely requires professional help as this may include removing all cabinets, counters, floors and even some walls. If you’re looking for a style face-lift, you might simply add a fresh coat of paint, refresh cabinets by adding new hardware or refacing them, upgrade appliances and replace the countertops.

Keep in mind where you do most of your cooking and prep work, and ensure you have enough storage for all of your fresh ingredients.

Stainless steel appliances in a white and green kitchen

2. Design your kitchen layout

If you’re doing a complete tear-out of your kitchen, you’re getting a blank slate. The possibilities may be just about endless, depending on your space. Your kitchen layout affects how you and your loved ones enjoy your kitchen. Popular layouts include L-shapes, which can help maximize available work space when remodeling a smaller kitchen—especially when paired with an island peninsula for added seating.

It’s also important to consider the traffic flow of your kitchen and how you move around when creating a recipe, as this can impact appliance placement and kitchen island measurements, if you choose to add one.

Consider a nook for breakfast and a place to grow fresh herbs. If you’re starting from scratch, the sky may truly be the limit.

Create a seamless kitchen design

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Stainless steel appliances in a modern kitchen

Discover kitchen design trends

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Light blue and white kitchen with stainless steel appliances

3. Build your color palette

Color in the kitchen is a simple way to add personality and style to the room. If you’re replacing cabinets, start by selecting a new style or color scheme. Cabinets (and their hardware) take up roughly 40% of the visual space in the kitchen. The rest of your palette, like backsplash tiles and appliance and hardware finishes, should be built around that. From there you can add pops of color and complementary finishes with both large and small appliances.

Refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges and sinks play a big role in the room and should provide a harmonious look that complements or adds just the right contrast to your color scheme.

Add splashes of color to your neutral kitchen color scheme with major appliances like KitchenAid^® commercial-style ranges and countertop appliances like KitchenAid^® stand mixers. Both are available in a range of colors.

Shop KitchenAid^®ranges, ovens and cooktops

Available space, aesthetics and your unique cooking style are among the primary things to consider when shopping for new cooking appliances. Consider how you utilize your kitchen space when deciding between a range or stove vs. an oven, or when buying a cooktop.

Integrating a wall oven into your kitchen, like these models from KitchenAid brand, or installing a cooktop into an island, can give your kitchen a built-in look. Depending on how you create, different types of wall ovens and cooktops may be better suited for your needs.

KitchenAid^® double wall ovens allow you to create multiple dishes at once, while select KitchenAid^® induction cooktops and ranges offer the cleanability of electric cooktops or the responsive performance of gas.

Black Ore kitchen appliances in a modern kitchen

4. Upgrade your major appliances

Major appliances with style that matches performance make a huge impact on the look, feel and functionality of your kitchen. Choose from standard or commercial-sized appliances to fit your layout and making needs. Color and style matter too, which is why KitchenAid brand’s major appliances come in various dimensions, designs and colors to add sophistication, versatility and style to your kitchen.

When you’re planning a kitchen remodel, start by choosing a refrigerator, dishwasher and cooktop. Keep in mind the layout of your kitchen and the placement of appliances, such as the refrigerator, dishwasher and range. Be sure to double check your appliance dimensions and cabinet measurements before finalizing your electrical or plumbing updates.

Shop KitchenAid^®refrigerators

With various types of KitchenAid^® refrigerators available, it can be simple to find an option that fits both your space and your needs. For example, KitchenAid^® built-in models offer a seamless look and can be panel ready to match your cabinetry updates, while French door models from KitchenAid brand offer additional interior visibility and side-by-side models provide ample freezer space. Learn more about refrigerator customization ideas to help make your kitchen fit your personal needs.

5. Pick your cabinet style

Cabinets are the ideal way to complement the style and decor of your major appliances. You can opt for a sleek, rustic or country aesthetic depending on your personal style preferences.

Sleek, modern cabinets with a minimalist style allow your appliances to shine.
Rustic and traditional cabinet styles add warmth and character to the kitchen, and they pair especially well with warm metals and matte finishes.
Shaker and country styles are a well-suited match for spaces with lighter-colored appliances, helping to create a light, airy feel.

You can typically choose from two cabinet options: custom and prefabricated. Features to consider include color, texture, size, storage space, hinge styles and knobs/drawer pulls. By doing the remodeling yourself, you can tap into your creativity and personalize your space for a kitchen that’s completely customized to your tastes.

Kitchen island with an electric cooktop and canopy vent hood

6. Choose your countertops

Like cabinets, your countertops set the tone for the kitchen. You’ll likely want to choose a material that is both stylish and functional, since the countertop is where you’ll be doing the majority of your prep work. Popular options include marble, granite and engineered stone like quartz, which offers nearly limitless colors and patterns to choose from.

Quartz countertops are made from the strongest natural mineral (quartz) and resin to create a nonporous, easy-to-clean surface. Granite is naturally heat-resistant and not prone to scratches, making it a durable choice for your kitchen prep stations. Marble countertops offer an elevated look but often require regular resealing to help preserve the appearance, something you’ll want to consider when weighing your options.

When selecting countertops, keep in mind the surrounding design choices, such as the cabinetry style and kitchen color palette. When available, leverage swatches to see how the colors, styles and textures work together before making your final selections.

Juniper electric range in an updated kitchen

7. Add a backsplash

The backsplash is another design element that can help complement your appliances and pull the entire aesthetic together. A backsplash is typically placed around the backs of sinks, ranges and cooktops, so it’s important to choose an option that fits with your paint color and appliance finishes.

Consider using a neutral tile for most of the kitchen and investing in funky glass, gorgeous stone or exquisite ceramic tile to accent areas behind the sink and cooktop. Choose materials and styles that fit your kitchen design and help your major appliances stand out.

Countertop microwave and top control dishwasher in a green kitchen

8. Complete your DIY kitchen remodel with finishing touches

Make sure you’ve patched any walls and finished painting if you haven’t already. Swap out light fixtures and splurge a little on a decorative faucet. Consider the added impact of installing molding like baseboards, crown molding and toe-kicks, which help protect your walls and cabinets while also adding architectural interest to the room.

Upgrading your small appliances is an effective way to bring in color, texture or on-trend design. For example, you can easily introduce an earthy, neutral palette to your kitchen for added warmth and a touch of nature into the mix. Small appliances are also an amazing opportunity to bring in bold pops of color.

Before you’re ready to check “kitchen remodel” off your to-do list, give your new space a final walkthrough to help you determine any fine details that need your attention. Small finishing touches like new lighting fixtures and cabinet and appliance hardware can help tie the design of your kitchen together. KitchenAid^® Hardware Accessory Kits are designed to coordinate with kitchen faucets and cabinet pulls, the curated palette of mixed metals complements all KitchenAid® exterior finish options.

Shop KitchenAid^®dishwashers

KitchenAid brand has a dishwasher type for every kitchen. Beautiful finishes and details aren’t the only thing to look for in a new KitchenAid^® dishwasher. Different loading styles, innovative technology and cleaning cycles are key features to consider to ensure you choose a dishwasher that can handle any load.

Select KitchenAid^® dishwashers offer the largest third rack available¹: the 360° Max Jets^™ Third Rack. This rack has 360° wash jets to clean pint glasses, coffee mugs and cereal bowls inside and out.

DIY kitchen remodel FAQs

There’s a lot to think about when planning a kitchen remodel, particularly if you’re approaching it as a DIY project. Keep reading to find a handful of questions to consider when beginning your kitchen remodel.

When should I contact professionals for help?

If you’re moving walls, installing new plumbing, adding a gas line or rewiring electricity, you should consult with professionals. Even if you have prior knowledge and experience, consider having your work inspected before finishing the kitchen remodel to ensure everything’s up to code. And don’t forget to get the help of a friend or two before moving heavy appliances.

How can I personalize my space?

Remodeling your kitchen yourself gives you a unique opportunity to improve the flow of the room while infusing your space with personality. You can craft your kitchen to be a positive space that ignites your creativity and enhances the time you spend there with friends and family. Don’t be afraid to add color or texture, change the footprint (if possible) to best suit your unique needs and upgrade your appliances to help enhance your making.

Do you need permits for a DIY kitchen remodel?

Whether you need permits for your kitchen remodel depends on the level of construction you intend to do and the laws where you live. Renovations like wall knock-downs, plumbing alterations and electrical or gas line updates will likely require a permit. Once you have a plan for your kitchen remodel, look up the permit requirements in your area at your local permit office.

Is remodeling a kitchen really worth all the work?

Remodeling your kitchen can be a rewarding investment, not only increasing your home's value but also enhancing the way you create. While you’re choosing major appliances, small appliances, cabinets and counters, keep your habits and needs top of mind to select pieces that enhance your kitchen’s function and comfort. When choosing appliances, find options that match both your style and cooking preferences.

Explore all KitchenAid^®major appliances

Whether you’re giving your kitchen a complete overhaul or making a few small upgrades to the appliances and design choices in your space, KitchenAid brand has appliances designed to match your cooking preferences and personal style. Explore select KitchenAid^® refrigerators with features like Intelligent Auto Fill that uses AI to automatically sense and fill a wide variety of containers, or select KitchenAid^® wall ovens with Cooking Camera with Doneness Detection to monitor the entire cooking process for you. Discover select cooktops from KitchenAid brand that help you get delicious results with Temp Cook™ Induction Technology and so much more to help you create your dream kitchen.