We refreshed a kitchen without changing the layout, plumbing, or floors, no major work, just small, smart decisions. The result is a brighter, more organised space that our clients enjoy cooking in.

Below is the exact process I followed on my latest project, what I changed, rough costs, and how to present before & after photos. Use this as a step-by-step guide if you want a big feel from small changes.

The Client Brief:

The client asked to keep the kitchen’s existing layout and appliances, improve storage and flow, make it feel fresher and more contemporary, and keep disruption minimal.

What I changed, and why:

1. Built a fridge cabinet module for a tidy silhouette and more storage.

Why: Hiding the fridge gives a clean, built-in look and turns an awkward gap into useful storage.

What I did: I added a shallow tall unit around the fridge and matched the door finish to the rest of the kitchen. The result reads as a single, calm wall. I also added a rounded corner shelf to the unit to prevent a sharp edge when entering the kitchen. With this approach, we created a small coffee station and left the remaining shelves for decorative items.

Also, it is very important to decide the type of material you want for your built-in carpentry. In this project we selected melamine, which is more affordable and easy to maintain. You have a wide range of options, and of course the quote will vary depending on the finish selected.

2. Replaced a few door fronts instead of all cabinets.

Why: We thought the upper cabinet doors looked good, and we wanted to get away from the shiny metal material.

What I did: We replaced only the bottom cabinet doors to match the colour and material of the fridge module, so the kitchen looks more cohesive.

I would love to change the countertop as well to a neutral-coloured stone; that will add at least another 3 grand—hah.

We’ll talk more about the pricing at the bottom of this post.

3. Swapped hardware — instant polish change.

Why: New handles will make cabinets look intentional and modern.

What I did: chose slim pulls in a dark metal that match the granite.

Extra tip: Hardware change is one of the most cost-effective upgrades.

4. Updated lighting fixtures — brightness + atmosphere.

Why: Good light improves function and makes the room feel bigger.

What I did: Replaced the main fixture with a modern-look ceiling lamp, which makes the space look more modern and inviting.

5. Added furniture + soft textures.

Why: furniture anchors the space and makes it useful, and adding textiles in the windows warms the room.

What I did: I added a small round table and chairs for breakfast. I installed a linen blind on the window to add texture and soften the light. It’s amazing how different the space looks with and without the blind, right?

Ballpark costs (quick guide)

These are rough ranges to help clients understand budgets. Please keep in mind that local prices vary. We did this project with a local carpenter, as it is a custom-built-in carpentry piece, but you can also get quotes from kitchen design studios. Also note that some kitchen studios might not make round shapes, so if you want to include organic forms in your design, you may need to work with a carpenter.

Custumised built-in carpentry (material and labor): €6500 - €8000+ (depends on kitchen size & finish)

Replace door fronts, lower cabinets (material and labour): €1500 - €2500 (depends on the quantity of doors)

Hardware (handles/knobs): €20 - €30 + per piece (depends on the finish)

Lighting (fixture + installation): €150 – €300 per fitting

Replacement of furniture, chairs, and table (medium quality): €400 – €500 (depends on the brand 7 store)

Linen blind (material and labour): €200 – €350 (depends on the fabric)

Roughly, a kitchen renovation like this can cost: €9500 - €12000, including interior design fees.

With a few small, thoughtful changes, this kitchen went from tired to modern and functional—without ripping anything out. We focused on storage, the colour palette, hardware, lighting, and adding texture to the space.

If you’re thinking of renovating or simply giving your kitchen a fresh look, you don’t need a full remodel to make a big difference. I hope these design decisions make you feel more confident and are helpful.

I’d love to read your thoughts about this post in the comments!

See you in the next Blog Post! 👋

Paola.

How do I transform a kitchen without a big renovation