our mini kitchen makeover (so far)

Tayte Hoseason
Jul 8
3 min read

July 8, 2025

Our kitchen isn’t getting a full renovation (not yet, anyway), but it is getting a thoughtful refresh and I’m already loving how it’s changing the feel of the space.

This is what I like to call a mini makeover. Small changes with a big impact. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s already feeling lighter, calmer, and a whole lot more us.

Why a Mini Makeover?

When we moved in, the kitchen felt…tired. The red timber-look laminate cupboards and old lino flooring made the space feel dated and cold, especially compared to the rest of the home we'd already renovated.

We knew we wouldn’t be extending the house (and installing a brand-new kitchen) for a couple of years, so we decided to give it a quick but intentional glow-up. Just enough to make it a nicer space to be in day-to-day.

What a difference a few changes can make!

What We've Updated (So Far)

Here’s what we tackled to get things feeling a little more calm, cohesive, and considered:

Painted the cabinetry in Dulux Feathersoft 1/4 strength. It instantly brightened the whole space
Swapped out the hardware for something a little more timeless (Amazon is my go-to for quality on a budget)
Updated the flooring with a floating floor we found on Facebook Marketplace. It was surprisingly easy to install and instantly elevated the room
Restyled the open shelving with practical, beautiful pieces we actually use (and love looking at)

We didn’t touch the benchtops. The granite-look laminate isn’t my first pick, but it’s neutral and does the job. Same with the tiles. One day they might go, but for now we’re working with what we've got.

The Unexpected Drama

This wouldn’t be a DIY refresh without a little chaos, right?

Reece was adamant we’d keep the lino…until a friend and I got a little curious and decided to lift it up while he was at work (don’t recommend unless you’re solid in your relationship). We were hoping to find beautiful old floorboards underneath...and we did, but they were in rough shape. Big gaps, uneven boards, and someone’s attempt to “level” them using what looked suspiciously like cornice cement.

Let’s just say Reece wasn’t thrilled with our surprise, but in the end, it worked out for the best. The floating floor we replaced it with was a bargain, and honestly brought so much warmth into the room.

How It Feels Now

Before, the kitchen felt disconnected from the rest of our home. It was cold, a bit soulless, and very obviously untouched. Now, it’s warm, welcoming and ties in beautifully with the rest of the house.

We use this space constantly, including where we eat all our meals as we don’t have a separate dining area. I also love to start my mornings with a quiet coffee while looking out the window to a view of the farm.

The changes haven’t radically altered how we use the space, but they’ve made it feel so much better to be in. And honestly, that’s everything!

Would I Recommend It?

If you’re in a similar spot and saving for a bigger reno, but craving a refresh, I can’t recommend a mini makeover enough. Painting your cabinetry (with proper prep work) is such an easy win, though I’d still call it a short-term fix. It holds up well, but chips can happen. Still, I think it’s worth it.

The biggest lesson? You don’t always need pull everything out to create a space you enjoy.

What’s Next?

There’s still a list! Some items from my mini kitchen makeover moodboard are on their way, and I’ve been gifted something pretty special from a brand that I can’t wait share. A few more styling touches and we’ll call this complete.

Eventually, we’ll extend the house and build our dream kitchen. But for now, this relaxed modern country space is exactly what we needed.

If you have a tired kitchen and a tight budget, save this for inspiration or head to the SHOP page if you want to see some of the pieces I’ve used or am eyeing off.