I took a big risk and completely transformed my tiny, miserable kitchen—and I’m proud to say it was all worth it. Most people didn’t believe I could do it. I didn’t have much money, and I certainly didn’t have all the tools or professional skills that many assume are needed for a successful renovation. But I proved that determination and creativity could go a long way. The final results left everyone in shock—mouths wide open, eyes wide with disbelief. When people saw the new look, they couldn’t believe this was the same old kitchen.
Let me take you through the journey of this transformation. My kitchen used to be one of the most depressing parts of my home. It was small, dimly lit, and worn down by years of neglect. The upper cabinets were oddly angled, the walls were dull and uneven, and the entire space lacked warmth or style. It had no soul—just a functional but uninspiring space that didn’t reflect who I was or what I wanted from my home. Still, I didn’t let that discourage me. I knew that if I approached this with care and heart, I could bring life into this space without spending a fortune.
Since I didn’t have a large budget, I focused on making thoughtful changes rather than going for a full-blown renovation. I evaluated every corner and identified the key problem areas. The upper cabinets, for instance, were crooked and didn’t provide much storage. More importantly, they made the kitchen feel more cramped. So, I made the decision to remove them altogether. That one move alone opened up the space significantly. Suddenly, the kitchen started to breathe—it felt more open and less oppressive.
Of course, taking those cabinets down came with its own challenges. Once they were gone, I realized there weren’t enough tiles in the upper row of the backsplash. At first, this seemed like a major issue. But then I noticed that some of the tiles were hidden behind the fridge. That gave me an idea: what if I could carefully remove those unseen tiles and use them to fill the gaps above the countertop? My father, ever patient and supportive, agreed to help me execute this somewhat crazy idea.
We worked slowly and carefully. With gentle taps, we loosened the tiles behind the fridge. To be honest, we ended up knocking off more tiles than we actually needed, just to make sure we had backups in case something went wrong. Unfortunately, one tile did crack while I was soaking them in water to remove the dried adhesive. It was a small setback, but I took it in stride.
The walls were another issue. They were far from smooth and clearly needed attention. Instead of hiring a professional, I decided to handle it myself. We started by leveling the walls with a base layer of regular Volma plaster. Once that dried, we applied a finishing coat to smooth everything out. It wasn’t perfect, but it was good enough for me. I’ve never been the type to stress over minor flaws. To me, the beauty of a home lies not in its perfection, but in the love and effort put into it.
Once the walls were smooth, I painted them white to give the kitchen a clean, bright feel. That one step instantly refreshed the space. But I didn’t stop there. I wanted some contrast to break up the monochrome look, so I spray-painted the old radiator with a black glossy finish. I used KUDO spray paint for this, and honestly, it worked like a charm. Over the years, I’ve tried plenty of brands during different renovation projects, but KUDO has become my go-to for spray paint. It gives such a polished, professional-looking result with minimal effort.
One of the things I often get asked is whether the imperfections bother me. My answer is always no. Crooked lines, uneven corners, slightly off measurements—none of that fazes me. What matters most is the energy of the space. A home should reflect the personality of those living in it, and mine reflects a spirit of resilience and creativity. I don’t want it to look like a glossy showroom—I want it to feel lived-in, loved, and true to who I am.
As for the kitchen cabinets and countertops, we didn’t go for anything extravagant. Instead of splurging on high-end custom cabinetry, we ordered a modest kitchen set from a local furniture factory. Supporting local businesses was important to me, and the result was better than I expected. The pieces fit beautifully into the newly refreshed space. Everything came together in a way that felt both intentional and organic.
Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of what I achieved with limited means. This makeover wasn’t about showing off or following trends. It was about taking something broken and making it beautiful again—not just on the outside, but in the way it makes me feel every time I walk in. It’s still the same kitchen in terms of structure, but the transformation has been so complete that even I sometimes forget how it used to look.
If you’ve been sitting on a renovation dream but feel held back by your budget or lack of experience, let this story be a reminder that you don’t need everything to be perfect to begin. Start with what you have. Use what you can. Focus on the little things. Sometimes, even small changes—when done with love and persistence—can lead to extraordinary results. My kitchen is proof of that. And now, every time I cook, clean, or simply pass through this room, I smile, knowing that I brought this space back to life with my own hands and heart.
