5 DIY Kitchen Design Projects Perfect for Busy Parents

Who doesn’t dream of a kitchen bursting with flavor and personality? But let’s be honest, creating that kind of kitchen usually demands a hefty budget. From elegant cabinets to exquisite tables, it’s an investment. The budget may even be doubled if you plan a retro or vintage vibe. 

Beyond the financial aspect, crafting a well-designed kitchen demands a significant time investment. You will need time to study different kitchen design ideas. However, this doesn’t imply that all designs are time-intensive. Some designs can be accomplished in phases or even in a split second. 

For busy parents yearning for a tastefully designed culinary haven but lacking the financial bandwidth to engage a professional kitchen designer, here’s good news for you! We present five busy parent kitchen design projects you can effortlessly DIY in an instant.  

1. Painting 

Paints play a pivotal role in enhancing your kitchen’s aesthetics and overall appeal. Research indicates that the colors introduced through painting can significantly influence mood and behavior. The good news is that not all painting projects are demanding or time-consuming. For instance, painting your cabinet can be completed within a few hours and even in a split second if your kitchen is compact.

The tools required for a painting project depend on the surface you’re working on. If you’re tackling your kitchen walls or cabinets, essential tools include:

• Paint Brushes or Rollers: Brushes are ideal for intricate areas, while rollers are efficient for covering larger surfaces.
• Paint Pails or Buckets: Use these to hold your paint. Pouring paint into a smaller container makes it more manageable and reduces the risk of spills.
• Sanding Tools: Achieving a smooth surface is crucial before painting. Sandpaper or a sanding block is effective for this purpose.
• Caulk and Paint Stirrer: A Caulk is useful for filling gaps and cracks, while a paint stirrer ensures even color and consistency.

When selecting paint, consider your kitchen decor. Opt for colors that complement the existing decor. For example, if your kitchen decor is predominantly white and you’re painting the cabinet or walls, choose neutral colors like gray or soft beige for a harmonious look.

2. Peel-and-Stick Backsplashes Installation

Among the various backsplash options available on the market, the peel-and-stick backsplash is the easiest to install. Remarkably, the installation process can be completed in less than 24 hours, though this depends on the size of your kitchen cabinets and countertop.

What makes peel-and-stick backsplashes even more appealing is the ease of installation. You don’t need to be a design expert to tackle this project. With essential tools like a wall cleaner, a small towel, a box cutter, a cutting mat, a pencil, a tape measure, and a stainless steel ruler, you’re all set.

Additionally, peel-and-stick backsplashes offer diverse types, designs, sizes, and colors. Much like other backsplash options, peel-and-stick tiles contribute to your kitchen’s style and aesthetics while protecting it from potential damage caused by water, dirt, and grease.

3. Kitchen Plant Decoration

This is another family-friendly kitchen design project you can complete in an instant. If you carefully study kitchen plant decor ideas, you can transform your cookery room in no time. Depending on your preference, you can arrange these plants on your worktop, shelves, or in a corner. 

Kitchen plants come in various types, including Aloe Vera, Peace Lily, Lavender, and English Ivy. They are typically potted or boxed and can serve more than just an aesthetic purpose. Beyond adding visual appeal, kitchen plants play a crucial role in purifying the air, creating a safer and healthier environment in your kitchen.

4. Floating Shelves Installation 

Here’s yet another time-saving kitchen project for busy parents. A floating shelf offers additional storage in the kitchen and introduces a touch of color and style to the space.

Installing floating shelves is a quick and hassle-free task that doesn’t require any design expertise, making it particularly convenient for busy parents. In fact, it is one of the inexpensive kitchen remodel projects. To get started, gather the following materials:

• Wall Anchors or Screws: Depending on your wall type, you’ll need appropriate anchors or screws. Wall anchors are typically used for drywall, while screws can be directly inserted into studs for added stability.
• Stud Finder: This helps locate and mark the studs in your wall, especially if you plan to anchor the shelves directly to the studs for additional support.
• Level: This ensures your shelves are straight and precise during installation. 
• Measuring Tape: This ensures accurate placement of shelves. It measures the desired spacing for your shelves on the wall. 
• Pencil: You’ll need a pencil to mark the spots where you’ll install the shelves. 
• Drill: A power drill is necessary to create holes for anchors or screws in the wall.
• Screwdriver or Screw Gun: A screwdriver or a screw gun is needed to secure the brackets to the wall and the shelves to the brackets.

Floating shelves come in various materials, including wood. If time constraints prevent you from crafting a floating shelf yourself, you can easily purchase a pre-built one from a store. Remember that these shelves are available in different sizes, designs, and colors to suit your preferences.

5. Under-Cabinet Lighting installation 

Why spend thousands on a kitchen designer for under-cabinet light installation when you can easily do it yourself? Installing under-cabinet lighting is a straightforward process. For detailed guides on the installation, check this. There are various types of under-cabinet lighting, with the prominent ones being:

• LED strips
• Puck lights
• Rope lighting
• Striplights

Like other task lighting, under-cabinet lighting not only enhances kitchen visibility but also adds aesthetic appeal to your culinary space. The exciting part is that most of these lighting options are affordable and readily available.

Conclusion 

We’ve compiled a list of DIY kitchen design projects for busy parents and those new to DIY Kitchen Design Projects. As you dive into these projects, make safety a priority. Equip yourself with safety glasses and gloves to safeguard against potential hazards. We wish you success on your DIY journey!