DIY and thrift store upcycle projects are a great way to not only save money on your decor but they are a great way to create something one of a kind for your home. Whether you have a large or small kitchen to decorate, here 51 of the best DIY project ideas for kitchen decor.
1. DIY framed art.
One of my go-to’s when it comes to decorating any room is to download digital prints and put them in a thrifted frame. Super inexpensive and easy to do. You can see my tutorial on printing digital downloads on Youtube.
2. Peg rail.
I love this idea for a truly farmhouse kitchen feel. There are so many ways to decorate it.
We made this pendant light fixture over our island using 3 thrifted barn lights. They were $15 each. We used plumbing pipe to run the wires through and then built the box at the top to hide the wires. Since the box is made out of rough sawn pine we got at our local mill, the project cost around $120.
These are great for displays of plates and art but also such a beautiful way to keep your cutting boards out in plain sight. It also helps save counter space. You can customize these to fit on even a small unutilized wall space.
Open shelving is a great way to display your dishes and keep things handy if you’re able to remove your upper cabinets. It’s definitely one of the most popular kitchen trends.
I knew as soon as I saw this frame I knew exactly what I was going to do with it. It was such and easy project and although I display it in my room, it would fit perfectly on a kitchen island as well. (there were actually two of these frames and you can see the other project here – DIY ceiling medallion.)
Spray painting your hardware is one of the easiest way to update your kitchen cabinets. Be sure to use a spray paint made for metal with the primer built in to get a smooth lasting finish.
Make this cute tiered tray from thrifted finds. You can find the tutorial on my friend Diana’s blog as well as some other great projects and information on antiques at Adirondack Girl at Heart.
15. DIY mug rack.
create a space to store your favorite mugs and keep them within easy reach so it’s perfect for coffee lovers.
If you have some old soup cans in your recycle bin, break those out. Here is a super inexpensive project you can do. It’s great for the kitchen counter and to transport outdoors.
I love using reclaimed wood when I can for upcycle projects. These pieces came in handy and made the cutest kitchen wall decor with these vintage and antique kitchen gadgets.
19. Silverware caddy with small toolbox.
Pick up an old toolbox at a thrift store, give it a good cleaning and new paint and you have such a cute caddy for really anything in the kitchen.
Wood trays are great for any room in the house to corral things and move them easily if you need to utilize the space. You can find these pretty cheap at thrift stores add some paint, decoupage or a stencil to make it your own.
This creative menu board is not only one of the best DIY kitchen decor ideas but a great way to keep you organized. You can purchase large or smaller sections of the chalkboard at the home improvement store and cut it on a table saw into the size you need. I’ve put them in different thrifted frames to make all sizes. Here she used an old cabinet door.
This is another farmhouse style upcycle. I see this old breadboxes at thrift stores periodically. It’s an easy fix with some paint and stencil. You could also add new handles if it has one. What a great way to modernize this one.
Break out the paint and change up your look with a new color or stain. You can see our updated stool project here.
26. Stenciled table riser.
I picked up this oval piece of wood at a thrift store not even knowing what it was but any flat surface to me like this can be a tray or sign. Plus, I really liked the shape. It made the perfect riser for a centerpiece on our kitchen table.
This cupcake stand was a great upcycle project of an outdated piece of furniture and definitely a labor of love. It came out super cute! You can see this DIY cupcake stand project here.
These can be as ornate as you like or more modern with clean lines depending on the corbels you use. You can find antique pieces that are more expensive or you can find simple ones at vintage shops or pick them up a home improvement store. Pair them with some simple board and you have such a cute shelf.
This is one of my favorite DIY kitchen decor ideas to dress up the heart of the home. It’s great for corralling your dishes and utensils and creating a unique display in your kitchen. Plus, it’s reversible with a chalkboard on the other side to use for celebrating holidays or seasons.
This is such an easy diy wall art project. Place the towel in a wooden frame for unique wall art. (you may have to cut the towel if you can’t fold it). So cute.
Many countertops nowadays are able to handle the heat of dishes or pans straight out of the oven but if you want to be sure, make a DIY trivet. Plus they just look cute stacked on your counter.
How absolutely adorable and creative is this paper towel holder? Whether you do a project like this or upcycle a thrift store find, you can customize it to your style.
This DIY spice rack from my friend Scott over at Saws on Skates is an easy and inexpensive project. Keep it on the counter or put it in a cabinet. You can see the the DIY spice rack plans here along with a bunch of other projects.
I hope you found each decor idea inspiring and will take on a project or two to dress up your kitchen. Let me know in the comments which one is your favorite project ideas for kitchen decor.
Thank you for your always great ideas!!
Thank you, Margaret!