17 Small, But Cool Ways To Make Your Kitchen Look Like An After Shot On HGTV

Ever watched those home renovation shows and wondered how they transform ordinary kitchens into magazine-worthy spaces? The secret isn’t always in massive renovations or expensive appliances.

Sometimes, it’s the little touches that make the biggest impact. Here are some budget-friendly ways to give your kitchen that professionally designed look without breaking the bank.

1. Add Under-Cabinet Lighting

Illuminate your workspace with this game-changing addition. Under-cabinet lighting creates that warm, professional glow seen in high-end kitchens.

Installation is surprisingly simple with adhesive LED strips that can be found for under $30. They instantly eliminate dark corners and make countertops shine like they do on TV.

2. Swap Out Hardware

Fresh handles and knobs transform dated cabinets in minutes. The hardware acts like jewelry for your kitchen, instantly elevating the entire space.

Choose matte black for modern appeal, brushed gold for luxury vibes, or sleek stainless for a timeless look. This quick change typically costs between $50-$150 total but delivers professional-level impact.

3. Install A Statement Faucet

Plumbing fixtures deserve the spotlight in designer kitchens. A sculptural faucet becomes an instant focal point against ordinary sinks.

Today’s budget-friendly options mimic high-end designs with features like pull-down sprayers and spot-resistant finishes. Even better, most are designed for DIY installation, making this upgrade accessible to renters and homeowners alike.

4. Float Some Shelves

Open shelving creates that airy, curated look designers love. Unlike closed cabinets, these platforms showcase your prettiest dishes and add architectural interest.

Install just one or two shelves for maximum impact with minimal effort. The key to the HGTV aesthetic is careful styling – mix functional items with decorative pieces and maintain plenty of negative space.

5. Roll Out A Washable Rug

Bare floors lack the finished touch seen in professionally designed spaces. A washable rug adds instant warmth, color, and texture without practical concerns.

Modern options from brands like Ruggable and Lorena Canals stand up to spills while bringing in pattern. Position one in front of the sink or as a runner between counters for that pulled-together look designers always achieve.

6. Corral Countertop Clutter

Spotless counters define those jaw-dropping reveal moments. Smart containment keeps essentials accessible without visual chaos.

A marble lazy Susan for oils, a ceramic crock for utensils, or a wooden tray for coffee supplies creates intentional groupings. These thoughtful zones not only organize your kitchen but also transform everyday items into deliberate design elements.

7. Hang Dramatic Pendants

Forget builder-grade flush mounts. Statement lighting creates instant drama and defines zones in open layouts.

Pendant lights over islands and sinks draw the eye upward, creating vertical interest that makes spaces feel larger. The best part? Many fixture styles can simply replace existing lights without additional wiring, making this upgrade renter-friendly with the right adapter.

8. Create A Coffee Station

Designated zones scream professional design. Setting aside a specific area just for morning brews elevates everyday routines into luxury experiences.

Arrange your coffee maker, mugs, and supplies on a small tray or dedicated counter space. Add a small shelf above for beans and syrups. This intentional grouping mimics the thoughtful organization seen in those enviable HGTV kitchens.

9. Add Living Elements

Green touches bring instant life to sterile spaces. Plants and herbs create that organic connection designers always incorporate.

A row of small potted herbs on the windowsill or a trailing pothos on a high shelf adds movement and color. For those without green thumbs, high-quality faux options have become nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.

10. Style Your Stovetop

Bare cooking surfaces look unfinished between meals. Thoughtful arrangement of everyday cookware creates that lived-in luxury vibe.

Keep a copper kettle or colorful Dutch oven permanently displayed on a back burner. Add a small ceramic spoon rest and oil dispenser nearby. These functional pieces become beautiful design elements when chosen with intention rather than hidden away.

11. Upgrade Outlet Covers

Yellowed plastic breaks the clean lines designers create. Modern plates blend seamlessly into backsplashes for a custom look.

Swap standard covers for screwless versions in complementary finishes. For a truly designer touch, consider specialized outlets with built-in USB ports or pop-up versions that disappear into countertops when not in use. These small details signal thoughtful planning.

12. Install Puck Lights

Professional-looking glass cabinets glow from within. Battery-powered puck lights create this high-end feature without electrical work.

Place these inexpensive lights inside upper cabinets with glass doors to highlight special dishware. Many options include remote controls and timers. The soft illumination transforms ordinary storage into display-worthy focal points that draw attention to your best pieces.

13. Decant Pantry Staples

Branded packaging disrupts the cohesive look designers create. Uniform containers transform ordinary ingredients into intentional elements.

Transfer pasta, grains, and baking supplies into matching glass jars with simple labels. The consistent look elevates everyday items into a curated collection. Even partially visible through cabinets, these organized containers signal the thoughtful attention to detail seen in professional kitchens.

14. Hang Oversized Art

Blank walls miss an opportunity for personality. Large-scale artwork creates unexpected visual interest in utilitarian spaces.

Choose a single statement piece rather than several small frames for maximum impact. Food-related themes work beautifully, but don’t be afraid of abstract pieces or landscapes that complement your color scheme. This designer touch personalizes the space beyond mere function.

15. Apply Peel-And-Stick Backsplash

Bare walls between cabinets and counters look unfinished. Temporary tiles create that polished look without commitment or construction.

Modern peel-and-stick options mimic subway tile, marble, or geometric patterns with surprising realism. They’re heat and moisture resistant for practical use around sinks and stoves. This affordable weekend project instantly elevates the entire kitchen’s appearance.

16. Replace Dated Light Switch Plates

Overlooked details betray amateur spaces. Designer kitchens coordinate every element, down to the switches.

Replace builder-grade plastic plates with brushed metal, decorative ceramic, or even custom options that complement your hardware. This five-minute fix costs just a few dollars per switch but contributes to that cohesive, thoughtful look that defines professional designs.

17. Group Cutting Boards As Decor

Vertical displays maximize limited counter space. Leaning cutting boards create texture and warmth against hard surfaces.

Collect boards in various woods, shapes, and sizes, then arrange them against the backsplash. This practical display keeps frequently used items accessible while adding organic elements to the space. The layered effect creates depth that makes even simple kitchens look deliberately designed.