My kitchen was in dire need of a refresh. I decided to give it a modern update without breaking the bank, using special paint, wooden panels, and polished concrete.
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/1.jpg)
Before the Makeover
The first step was to choose a modern and fresh color for the kitchen from a color chart. I opted for neutral tones, specifically the Moon 5 shade from the Luxens brand. Depending on the lighting, it exhibits hints of gray, beige, and a touch of khaki - truly incredible! This is a special paint designed to cover lacquered furniture, requiring two coats and proving to be very easy to work with.
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/2-6.webp)
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/3-5.webp)
Moon 5
To cover my central island and countertops, I used polished concrete from Harmony Béton (reference BC02 traditionnel). I fell in love with this raw and authentic material with timeless charm, featuring various textures and decorative effects with its perfect imperfections.
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/4.jpg)
I couldn't find a suitable backsplash, so I decided to create my own. We chose plywood as the primary material, cut it to the required dimensions, and the total cost for 2.5 square meters was 28 euros - significantly cheaper than a traditional backsplash. We connected the cuts, and then covered them with the remaining polished concrete.
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/11.jpg)
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/12.jpg)
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/13.jpg)
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/14.jpg)
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/15.jpg)
DIY Backsplash
To add a touch of uniqueness to the kitchen, I incorporated wooden batten acoustic panels from Woodupp on the front of the island. These battens brought warmth and character to the kitchen.
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/22.jpg)
I also used wooden planks to create open shelves in place of my old upper cabinet, providing space for decorative objects, plants, and more. I'll detail this step in another article.
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/33.jpg)
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/34.jpg)
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/35.jpg)
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/36.jpg)
Finally, I replaced the faucet, pendant light, and cabinet handles with more modern elements. I chose gold accents to create an elegant contrast with the paint.
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/44.jpg)
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/45.jpg)
The final result is incredibly satisfying. My kitchen now boasts a brand new, modern, and well-lit look. The small changes I made had a significant impact on the kitchen's appearance.
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/55.jpg)
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/56.jpg)
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/57.jpg)
Kitchen Before
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/66.jpg)
![](https://www.thornior.com/content/images/2023/10/67.jpg)
Kitchen After
In conclusion, kitchen renovation doesn't have to be expensive to yield impressive results. By using special paint, polished concrete, and wooden battens, I managed to modernize my kitchen without going over budget. Don't hesitate to be creative and add your personal touch to create a kitchen that is unique and tailored to your taste.