Quick note: if you missed the update to last week’s post that went up a few days after it was originally published, you can catch up on that here.
When we moved in, one of the subcontractors asked why we hadn’t torn out the old cabinets, mismatched appliances, and pink laminate counters and redone the kitchen before moving. If you’ve followed along, you know why: we prefer to live with a space for a while before changing the layout or committing to major upgrades like replacing cabinets and countertops. In our last house we waited three years before our big renovation. Living in a space first helps you learn what’s functional versus what you only think will work, which avoids costly guesses early on.
Waiting also gives us time to save for a larger renovation while making small, affordable updates in the meantime. These smaller changes improve how the space looks and functions now, and they let us test ideas we might use in a full remodel without committing permanently. For example: will open shelves feel right in that spot, or will upper cabinets be better later? We can hang temporary shelves for now and see how we live with them before making a final decision.
Another example: does the dining table work best under a pendant in that spot, or will we want to move the table or get a larger one later? For now we can use the table we have and swag a pendant over it instead of hardwiring a fixture until we commit to a full renovation.
It’s a low-risk trial period that helps you discover what you truly want. We call these Phase 1 changes—small, inexpensive updates that can actually save money by preventing premature decisions. Below are five Phase 1 updates we made in the kitchen that had big impact.
For the “spot the difference” fans, here’s a recent photo that shows all five updates in one frame:
And here’s a photo from two months earlier after three weeks of living here so you can compare:
Ready? Here are the five updates.
1. New Hanging Pendant Light
Originally there was a lone off-center ceiling light. When we replaced drywall and installed recessed lighting, we relocated that original fixture box to the center of the room and capped it. That gave us the option to add a pendant later, so a few weeks ago we swagged a pendant over the eat-in table for immediate impact.
Because the light hangs over a table, it can sit lower than a flush or semi-flush fixture without getting in the way. We chose a white woven string globe similar to one we loved in our son’s room. The white cord and canopy blend into the ceiling, so the globe visually anchors the dining area without feeling heavy.
The large globe gives soft, pleasant light for meals and helps define the eating area so we don’t have to rely on bright recessed lights all the time.
2. Painting the Dishwasher
We didn’t replace appliances before moving in since we want to choose the right finishes for the eventual remodel. The black dishwasher didn’t match the white stove and refrigerator, so we painted it with specialty appliance enamel. This is an inexpensive update that makes a big visual difference.
We tried flipping the front panel like we did in a previous kitchen, but this model wasn’t designed for that. Instead we sanded the surface, taped off the controls, and applied appliance enamel in several thin coats—brush and foam roller worked well. Going from black to white required patience and about four coats, but the result blends the dishwasher into the cabinetry and brightens that side of the kitchen.
A little appliance paint is affordable and effective. We may later repaint the dishwasher to match the cabinets when we pick the final cabinet color, or add a thin panel if needed. In the meantime, repainting the fridge handles to a brighter white helped unify the look.
3. Swapping Out the Cabinet Knobs
The original painted wood knobs felt bulky and gave the cabinets a country vibe. We tried a set of brass knobs we had on hand and loved the change immediately. The heavier metal knobs feel more refined and make the kitchen feel upgraded even before a full cabinet refresh.
They create a nice contrast now, and once we paint the cabinets the new hardware will complete the updated look.
4. Hung Floating Shelves
Removing the soffit and upper cabinets left an exposed vent and old wiring where the exhaust fan used to be. Rather than patching immediately, we added floating shelves to hide that area and provide open storage for frequently used items.
The shelves are practical—one side holds our tea kettle and strainer by the stove, the other stores mixing bowls and plates—and they help the framed art feel anchored. We used leftover plywood and brass brackets, positioning supports so they’re hidden behind objects and hit studs for strength. We finished the shelves with a clear water-based sealer so the wood tone blends with the floor and chairs.
The build was a bit improvised, but the shelves work well and taught us practical lessons—like how an off-center window changes shelf planning—which will inform our future remodel decisions.
5. Framed Our Teil Duncan Painting
The final change was framing a Teil Duncan painting we bought six years ago and never framed. Using simple trim and temporary cardboard spacers to create a floating effect, we made a lightweight frame that gives the artwork a finished, substantial look and ties it into the room with a blonde wood tone.
Framing the piece made it feel more intentional and helped the artwork relate better to the space. Waiting actually worked in our favor here, since the lighter frame complements this house’s finishes more than a darker wood would have.
Those are the five updates. There’s a sixth change in progress that will alter the room more dramatically: we’ve decided to paint the cabinets a mauve tone that complements the existing counters. We tested two colors and chose the deeper mauve that closely matches the counters. With only seven cabinet fronts to paint, this Phase 1 cabinet update is moving quickly and already looks promising.
Phase 1 projects like these let you make meaningful improvements without the expense or commitment of a full remodel. They help clarify what you want for the long-term renovation and make the home enjoyable in the meantime. We’ll share updates as the cabinet painting and dishwasher adjustments wrap up—wish us luck!
P.S. To follow along with our entire renovation of this house, see the full FL House archive.