Using Benjamin Moore Simply White completely transformed my kitchen — a budget-friendly makeover that will feel fresh for years with just a bit of time and effort.
I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to finally have white kitchen cabinets. After nearly four years of dreaming and planning, the cabinets are finished and the change feels incredible. This makeover was long overdue and, yes, there were moments of stress, but the result is absolutely worth it.
When we first bought the house, the kitchen was plain and uninspiring. I remember seeing the listing photo and knowing immediately that painting the cabinets white would be the first big update I wanted to make. Life, budgets, and small children stretched the timeline, but the vision never left my mind.
The initial picture is a little grainy, but it captures the plain, functional kitchen we started with. It served us well, but it didn’t reflect the style I wanted. I avoided photographing the kitchen for a long time because I wasn’t proud of it.
I practiced first on a smaller project — my bathroom cabinets — which gave me the confidence to tackle the kitchen. Even then I was nervous: the kitchen is larger and would take considerably more effort. I started prepping in early November, optimistic that I could complete the job in a few weeks. In reality, it was a marathon.
With a determined push the week before Thanksgiving, including hiring a babysitter so I could work uninterrupted, I painted non-stop until I finished on December 7. It was intense and exhausting, and in hindsight I would have waited until January to begin such a big project. Starting after the holidays gives you breathing room, avoids last-minute stress, and keeps your holiday season enjoyable. That said, the unseasonably warm weather during my November and December prep made working in the garage much easier.
Now that they’re complete, I can’t stop smiling. The Benjamin Moore Simply White has brightened the entire space and created a clean, timeless backdrop for future updates.
Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Simply White
RELATED: How to Prime Cabinets for a Smooth Finish
One of the next changes I plan is to remove the large EAT sign and replace that wall with open shelving made from reclaimed barn wood. I’m excited for the added storage and the chance to style the shelves seasonally. The shelving will provide a spot for art supplies and everyday items that need to be handy but organized.
Longer-term updates I want to address include new countertops and a backsplash. These are larger investments that will likely wait until I either find an affordable DIY solution or save up for professional replacements. For now, the painted cabinets make everything look fresher and give me a better sense of the style direction I want to follow.
I’ve enjoyed photographing the updated space, even if the kitchen isn’t perfectly tidy all the time. Fresh flowers and a tidy counter make the room feel welcoming and calm — a reminder that small styling touches can have a big visual impact.
A close-up of simple details — flowers and a planner — reminds me that updating a key element like cabinetry can change how you feel about your whole home. The new white cabinets brighten the kitchen, making it feel cleaner and more inviting.
Here’s a final before-and-after image that captures the dramatic difference painting the cabinets made. Seeing the two photos side by side really highlights how much a clean, bright paint color can update an entire room.
I’ll be sharing a detailed how-to soon: everything from the prep work and priming to the paint and final touch-ups. For now, I hope this inspires you to consider a cabinet refresh — it’s one of the most impactful, budget-friendly ways to update a kitchen.
Update: The full tutorial titled “How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets” is available as a step-by-step guide.
Kitchen Sources:
Curtains: Target
Kitchen mat: Target (clearance) — similar designs available online
White and wood bar stools: Target
Green bar stools: repainted thrifted pieces
Share a Random Moment art: available from online retailers
EAT sign: DIY project
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