Make Over Your Kitchen With 49 Budget-Friendly DIYs

Nov 12, 2014

The kitchens is possibly the most important room in the home. However, with all those big appliances taking up valuable real estate, the zone can be difficult to personalize. But there are ways that you can make your kitchen reflect your personality. Enter the DIY. Whether you spend all your free time in there making gourmet dishes or you’re just in there long enough to pop a pizza in the oven, check out these 49 DIYs to make your kitchen uniquely yours.

1. Neon String Canisters: These super easy canisters promise to bring that pop of neon your counter has been asking for. (via Paper and Stitch)

2. Chalkboard Tops: No more grabbing the flour instead of the powdered sugar. Slap some chalkboard paint on your mason jar lids for instant easy organization. (via Momtastic)

3. Stained Canisters: Some glass stain and outliner paint are all you need for these canisters. You decide what font suits you best. (via Laura Parke)

4. Etched Canisters: Did you know that they make a special cream for etching glass? It’s pretty much the coolest thing ever. (via Brit + Co)

5. Dotty Mini Canisters: These mini canisters are perfect for holding small things. You may even want to make some for your bathroom. (via Momdot)

6. Farmhouse Canisters: Going for a farmhouse vibe? These chalkboard labeled canisters will keep your ingredients gorgeous and handy. (via Mark Montano)

7. Silhouette Canister: Whether it’s a bone or monogram silhouette, such bright colored canisters will definitely make your pantry a happier place. (via Dream a Little Bigger)

Herb Gardens

1. Vertical Herb Garden: Don’t despair over your tiny kitchen. You can still include your very own herb garden with this vertical planter. (via Brit + Co)

2. Herb Planter Box: Here’s a simple project that makes your herbs easy to plant and easy to identify. Now you can ask your roomie for parsley, and they won’t bring you thyme. (via Laura Parke)

3. Hanging Herb Garden: This herb garden turns your herbs into an art piece, which we applaud. (via Homemade Modern)

4. Smiley Herb Planters: Got your kids helping you grow your herbs? Make it fun with these smiley planters. (via Say Yes)

Magnets

1. Gemstone Magnets: These concrete gemstone magnets would be a perfect gift for your best friend. Of course, you’ll want to make a few extras for your own fridge, too. (via At Home In Love)

2. Wooden Magnets: The patterns and creativity associated with these magnets are endless. You just better have paint pens in all the colors of the rainbow. (via Brit + Co)

3. Alphabet Magnets: Plastic colored alphabet magnets are cheap, and so is spray paint. Mix the two together and turn those babies into something chic. (via The Things She Makes)

4. Neon + Wood Magnets: Why is it that wood and neon hues just complement each other so well? (via Brit + Co)

5. Polaroid Magnets: Get those Instagram images off your phone and on your fridge with these wooden Polaroid magnets. (via AKA Design)

Linens

1. Stenciled Tea Towels: We heart triangles, especially on a pretty tea towel like this. (via Lovely Indeed)

2. Neon Patterned Tea Towels: These bright patterned linens are just a stitch away from adding a pop to your kitchen. (via Brit + Co)

3. Confetti Tablecloth: In our opinion, every day should have some confetti in it, whether it’s your birthday or not. This tablecloth makes that possible. (via Oh Happy Day)

4. Shibori Tea Towels: Bring some deep blue into your kitchen with this ancient Japanese dyeing technique. (via Honestly WTF)

5. More Stenciled Tea Towels: Okay, how pretty is this pattern? We could stencil all our tea towels and napkins this way. (via No. 2 Pencil)

6. Confetti Tea Towel: Do your tea towels need an instant pick-me-up? Iron-on dots will accomplish that for you. (via Shrimp Salad Circus)

7. Printed Tea Towels: If you’re a calligraphy master, you better print your designs on printer transfer paper and make your tea towels one of a kind. (via Pearls and Scissors)

8. Neon Napkins: Okay, so maybe it’s another stenciling project, but in neon? Come on, guys. (via Brit + Co)

Bar Stools

1. Color Dipped Bar Stools: Jazz up your plain wooden bar stools with a burst of color. We found three different ways to do it. (via Brit + Co)

2. Color Blocked Bar Stools: The difference between color dipped and color blocked is that one is only partially painted and the other is completely painted. The more you know… (via Honeybear Lane)

3. Painted Stools: Some of us need a quick kitchen project without all the fancy tapes and brushes and such. Use a can of spray paint and give those stools new life in half an hour. (via BHG)

Utensils

1. Wood Burned Utensils: Use a wood burning tool to give your wooden utensils a cabin-chic feel. Then, break out the plaid napkins. (via Cherished Bliss)

2. Nail Polish Utensils: If it has a handle, you can spice it up with nail polish. The only question left to answer is… to glitter or not to glitter? (via Brit + Co)

3. Glitter Dipped Spoons: Obviously, the answer is glitter. Always glitter. These spoons would make for perfect holiday gifting. (via Something Turquoise)

4. Neon Dipped Utensils: You caught us. We’re just dipping everything in paint. (via Sarah Hearts)

Lighting

1. Gold-Dipped Lightbulb Chandelier: This chandelier is exactly what you want hanging over your kitchen island. Put a pendant light in the middle to get your glow on. (via Brit + Co)

2. String Pendant Light: A gorgeous pendant will give your kitchen a touch of whimsy and art. Can you believe it’s just string and glue? (via BHG)

3. Origami Pendant Lamp: Yup! These origami pendants are made out of paper. It doesn’t get any more budget friendly than that. (via Brit + Co)

4. Basket Pendant: Old baskets are easy to find in your local thrift stores. Choose your favorite weave and hang it up for all to see. (via Emily Henderson)

5. Copycat Hoop Light: We made this copycat Ladies and Gentlemen Studio pendant for almost a quarter of the price. We’re not kidding. (via Brit + Co)

6. Colander Pendant: This easy project can be done in so many different colors. Will you match yours or choose every color of the rainbow? (via Shelterness)

Cutting Boards

1. Color Coded Cutting Boards: Don’t shy away from wooden cutting boards because of the cleaning involved. Color code them so you can cut your meat and veggies on separate boards altogether. (via Dream A Little Bigger)

2. Wood Burned Cutting Boards: If you deem these boards too pretty to use, they’d make awesome cheese platters or wall decor. (via Design Mom)

3. Log Cutting Board: A slice of wood as a cutting board? We’ll take four. (via Man Made)

Organization

1. Vertical Organization: Simply hang some towel bars on an empty wall and take your pick of baskets, boxes or utensil holders to get your kitchen necessities in order. (via A Beautiful Mess)

2. Kitchen Pallet: Storing spices, knives and utensils on a hung pallet is brilliant for a small kitchen. (via Vorstellung von Schon)

Kitchen Decor

1. Metallic Shakers: These shiny shakers are as easy as one, two, contact paper. (via Brit + Co)

2. Painted Knife Block: Display your knives in style by giving your knife block a coat of color. Just sand and paint. (via Nur Noch)

3. Striped Refrigerator: Somebody brilliant invented gold duct tape. Somebody even more brilliant put it on their fridge. (via Honey and Fitz)

4. Marble Clock: All you need is a bit of marble tile to put this beautifully chic clock on your kitchen wall. (via Brit + Co)

5. Patterned Shakers: It’s amazing what a little stenciling action can do. (via Dream a Little Bigger)

6. Polka Dot Fridge: Turn that great white whale of a fridge into a polka-dotted paradise with contact paper. We’re all over that. (via At Home In Love)

Bonus!

Velcro iPad Holder: Keep your technology clean and clear of spills and splatters. Use Velcro to attach an iPad mount to the wall and get that precious screen off of the counter. (via Brit + Co)

What is your favorite kitchen DIY? Do you have a special project to share? Let us know below!

24 Cozy 'Gilmore Girls' Gifts For Anyone Who'd Rather Be In Stars Hollow

If there's one thing about Gilmore Girls fans you can count on, it's their passion. They love the quirky one liners, memorable moments, and are usually either Team Jess or Team Logan (sorry Dean...). Give any Gilmore Girls lover in your life the chance to transport themselves to Stars Hollow this holiday season — without having to make the trek to Washington, Connecticut or the Warner Bros. stage in Hollywood. These Gilmore Girls gift ideas are fun, thoughtful, and very cozy, which are also three hallmarks of the series itself! From a coffee mug that Luke Danes would approve of to the perfect gifts for Taylor Swift fans, this Gilmore Girlsgift guide will make you say "Oy with the poodles already!"

Now that we're in knee-high boot season (which I FINALLY bought), I like to wear super fun, colorful, and chaotic socks. Grab a pack of Gilmore Girls socks to take some Stars Hollow magic with you no matter where you go.

Etsy

Gilmore Girls Themed Blind Date with a Book

For this bookish blind date, you'll receive a Rory-themed read, a tea bag, a bookmark, and stickers. You really can't go wrong.

Favorite Child

Stars Hollow Books Tote Bag

Carrying your favorite books in a tote bag with the Stars Hollow Books logo feels like it's meant to be.

Amazon

Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember

Lauren Graham's collection of essays will give you a glimpse behind the curtain as she offers thoughtful stories about life, aging, and the industry.

Which gifts from this Gilmore Girls gift guide will you be buying for your friends (or yourself)? Let us know in the comments!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Angelina Jolie Finally Opened Up About Her "Extremely Private" Kids & Motherhood

Angelina Jolie has always been mother — but she's also a literal mother to six kids whom she clearly cares about fiercely. Since she first adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax to giving birth to Vivienne and Knox, it's always been evident that her children are her entire world. While she rarely talks about her children (especially given her highly contested divorce at the moment), Angelina shared a little slice of her feelings on motherhood, insights on her children, and more with Good Morning America.

Here's what Angelina Jolie had to say about her kids — including which one of them is the most private!

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- YouTube

Angelina opened up about her feelings for her family while chatting about her new movie Maria with Good Morning Americaon November 21, 2024. Host Michael Strahan asked Angie about if there's anything she loves as much as her character loves singing, and she replied that it's her "motherhood."

"It’s my happiness. You can take everything else away from me," she said. "I could — nothing else matters."

When asked about her sons' involvement in Maria, Angelina explained that despite their involvement behind the scenes, they're very uninterested in a life in the spotlight. She said, "None of my children want to be in front of the camera. They're quite private."

Angelina elaborated, "Shiloh's extremely private. They weren't born with privacy, so I hope they can have that."

This interview comes after Angelina and Knox attended the Governor's Awards with her on November 18, 2024. His rare appearance shocked so many — including Brad. Daily Mail reported that Pitt found the timing "suspicious."

The source said, "'She is trying to get under his skin after his recent win and using Knox to do so is odd. Knox wants nothing to do with Hollywood and has no communication with Brad."

Despite the weirdness, the source also said, "He [Brad] believes that, in time, his children will come back into his life."

How many kids does Angelina Jolie have?

Angelina Jolie has six children. She adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax, and later gave birth to Vivienne and Shiloh. She shares her children with Brad Pitt, most of whom aren't on good terms with him at the moment.

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New Mom Shares Exactly How Much It Cost To Have A Baby In 2024 – Spoiler Alert, It’s A LOT

Just how expensive is it to have a baby in 2024? One woman sharing her experience on social media has sparked a much-needed conversation about financial transparency when it comes to starting (or growing) a family.

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A post shared by Josephine Anderson (@fosterthevalley)

Josephine Anderson, who posted a video on her Instagram @fosterthevalley, outlined the costs of her uncomplicated vaginal birth, and TBH, it was shocking.

The financial breakdown of her experience (with Cigna for insurance):

Routine office visits (including 2 ultrasounds): $1,266
Labs: $3,440.81
NIPT genetic testing: $15,319.36
Anatomy scan: $1,270
RhoGam: $360
Hospital for mom: $23,722.10
Hospital for baby: $7,402.80
OBGYN for delivery: $5,000
Epidural: $5,720
Breastfeeding support: $2,589.78
Pediatrician: $209

That all racks up to a whopping total of $66,299.85. After insurance was factored in (her deductible was $3,000 while her max out-of-pocket for in-network expenses was $11,000), the total cost for her uncomplicated vaginal birth was $4,788.98. Forbes Advisor reports the average cost of having a baby in 2024 is $2,854.

Instagram

Josephine’s video warranted thousands of comments, most of which were appalled by the costs of her experience:

“This needs to be shared in SexEd classes,” one commenter wrote.

“The US medical system is BROKEN,” another said.

“And people are still confused why more women are choosing to remain child free… we literally can’t afford it,” another user commented.

Mart Production / PEXELS

Brit + Co spoke with Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC and CEO/Founder of BOOBIE Superfoods to gauge if Josephine’s costs were typical for the care she received. Colson has significant insight into how insurance works not only from an employer’s perspective, but from personal experience as a patient with breast cancer.

“The $4,788.98 net amount she mentions is realistic given that her deductible was $3,000. If she had chosen a plan with a $1,000 deductible – which is a common ceiling for good coverage – the same scenario would have cost her around $2,789,” Colson said. “The video highlights the importance of understanding what you're getting with an insurance plan, especially when you anticipate major life events like childbirth.”

Sarah Chai / PEXELS

Colson primarily attributes unanticipated costs for medical care (like in Josephine’s case) to patients that choose their insurance plans with, well, no real plan.

“Many [people] opt for the [plan] with the lowest paycheck deductions without fully evaluating the benefits,” Colson said.

There’s often a tradeoff between paying less per paycheck and receiving your desired benefits: for example, if you elect to contribute less money towards your insurance per paycheck, you may end up paying more out of pocket for things like doctor’s office visits and prescriptions.

“Making an informed choice is key to saving money in the long run,” Colson continued. “In short, it's crucial to consider both the immediate costs (like paycheck deductions) and the potential future costs (like deductibles and copays) when choosing an insurance plan.”

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

Another major cost Josephine mentions in her video was 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, which cost her a total of $18,000 (in lost income).

Per the passing of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in 1993, moms have a legal right to up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that the act was designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities, accommodate the legitimate interests of employers, and promote equal employment opportunity for men and women.

Matilda Wormwood / PEXELS

It all sounds great until you realize the time off is indeed unpaid, which doesn't really aid in the amount of money parents end up owing after all is said and done in the pregnancy and childbirth processes.

Only 13 states plus the District of Columbia offer paid maternity leave. When you compare the United States’ laws to that of other industrialized nations, they don’t exactly measure up.

Colson says Sweden’s maternity leave policy is “one of the most generous,” offering 390 days of paid parental leave (shared between parents) and 80% of wages covered for a significant portion of the leave. In Germany, mothers are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave plus a tax-free, income-based allowance straight from their insurance provider.

Jonathan Borba / PEXELS

Though it’s likely that US laws will never be that generous in terms of paid maternity leave, there are a few things you can do to make the blow of medical costs hurt a little less, says Colson.

“My advice is to be your own advocate,” she says. “If you’re planning to have a baby, start by understanding what your state provides in terms of paid leave to avoid surprises after delivery.”

To keep the cost of having your baby (if you’re planning to have one) transparent and free of surprises, Colson recommends:

Asking your physician’s office for a detailed breakdown of insurance billing codes, including:
- Office visits
- Lab work
- Epidural (and the anesthesiologist’s separate fee)
- Hospital admissions
- Specialist consultations during admission
- Optional procedures like circumcision, if desired
Email the insurance billing codes to your insurance provider, who can help calculate your out-of-pocket costs and deductible

“Having a baby is priceless,” Colson says. “By planning ahead – understanding your insurance options, healthcare costs, and available benefits – you can ensure peace of mind and focus on what truly matters: your growing family.”

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