I’m Amazed at How $3,000 and a Little Creativity Instantly Updated This NYC Kitchen

I’ve seen many home transformations that have inspired me. Sometimes it’s as simple as fixing a bad paint job, or transforming a carpeted kitchen into a beautiful modern space. As these prove, not all dramatic makeovers require a complete overhaul. Sometimes a small touch of creativity can work wonders. The kitchen in Minetta Archer’s bohemian Harlem apartment is a perfect example of this. 

Minetta’s original kitchen had tons of character, but she described it as having “bad ’90s laminate” and being in “very poor condition.” She’s lived in the unit for over 15 years, so the kitchen has seen a few makeovers. However, her goal was to honor the space she’s called home for so long instead of moving. For only $3,000, she transformed her space in one month by herself.

To add brightness to the space, she used wallpaper with a peacock pattern from Riffle Paper Co. that “created more movement and interest,” she said at the time of the tour. She also added a pop of color to her ceiling and added a bright blue to resemble the sky. She already had a few blue paints and mixed them to get the beautiful ceiling color. These small but mighty changes created a fresh and welcoming atmosphere. 

What I love about this makeover is Minetta’s ability to achieve such a striking change without any major reconstruction. The fun, colorful printed wallpaper seamlessly complements the green kitchen cabinets. I also love how she covered the counters with faux marble contact paper, which adds to its modernity. It’s common for people who have lived in a space for years to wish for modern appliances or a new layout to freshen things up. However, instead of tearing out the cabinets or reworking the layout, Minetta used simple tools for her kitchen makeover.

By painting the cabinets and adding chic wallpaper, Minetta brought new life to the kitchen without breaking the bank the way a complete overhaul might have. Sometimes, a bit of paint, wallpaper, and a thoughtful approach can completely refresh a space. Whether you rent or own, there’s something to learn from Minetta’s creativity — I know I certainly have. 

To see the rest of Minetta’s incredible 725-square-foot apartment, visit the full House Tour.