11 DIY Kitchen Wall Decor Ideas That Look High End

Feeling overwhelmed by that big, blank kitchen wall? You know the one—it feels sterile, lacks personality, and makes the heart of your home feel unfinished. This is where DIY kitchen wall decor comes in, a creative activity for personalizing your space without a big budget.

DIY kitchen wall decor is the practice of creating your own art and functional displays to transform a blank wall into a stylish focal point. This guide will show you how to tackle that empty space. We’ve curated 11 high-end looking projects that are surprisingly easy and affordable to create.

Feeling Uninspired by That Blank Kitchen Wall?

A boring kitchen wall can feel like a design problem, but in our experience, it’s actually the perfect canvas of opportunity. That large, empty space is begging for a touch of personality to transform your kitchen from a sterile room into a warm, inviting hub. Many people think achieving a high-end, designer look requires a significant budget, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The real secret lies in clever, homemade kitchen wall art and decoration ideas. You can transform this space with DIY art, functional shelving, or unique textural elements to create a high-end look that is both beautiful and budget-friendly. It’s about choosing projects that reflect your style and add character. The following ideas are specifically chosen to prove that with a little creativity, you can achieve an expensive look for less.

11 DIY Kitchen Wall Decor Ideas That Look High End

Here are 11 DIY kitchen wall decor ideas selected to elevate your space. Each project is based on timeless design principles like texture, scale, and composition, ensuring your homemade efforts look intentional and professionally curated. We’ll provide the actionable steps and pro tips you need to create a stunning focal point that looks far more expensive than it actually is. Get ready to turn that boring wall into something beautiful.

1. Create a Curated Cutting Board Gallery Wall

Pin this warm and rustic idea to your ‘Kitchen Inspo’ board!

A cutting board wall display is the perfect way to add warm, natural texture to a farmhouse or rustic kitchen. This kitchen gallery wall idea involves collecting wooden cutting boards in various shapes and sizes and arranging them asymmetrically for a curated, artful effect. It’s a fantastic way to turn everyday objects into a stunning focal point.

Materials Needed:

• 3-7 wooden cutting boards of varying sizes and shapes (thrift stores are great for this)
• Fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit)
• Food-safe mineral oil or wood conditioner
• Heavy-duty picture hangers or small D-rings with screws
• A level and pencil
• Paper for tracing and creating templates

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Source & Prep: Gather your cutting boards. If they are thrifted, clean them thoroughly and let them dry completely. Lightly sand any rough spots.
2. Condition the Wood: Apply a generous coat of food-safe mineral oil to each board. This enriches the wood grain and gives it a high-end, lustrous finish. Let it soak in for a few hours, then wipe off the excess.
3. Plan Your Layout: Trace each board onto paper and cut out the templates. Arrange the paper templates on your wall with painter’s tape until you find a balanced, pleasing composition. Overlapping slightly can add depth.
4. Attach Hangers: Attach a D-ring or sawtooth hanger to the back of each cutting board, ensuring it’s centered and straight.
5. Hang Your Collection: Using your paper templates as a guide, mark the nail positions on the wall. Remove the templates and install your nails or screws. Hang the cutting boards, using a level to check each one.

Pro-Tip: To protect the wood in a kitchen environment, re-apply a thin coat of mineral oil every 6 months. This prevents drying and cracking while keeping the display looking fresh.

2. Paint a High-Impact Architectural Arch

Save this trendy paint hack for your next weekend project!

Create the illusion of architectural detail with just a can of paint. A painted arch wall is a modern and minimalist design trend that adds a bold focal point to any kitchen on a budget. This simple color blocking idea can frame a coffee station, a small set of shelves, or simply act as a standalone piece of art.

Materials Needed:

• A quart of interior paint in your chosen accent color (eggshell or matte finish looks best)
• High-quality painter’s tape for sharp lines
• A pencil and string
• One thumbtack
• A small paint roller and tray
• A small angled paintbrush for cutting in

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Determine the Size: Decide on the width and height of your arch. Use painter’s tape to mark the two vertical sides of the arch from the floor or countertop up to where the curve will begin.
2. Create the Curve: Tack one end of the string to the wall at the center point between your two vertical tape lines, level with the top of the lines. The string’s length should be half the width of your arch.
3. Draw the Arc: Tie the pencil to the other end of the string. Keeping the string taut, swing the pencil from one side to the other, drawing a perfect semi-circle that connects the two vertical tape lines.
4. Tape the Curve: Carefully apply small pieces of painter’s tape along the outside edge of your pencil line.
5. Paint Your Arch: Use your angled brush to paint along the inside edges of the tape. Then, use the roller to fill in the middle. Apply a second coat after the first has dried completely. Remove the tape while the second coat is still slightly damp for the sharpest lines.

Lesson Learned: Don’t skimp on the painter’s tape! A high-quality tape (like FrogTape) is the key to preventing bleeding and achieving a professional, crisp edge that makes the project look high-end.

3. Install “Built-In” Style Floating Shelves

Pin this chic and functional storage idea!

Floating shelves are a classic for a reason. They offer functional kitchen decor that doubles as valuable storage. The key to making them look high-end is choosing thick, solid wood shelves and installing them with hidden, heavy-duty hardware for a seamless, “built-in” appearance. Style them with a minimalist, curated collection of your favorite dishes, cookbooks, and plants.

Materials Needed:

• 2-3 thick floating shelves (look for solid wood or high-quality veneer)
• Heavy-duty floating shelf brackets (the kind that insert into the shelf)
• A power drill and appropriate drill bits
• A stud finder
• A laser level or long bubble level
• A pencil
• Drywall anchors if not drilling into studs

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Locate Studs: Use a stud finder to locate and mark the wall studs where you plan to hang your shelves. Hitting studs is crucial for supporting weight.
2. Mark Your Placement: Hold the first shelf bracket against the wall at your desired height. Use a level to ensure it’s perfectly straight and mark the drill holes over your stud marks.
3. Drill Pilot Holes: Drill pilot holes for the bracket screws. If you can’t hit a stud, use a larger bit to drill a hole for a heavy-duty drywall anchor.
4. Mount the Brackets: Securely screw the mounting brackets to the wall. Double-check that they are level before fully tightening.
5. Slide on the Shelf: Most floating shelves are designed to slide snugly over the mounting bracket rods. Push the shelf all the way on until it is flush with the wall.
6. Secure the Shelf: There are often small set screws on the underside of the shelf. Tighten these to lock the shelf onto the bracket and prevent it from sliding off.

Pro-Tip: For the most high-end, “built-in” look, install shelves wall-to-wall in a nook, or paint the shelves the exact same color as your wall for a seamless, monochromatic effect.

4. Create Large-Scale Abstract Canvas Art

Save this tutorial for creating your own designer-look art!

Large kitchen wall decor ideas don’t have to be expensive. You can create your own minimalist, textured abstract art using a large blank canvas and a surprising material: drywall joint compound. This DIY abstract painting technique is foolproof and results in a piece that looks like it came from a high-end gallery.

Materials Needed:

• One large blank artist’s canvas (36″x48″ or bigger)
• A small tub of pre-mixed drywall joint compound or spackle
• A variety of putty knives or old credit cards
• 2-3 sample pots of acrylic paint in a neutral, coordinating palette
• A clear matte acrylic sealer spray

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Apply Texture: Place your canvas on a drop cloth. Scoop some joint compound onto the canvas and use your putty knives to spread it around. Don’t overthink it—create swoops, ridges, and varied textures. Let it dry completely for 24 hours.
2. Lightly Sand: Once dry, gently sand down any sharp or crumbly peaks with fine-grit sandpaper for a smoother, more professional finish.
3. Add Color (Optional): You can leave the textured canvas white for a minimalist look. Or, water down your acrylic paints slightly and apply washes of color in different areas. Use a paper towel to blend and smudge the colors for a soft, organic effect.
4. Let It Dry: Allow the paint to dry completely.
5. Seal the Art: In a well-ventilated area, spray the entire canvas with two light coats of clear matte sealer. This is crucial for a kitchen environment as it will protect the art from moisture and allow you to gently wipe it clean.

Pro-Tip: For an even more high-end look, build a simple “floating frame” from 1×2 lumber around the canvas. Paint or stain the frame black or a natural wood tone.

5. Design Elegant Framed Fabric Panels

Pin this unique idea for adding pattern and softness to your kitchen!

A fabric wall hanging is a clever and affordable alternative to pictures. By stretching a beautiful, large-print fabric over foam core board and placing it in a simple frame, you can create custom art that adds pattern, color, and a touch of softness to the hard surfaces of a kitchen. This works wonderfully with framed tea towels, too.

Materials Needed:

• 1-2 yards of high-quality fabric with a large-scale pattern
• Two large, simple frames (use poster frames and discard the acrylic front)
• Two pieces of foam core board, cut to the size of your frames
• A staple gun and staples
• Scissors and an iron

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prepare Fabric: Iron your fabric to remove all wrinkles and creases.
2. Cut Fabric: Lay your ironed fabric face down. Place a piece of foam core board on top. Cut the fabric so you have a 2-3 inch border around all four sides of the board.
3. Position the Pattern: Carefully consider which part of the fabric’s pattern you want to feature. If making two panels, ensure they are either identical or complementary mirror images.
4. Stretch and Staple: Starting in the middle of one long side, pull the fabric taut around the edge of the foam core and secure it with a staple on the back. Place another staple on the opposite side, pulling taut.
5. Continue Stapling: Work your way out from the center on all four sides, pulling the fabric evenly as you go. This is similar to stretching a canvas.
6. Fold Corners: Fold the corners neatly (like wrapping a gift) and secure them with staples.
7. Frame Your Panel: Insert the fabric-covered foam core board into the back of your frame and secure it using the frame’s clips or tabs.

Pro-Tip: Upholstery fabric remnants are perfect for this project and can often be found at a deep discount. The heavier weight of upholstery fabric makes it easier to stretch without warping the pattern.

6. Curate a Vintage Art Print Collection

Save this timeless decor idea for adding character to your kitchen!

Add a sense of history and character to your kitchen by curating an eclectic collection of vintage art. You can decorate on a budget by using free printable art from online museum archives and pairing it with mismatched, ornate frames from the thrift store. This kitchen gallery wall idea creates a soulful, collected look.

Materials Needed:

• A collection of mismatched frames from a thrift store
• Gold spray paint or Rub ‘n Buff (optional, for unifying frames)
• High-quality art prints (see sources below)
• A printer or a local print shop
• A picture hanging kit

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Source Your Art: Search online museum archives for “public domain” art. The National Gallery of Art, The Met, and Art Institute of Chicago have huge, free digital collections of high-resolution images you can download. Look for landscapes, still lifes, and botanical prints.
2. Print Your Collection: Print your chosen images at home on high-quality matte photo paper, or send the files to a local print shop for a more professional result.
3. Curate Your Frames: Hunt for ornate, interesting frames at thrift stores and flea markets. Don’t worry about the art inside them.
4. Unify the Frames (Optional): To make a mismatched collection feel cohesive, you can spray paint all the frames the same color, such as a soft gold or matte black.
5. Assemble and Hang: Insert your prints into the frames. Plan your layout on the floor first, then hang the collection on the wall in a balanced but asymmetrical arrangement.

Pro-Tip: The key to a high-end look with thrifted frames is consistency. Even if the frames are all different shapes and sizes, unifying them with the same color makes the collection look intentional and curated.

7. Build a Functional & Chic Pegboard Organizer

Pin this genius idea for stylish and functional kitchen storage!

A pegboard is a powerhouse of functional kitchen decor. This vertical storage solution can be transformed from a garage staple into a chic organizer for your prettiest kitchen utensils, mugs, and even small plants. By painting it a sophisticated color and adding a simple custom frame, it becomes a beautiful and highly practical DIY pot rack alternative.

Materials Needed:

• One sheet of plywood pegboard, cut to your desired size
• 1×2 lumber for the frame and wall spacers
• Wood screws
• A power drill
• Paint or wood stain
• A set of stylish pegboard hooks and accessories

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Build the Spacer Frame: The pegboard needs to sit off the wall so hooks can be inserted. Cut four pieces of 1×2 lumber to match the dimensions of your pegboard’s back. Screw them together to create a simple rectangular frame. This is your spacer.
2. Paint or Stain: Paint the pegboard and the spacer frame in your desired color. A sophisticated color like navy blue, sage green, or even black can make it look very high-end.
3. Attach Pegboard to Spacer: Lay the pegboard face down and place the spacer frame on top. Attach the pegboard to the spacer frame using wood screws from the back.
4. Mount on the Wall: Locate your wall studs. Drill through the front of the pegboard and the spacer frame directly into the wall studs using long screws. Use at least four screws (one in each corner) for a secure hold.
5. Add Accessories & Style: Insert your hooks, shelves, and baskets. Hang your most beautiful utensils, mugs, and small plants to create a display that is both beautiful and useful.

Lesson Learned: Don’t use the standard silver metal pegboard hooks. Invest in a set of higher-quality wooden or custom metal hooks and shelves. The quality of the accessories makes a huge difference in the final look.

8. Install a Living Wall with a Hanging Herb Garden

Save this fresh idea for adding life to your kitchen walls!

Add life, color, and function to your kitchen with a hanging herb garden wall. This simple project serves as both beautiful, living decor and a convenient source of fresh herbs for cooking. It’s an especially great idea for small kitchens where counter space is at a premium.

Materials Needed:

• One thin copper or brass pipe (cut to desired length at a hardware store)
• Two matching pipe brackets or leather strap hangers
• 3-4 small, lightweight pots with drainage holes and saucers
• Macrame plant hangers or S-hooks
• Herb seedlings (basil, mint, rosemary, etc.) and potting soil

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Mount the Hangers: Decide on the placement for your garden (ensure it gets some natural light). Screw the pipe brackets or leather strap hangers securely into the wall, using a level to ensure they are even.
2. Install the Rod: Place the copper or brass pipe into the brackets.
3. Pot Your Herbs: Fill your pots with soil and plant your herb seedlings. Water them lightly.
4. Prepare for Hanging: If using macrame hangers, place the pots inside them. If using S-hooks, ensure your pots have a large enough rim or hole to hang securely.
5. Hang and Arrange: Hang your potted herbs from the rod. Adjust the spacing for a balanced look.

Pro-Tip: Choose herbs you will actually cook with! This makes the decor truly functional. For a high-end touch, use matching pots and a high-quality metal rod in copper or brass instead of a plain curtain rod.

9. Design a Sophisticated, Oversized Chalkboard Menu

Pin this chic bistro-style idea for your kitchen!

A DIY chalkboard menu brings a charming, cafe-inspired vibe into your kitchen. The secret to making it look sophisticated, not school-like, is to go oversized and use a substantial, ornate frame. This kitchen wall project is perfect for meal planning, writing grocery lists, or just displaying a favorite quote.

Materials Needed:

• A large, ornate old mirror or picture frame from a thrift store
• A piece of thin plywood or MDF, cut to fit inside the frame
• Chalkboard paint (brush-on is better than spray for a smooth finish)
• A small foam roller and tray
• Chalk or a chalk marker
• Fine-grit sandpaper

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prep the Frame: Remove the glass and backing from your thrifted frame. Clean the frame and paint it if desired. A matte black or a deep charcoal gray can look very sophisticated.
2. Create the Chalkboard Surface: Lightly sand your piece of plywood. Apply a thin, even coat of chalkboard paint using the foam roller. Let it dry completely.
3. Apply Second Coat: Apply a second coat of chalkboard paint in the opposite direction (e.g., if the first coat was vertical, paint the second horizontally). This ensures full coverage. Let it dry for at least 24 hours.
4. Condition the Surface: Before writing on it, you must “season” the chalkboard. Rub the side of a piece of chalk over the entire surface, then erase it with a dry cloth. This prevents your first words from being “burned” into the paint.
5. Assemble and Hang: Insert your finished chalkboard panel into the frame and secure it. Hang your new menu board securely on the wall.

Lesson Learned: Use a chalk marker instead of regular chalk for fine lines and elegant lettering. To get the high-end look, search online for “menu typography” and practice your lettering on paper first.

10. Add Texture with a Minimalist Wooden Slat Wall

Save this high-impact idea for a modern, architectural look!

For a truly high-impact, modern kitchen wall decor DIY, a wood slat wall adds incredible texture and architectural interest. This minimalist accent wall is a focal point that looks incredibly expensive but can be created with affordable pine or oak boards. It’s one of the best cheap ways to cover kitchen walls with a designer touch.

Materials Needed:

• 1×2 common pine or oak boards (enough to cover your wall)
• A miter saw or hand saw with a miter box
• A brad nailer and nails
• Construction adhesive
• A level and measuring tape
• A spacer block (a scrap piece of wood the width of your desired gap)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prepare the Wall: Paint the wall a dark color, like black or charcoal gray. This will make the gaps between the slats disappear and create depth.
2. Cut Your Slats: Measure the height of your wall and cut all your 1×2 boards to that exact length.
3. Install the First Slat: Place your first slat in a corner. Use a level to ensure it’s perfectly plumb (vertically straight). Apply a bead of construction adhesive to the back and secure it to the wall with a few brad nails.
4. Use Your Spacer: Place your spacer block flush against the edge of the installed slat.
5. Install the Next Slat: Apply adhesive to the back of the next slat, press it firmly against the spacer block, and nail it in place.
6. Repeat: Remove the spacer and place it against the newly installed slat. Continue this process across the entire wall, ensuring each slat is level.

Pro-Tip: To protect the wood from kitchen splatters, apply two coats of a clear, matte polycrylic sealer to your slats before you install them. This is much easier than trying to seal them on the wall.

11. Arrange a Modern, Asymmetrical Plate Display

Pin this fresh take on the classic decorative plate wall!

A decorative plate wall is a classic for a reason, but you can give it a fresh, modern twist. Instead of a traditional grid, arrange a curated collection of ceramic plates in a dynamic, asymmetrical layout. This unique kitchen wall decor idea is all about the arrangement—think of it as sculpting with plates on your wall.

Materials Needed:

• A collection of 7-11 decorative plates (look for a cohesive color palette but varied patterns)
• Heavy-duty wire plate hangers for heavier plates
• Adhesive plate hangers for lighter, decorative plates
• A pencil and measuring tape
• Paper for creating templates

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Select Your Plates: Choose plates that share a common color story but have different sizes and patterns for visual interest.
2. Plan Your Layout: This is key for a modern look. Instead of a grid, think of a more organic shape, like a gentle “S” curve or a cluster that seems to expand from a central point. Trace your plates onto paper and tape the templates to the wall to perfect the layout.
3. Attach Hangers to Plates: For heavier ceramic plates, use spring-loaded wire hangers. For lighter plates that won’t be eaten off of, adhesive disc hangers create an invisible look. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for adhesive hangers, as they need time to cure.
4. Mark and Hang: Once you’re happy with your paper template layout, mark the nail position for each plate.
5. Install and Adjust: Install your picture hooks and hang the plates. Step back frequently to check the overall balance and make small adjustments to the angle of each plate.

Pro-Tip: The secret to a modern plate wall is spacing. Keep the plates relatively close together so they read as one large art installation rather than a collection of separate items scattered on the wall.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to High-End DIY Decor

• Go Big: A single large-scale piece of art or a large, dense gallery wall often looks more intentional and high-end than several small, scattered items.
• Texture is Everything: Adding texture through materials like wood slats, joint compound, or fabric creates visual interest and depth that mimics designer pieces.
• Curate, Don’t Collect: Whether it’s frames, plates, or cutting boards, the key is a cohesive color palette. Unify mismatched items with paint to make them look like a purposeful collection.
• Frame It: A substantial frame can make anything—from a chalkboard to a piece of fabric—look like a custom piece of art.
• Function Can Be Beautiful: Elevate functional items like shelving, herb gardens, or pot racks by using high-quality materials like copper, brass, and solid wood.

FAQs About kitchen wall decor diy

How can I decorate my kitchen walls cheaply?

Focus on thrifted and upcycled materials. Create a gallery wall using free public domain art printed at home and placed in thrift store frames. You can also frame beautiful tea towels or fabric remnants, or paint a collection of old wooden cutting boards for a high-impact, low-cost display.

What can I put on a blank kitchen wall besides pictures?

Consider functional and textural elements. Floating shelves for cookbooks and plants, a stylish pegboard for utensils, or a hanging pot rack are all great options. For a purely decorative look, you could hang a collection of decorative plates, install a minimalist wood slat wall, or hang a small, lightweight tapestry.

What kind of art is suitable for a kitchen environment?

Choose art that is durable or protected. Art behind glass or acrylic is ideal. For canvas or textured pieces, apply a clear matte sealer to protect against moisture and grease, allowing for gentle cleaning. Always place delicate art away from direct heat and steam sources like the stove or sink.

How do you make DIY decor look expensive?

Pay attention to scale, cohesion, and finish. Opt for one large statement piece over many small ones. Unify different elements with a consistent color palette. Finally, ensure a professional finish by sanding rough edges, applying a protective topcoat, and using a level for perfect installation.

Final Thoughts

A beautiful kitchen that reflects your personal style isn’t about having a big budget; it’s about creativity and thoughtful execution. That blank wall is not a problem to be solved, but a story waiting to be told. By embracing a do-it-yourself approach, you can create a space that is uniquely yours and looks incredibly high-end.

We encourage you to choose just one project from this list that excites you and get started this weekend. You’ll be amazed at the transformation a single, intentional piece of decor can make.

Which of these ideas are you most excited to try in your kitchen? Share your plans in the comments below

Last update on 2025-11-19 at 03:57 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API