Content: 1053 words
Reading time: 3 min 50 sec
Article by: Ryan Thomas
The kitchen is often called the heart of the home and for good reason. It’s where we lovingly create meals for our friends and family. It’s where we catch up over a cuppa. And where most people hang out at a party, because that’s usually where the drinks are!
Kitchens are also important when it comes to selling or renting out your home. A kitchen refurbishment is essential but you don’t have to spend thousands. The good news is you can do it on a budget. You can give your kitchen the luxury look at very low cost?
Update the Cupboard Doors
Do your kitchen cupboards look outdated or scruffy. If they do, you don’t need to entirely replace the cabinets. It’s possible to just replace the old kitchen doors for new smarter ones.
Most kitchen units are a standard size. So it’s easy to source doors from a DIY store. Some start at around £30 each. High gloss doors will always look smart so you could look at them first.
If you feel the handles look a little cheap. They can be replaced with something more high-end.
Uniquely shaped handles will add character to your kitchen. Even if the rest of it is quite plain and simple. Half-moon shapes and geometric shapes are particularly popular at the moment. Any handles out of the ordinary will make a big difference.
Install Under Unit LED Lighting
In recent years LED lighting has become a very popular part of kitchen design. It’s now an essential part of food preparation and cooking. Sharp knives in half-light can be very dangerous.
Some under unit LED lighting will brighten up the darkest corners of a kitchen. It’s easy to install and inexpensive.
Floor level lights can be installed in the plinth of the units. They create a bright, modern look at low-level.
You can choose LED lights in a number of finishes. A range of colours that will complement your tiles and accessories. LED lights will make your kitchen look and feel that little bit extra special.
Replace Tiles with Splashbacks
If you have grubby tiles and grout, they can be easily replaced with smart splashbacks. Splashbacks are usually made from glass, acrylic and sometimes sheet metal. They are available in a range of colours, metallic tones and patterns.
A plain, bright splashback contrasted with black or white cupboards gives a sleek designer look. Stainless steel or brushed copper work best with more modern cabinets. Splashbacks are much easier to maintain than tiles, so they’re ideal for many kitchens.
Look for Statement Lighting
If it’s practical for your kitchen install some statement lighting. Look for ceiling lights to put over your island or dining table. Some designer lights can cost £1000 or more. But if you look hard enough, it’s easy to find high street replicas.
Industrial style lighting is currently in Vogue. Clusters of lights are popular too. For instance, pendants with up to 3 shades hung on flex are fashionable. Their metal tones of copper, brass and nickel all look great. You can add some vintage style light bulbs to make them look even better.
Replace Lino With Vinyl or Tiles
Cheap lino can really drag down a kitchen, especially if it’s aged and wrinkling. Replacing the flooring in your kitchen may not be as expensive as you think. Avoid laminate – it will easily become water damaged over time.
For a smart wood effect that’s hard-wearing, there are some great vinyl planks. Or, look for large tiles in the sales. If you do, choose a plain tile as patterns can make the room look smaller. And they can go out of fashion in a very short time.
Appliances to Match Your Kitchen
Aim for small appliances in a colour that will compliment your cupboards and walls. They will help engage the whole kitchen and look good throughout.
Don’t let a tatty toaster spoil the luxury kitchen look. Invest in a matching kettle, toaster and coffee machine. There are some beautiful ranges available from high street stores. Rose gold or copper tone trims are very fashionable. They look glamorous and very designer.
If you’ve opted for a bright coloured splashback. Try to find appliances to match and let the theme carrying through.
And don't forget the new ultra modern kitchen appliances that are slowly becoming available. Those new kitchen gadgets are designed to make your life easier.
Add a Little Artwork
It's a fact, artwork adds character to any room. It can really pull a colour scheme together. If you’re feeling creative, you could create your own canvas. Or if you’re a keen photographer, consider ordering a print of your favourite photo.
If your kitchen walls or cabinets are already bright and colourful. A black and white canvas could look really striking.
Perhaps a quirky vintage travel poster of your home town would work well? Keep the frame plain but try a sleek black or silver finish. Avoid fussy, ornate frames; you don’t want the wall to look cluttered.
Replace the Sink and Taps
Sinks can become scratched and grimy over time. Kitchen taps can look worn and outdated. So replacing the sink and taps will help make your kitchen look expensive. It will add new sparkle.
If you have black or white cupboards a gold-tone sink will work perfectly. Consider a modern, minimalist style of mixer tap with simple levers.
For brighter coloured kitchens, think about how a black sink and tap might fit in. There are plenty available online and in high street DIY stores. For a more traditional kitchen, white ceramic sinks look beautifully relevant.
Add Finishing Touches
Well kept plants in stylish planters can finish off a kitchen space perfectly. A thriving plant is symbolic of a healthy and happy space.
Add in a few small touches like matching storage canisters or cookie jars. Anything with a metallic finish will feel luxury. However, avoid clutter and a plant or two is plenty.
Now What!
These few simple and affordable changes can turn your kitchen from drab to delightful. You could even change style and go for an Art Deco kitchen design if you prefer.
A great place to start if you’re unsure of the finished look is to create a mood board first. Use the Pinterest, Instagram or Houzz Apps for real-life inspiration and save the ideas you like.
Decide on a budget then you can start creating your shopping list. And finally, the fun part – go shopping and get decorating.
When you’ve bought everything and your kitchen refurbishment is complete. You’ll certainly be able to enjoy your food and drink in a more relaxed way.
