Interior design magazines and blogs, Pinterest and Instagram are perfect places to find kitchen inspiration. But if you’re working with a tight budget, some of those designs may seem unattainable. However, look again and you’ll discover that a lot of those dream kitchens have been created using little more than paint, upcycling and imagination!
Take a look at Christin’s kitchen for example at Earthly Urban Design, who has totally nailed it with clever ideas such as painting her cupboards dusty pink, replacing handles and stenciling an ordinary tiled splashback!
I’m sure you’ll agree it looks fabulous! So today let’s look at ways you, too, can transform your kitchen without going to the expense of a brand new one:
Replacing Worktops
If you’re looking for a total game changer, it pays to replace your worktops. Nothing dates a kitchen quite like an old fashioned, worn out counter. So update your surfaces with something sleek, chic and modern which will immediately revive a tired kitchen.
The good news is that replacement worktop can be very affordable. Worktop Express, for example, manufacture kitchen worktops for all budgets, whilst always maintaining a high end look. They have over 15,000 kitchen work surfaces in stock so you can choose from many popular trends such as realistic wood or concrete effects, luxurious marble finishes or natural looking alternatives to stone, such as their amazing Earthstone worktops which you can also have as upstands and splashbacks for that seamless, contemporary look.
New Cupboard Doors
When your kitchen cupboards are basically sound and its the outward appearance that lets your kitchen down, you can simply replace the cupboard doors. This is a great option for those who don’t have the time or patience to paint existing doors, as that can be quite a painstaking operation. Replacing just the doors saves money, time and the mess and disruption caused by ripping out an entire kitchen – and yet it will look like you’ve installed a brand new one!
Updating Hardware
Sometimes its the small details that can make the biggest difference. Look around for stylish replacement cupboard door handles and drawer pulls – brass, copper and even leather handles are favourites in contemporary kitchens – and don’t neglect features like plug sockets and light switch plates. There are some amazing options out there now that will really modernise and elevate a standard kitchen into something that looks a lot more designer.
Investing In One Luxury Item
So you may not have the budget to redesign and replace your entire kitchen, which can run into thousands of pounds. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add a touch of luxury to your revamped space. Opting for even a single luxury item is a great way to give you a sense of satisfaction and pride every time you use your kitchen. Something like a designer coffee machine or installing an impressive hot water tap definitely adds that desirable element and touch of luxury.
Making the Most of the Walls
In a kitchen people often choose a pale, neutral wall colour throughout. However, sometimes opting for a splash of colour, or even one as daring as charcoal black, can make the features you want to show off pop right out. Or you could consider adding wallpaper to make a statement on one of the walls – a bold geometric pattern or jungle leaf print can really stand out. Alternatively, wallpaper can be used as a unique splashback – simply cover it with cut to size, wipeable perspex (make sure it’s one that is suitable for a kitchen, able to withstand high temperatures).
An even quicker and easier idea is to add some large framed prints or why not create a unique gallery wall? As you can see, there are lots of ideas around to help you pull off a fantastic kitchen makeover on a budget – good luck with yours!
Collaborative post
wow what a wonderful article. I got blown away by the color combination of pink, white and black. The kitchen is well laid out and tidy. Everything is in place.