Whether you’ve just moved into a house with an old, tired kitchen or you’ve lived at your current property for a few years and the room is in need of a refresh, you’ll be pleased to learn it is possible to achieve a designer-inspired renovation without much expense.
Below, we share seven ways you can create beautifully designed kitchen without breaking the bank:
1. Become a DIY Kitchen Designer:
If hiring an interior designer is not within your budget, your only option is to go DIY and plan your own kitchen refurb. Spend the afternoon browsing different styles on Pinterest and decorating community, Houzz. Will you opt for the sleek and modern grey theme that’s very trendy at the moment? Or Country Kitchen? New England? Mid Century Modern?
We also recommend using a virtual kitchen planning tool to decide what will fit where. We’ve found three for you to try:
2. Replace lacklustre lighting:
If your kitchen lighting is a looking a little lacklustre, consider changing it. New lighting will change the ambience of the room without costing a lot of money. You can purchase new kitchen lights fairly inexpensively on eBay. 3-way adjustable ceiling spotlights can be bought for around £10. Even a super trendy copper light can be purchased for just £17.99.
3. Give your worktops the wow factor:
Completely transform the space with one simple change: new kitchen worktops. Laminate worktops are the budget-friendly option, they’re usually cheaper per meter than wood and granite. They’re also easier to clean and maintain when compared to other materials. (Pictured below, Grey stone-effect laminate worktops from Worktop Express.)
4. Update your cupboards:
There are a few different options for renovators who do not have the budget for new kitchen cupboards:
i. Paint the carcasses and/or the doors
ii. Replace the doors (if the base units are good)
iii. Replace the door handles
iv. Scout online for free/cheap replacement cupboards (see below)
Some homeowners replace lightly used kitchens every few years to keep up with new trends. Just because the kitchen isn’t to their taste anymore doesn’t mean it won’t be to yours. So search on websites like Freecycle, Gumtree and eBay for ex-display cabinets, lightly used second-hand appliances and unique retro pieces. You might be able to bag a bargain! Also scour auctions, antique shops and junkyards for tables, chairs and dressers.
TOP TIP: Do you know any builders? If so, ask them to put you in touch with clients getting rid of a lightly used kitchen.
5. Replace fixtures, fittings & furnishings:
You’d be surprised how a few new fixtures, fittings and furnishings can transform a room. A large rug can hide a multitude of sins when it comes to old, tired flooring. A bright, colourful blind will draw your attention to the window, while new white goods will modernise the room with zero DIY work needed.
If you don’t have the budget, just replace things slowly (as you can afford them) or check out online communities like Facebook Marketplace for second-hand pieces.
6. Consider open plan shelving:
Open plan shelving units provide excellent kitchen storage! They’re portable, cost-effective and they help the room look bigger (when compared to cupboards with doors). They’re also very trendy at the moment. (Pictured below, OMAR shelving unit from IKEA).
7. Paint an accent wall:
Looking for a simple way to incorporate a new trend into your kitchen with minimal expense? Create an accent wall! Use wallpaper or paint to add a lovely burst of colour or a dash of pattern. Feeling brave? Try painting your wall with chalkboard paint!
