The kitchen has become the hub of the modern home. It’s also the most expensive room to renovate.
If your kitchen is looking a bit tired, you can, however, give it a lift without blowing the budget. These nine simple tips will help you modernise your kitchen on a weekend, or even a spare afternoon.
1. A new coat
Many older kitchens have cabinets that are still solid, but dark and outdated. A simple coat of paint will completely change the look of your kitchen. You can go for classic white of course, or opt for a beautiful contemporary colour.
2. Get a handle on it
An even easier way to update your cabinets and drawers is with new handles. Old kitchen hardware can really date a kitchen, so new and on trend handles will lift your whole kitchen.
3. Hit the floor
Floors and benchtops tend to show the most wear and tear in a kitchen. If your floor is coloured in old lino or looking a little worse for wear, new flooring will make a dramatic improvement. Pinterest is a great place to start for flooring ideas and inspiration.
4. Shelf improvement
If storage is in short supply, your benchtops are probably covered in small appliances and ‘stuff’ that doesn’t have a home. Here’s where some shelving or storage can help clear your benchtops. If you have a spare wall and a drill, shelving is a fairly easy DIY job.
5. Stick with style
Is your kitchen a mix of styles? A simple way to improve the overall look of your kitchen is to stick to one style. If clean, modern lines are your thing, go for stainless steel containers and utensils. If warm and welcoming is more your vibe, go for wooden shelves and woven materials.
6. Switch lighting
Kitchens are work areas and therefore need good lighting. If your kitchen is dark and gloomy, downlighting above the benchtops will make it more beautiful and practical. Lighting itself can be a design feature, so choose fixtures that look beautiful even when the lights are off.
7. Windows
Nothing makes a kitchen look as dated as a daggy old curtain. Plantation shutters or simple blinds not only look more modern, they let you quickly and easily control the light in the room.
8. Move to an island
Even if you don’t have a built-in kitchen island, a portable one is a good option. If you have room in your kitchen, a rolling island will give you more bench space above and more storage below.
9. Pots and plants
Greenery can really soften a kitchen and give it a lived in look. Herb planters on a windowsill are as practical as they are beautiful, while a single large planter on a benchtop or island will really make a statement.
