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Kitchens are one of the most hardest working rooms in the house, so it's no surprise they can quickly look tired and dated.
New research by B&Q found a quarter of us are looking to update our kitchens this year. But a brand new kitchen can be costly. Luckily, there are updates you can make to your kitchen on a budget.
Author and interiors journalist, Kate Watson-Smyth, runs successful blog, Mad About the House, so she knows a thing or two about creating a seriously stylish space without spending a fortune.
Here are Kate's top five tips for giving your kitchen a much needed upgrade, for less, in just a weekend.
Re-tile walls / splashbacks
"New wall tiles, like these B&Q Trentile tiles, £9 for 40, can instantly update the look of your kitchen as well as making a statement," Kate says. "Metro, or subway, tiles are a classic shape, but try laying them in a herringbone or vertical pattern – instead of the traditional brick arrangement – for a more contemporary take on the style.
"Tiles now come in a range of materials, shapes and finishes – such as ceramic and porcelain – so make sure you look at everything to find the best one for you. Patterned tiles are also a great way of adding character and personality to a kitchen which is traditionally a space full of straight lines and hard edges. You can also mix and match colours to create stripes or random designs for a completely bespoke look."
Add open shelving
"I’m a big fan of open shelving, which I have in my own kitchen," says Kate. "It’s a great way to show off a collection of pretty glasses and plates or bring in greenery with a collection of herbs.
"Before you start, make sure you work out what you want to display so you can consider the height of the shelves and the weight of what will go on them.
"Many kitchens have sleek and glossy cabinets, so think about adding shelves in natural wood to bring warmth and soften the overall feel of the space. Alternatively, if your cupboards are wooden, then an industrial metal or sleek white shelf (like B&Q's Cusko shelf, £9) will provide contrast. The point is to use different materials so that it’s not all matching which will give a more individual finish to your space."
Freshen up worktops and sinks
"Updating your worktops can have a huge impact on the look and feel of your kitchen and can be done as standalone project for a fraction of the price of a full renovation," Kate says.
"There’s a huge choice available now and you can also mix materials so consider a wooden worktop on an island, where people might sit and eat, and a quartz-effect worktop around the sink and cooking area. I love composite worktops which look like natural stone but are tougher."
"Even the most ordinary fixture in your kitchen can be updated these days so think about making 2019 the year you let your sink shine. Consider multi-functional taps, double sinks and different finishes like this Romesco one bowl sink and drainer, £200. There’s something for every style. I have just installed a matte black tap which goes perfectly with my stainless-steel sink – once again, don’t be afraid to mix materials and finishes."
Clear the clutter
"The biggest way to make a difference, decluttering the kitchen is kind on both your mind and your wallet," Kate says.
"Before you start make up your mind to be ruthless and either throw out, recycle or donate items that you no longer use or need. To make it easier, break the job into parts and tackle it one cupboard at a time.
"Keeping the surfaces clutter-free will make the whole room look sleeker and bigger as well as maximising precious workspace. Look out for pan lid organisers you can hang inside cupboard doors and over-the-door spice racks (like Kesseböhmer 's two tier internal pull down shelf, £147) to really help you stay organised. Think about how you use the space and organise it accordingly – make a breakfast station with the toaster and the kettle in one place with the coffee, bread and mugs nearby. Keep tea towels on a rack by the sink."
Add depth with on-trend colours
"Paint is a great way to add colour and personality at low cost, and is the single most transformative change you can make," says Kate.
"Painting your cupboard doors can be done again and again and will update a kitchen as often as you want, without needing to pay for an expensive refurbishment. If you can’t paint the cupboards think about adding a dramatic colour, such as charcoal or navy, on the wall.
"These days you can add colour in unexpected ways, by upgrading appliances or changing handles and taps (like Cooke and Lewis' matte black version, £47) and adding new bar stools or lighting. There is a trend towards dark kitchens now, and if you’re worried about the room being too dark then keep the walls and floor light and maybe add some more lighting."
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