Have you ever looked at your kitchen and said to yourself, “This design no longer satisfies my needs, and I want to change it!” only to realise right away that renovating your culinary space is a costly process? It can be so frustrating just to think of it! But here’s the good news: you aren’t stuck – it is possible to give your dated kitchen a makeover without breaking the bank. If you don’t know where to begin, don’t worry; we are here to guide you through the entire process of transforming your kitchen into an area that inspires you. Keep reading!
Give cabinets an upgrade
Are your cabinets still in good shape, but you’ve got tired of their looks? If that’s the case, you’ll be delighted to learn that there’s a way to upgrade them without replacing them with new ones. Instead, you can opt for replacement kitchen doors, which is a simple process, as kitchen units have standard sizes, ensuring ease of installation and compatibility.
The best thing is that you don’t need to purchase doors from the same company where you’ve got your current cabinets, giving you multiple options, ranging from modern kitchen doors to traditional ones that cater to everyone’s taste. Just keep in mind to verify that the doors are the required size and have compatible hinges.
Read more: 6 Clever Hacks to Heat Your Home Without Spending a Lot
Choose a new kitchen worktop
Another great way to revamp your kitchen is to try a new worktop, which will make a big difference in how your culinary space looks and feels. When choosing a worktop, it is essential to consider how much you will use it, how much time you’re willing to spend maintaining it, and, of course, your budget. Prices for a worktop can differ depending on the material: for instance, granite and marble are often the most expensive, while MDF or laminated chipboard are more budget-friendly.
Since you don’t want to overspend when redecorating your kitchen, our best guess is that you are more inclined to choose the latter option, but you may be concerned about whether it is worth it. Well, as with all the other materials, they have unique pros and cons. While they are cheap, highly customizable, and easy to clean, laminate kitchen worktops can look less expensive than other alternatives and may also have visible seams. In our opinion, the advantages definitely outweigh the cons, making for a great choice.
Install a splashback
Generally, homeowners add splashbacks in the areas where walls are susceptible to stains, splashes, and moisture ( for instance, around the sink or above the hob). But do they only have a protective role? Not really – splashbacks can also be a stunning design feature and add a focal point to your kitchen. One of the most popular splashback options is tile, including metro tiles, which provide a clean and classic look, and mosaic tiles, which add visual interest to the design.
Another alternative is to opt for glass tile, which is reflective, easy to clean, and will give the impression of a more spacious kitchen. But what if you don’t have the budget for these popular options? Well, fret not – there are budget alternatives, too, such as aluminium composite, acrylic, and PVC wallpaper murals.
Consider open shelving
Are you looking to enhance your storage space? If so, look no further than open shelving, which is particularly suitable for small kitchens, helping open up the space. Wall-hung cabinets can give the impression that a space is closed in, but this is no longer the case with open shelving. Besides, it lets you get creative with storage, combining decorative and functional items to achieve an aesthetically pleasing display.
However, it’s important to remember that as appealing as they are, open shelves require more cleaning and dusting, and you also need to ensure they stay organised – otherwise, they will look messy and negatively impact the kitchen design.
Focus on lighting
Carefully considering kitchen lighting is essential because it can play a massive role in the room’s functionality as well as the look and feel. Suppose the kitchen feels dark, or you find it difficult to see what you’re doing when cooking; in such instances, it can be a good idea to opt for energy-efficient LED lights because they will make meal prep easier.
On the other hand, you may want to enhance the kitchen for dining or socialising, and to do so, consider incorporating pendant lights over the kitchen island or the table, as this will add depth and warmth to the room. Want to achieve an inviting glow in your culinary space? A warm-coloured bulb can provide this effect, drawing guests in to relax and chat while also making you feel like you’ve arrived in a sanctuary after coming home.
Update flooring
Improving your kitchen flooring can indeed be a more considerable undertaking in the kitchen renovation project, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a substantial expense. Laminate floors come in different designs, featuring a click-lock system to make DIY installation much more seamless. Even if laminate is more durable than once, it is still prone to damage when exposed to excessive moisture, so it’s best to seek guidance from the retailer regarding this aspect.
If you’re seeking a more eco-friendly upgrade in the kitchen, cork flooring is an excellent option because of its noise-muting and natural thermal properties. Linoleum and bamboo are popular eco-friendly choices as well, and ultimately, it is up to you to decide which option best fits your kitchen design.
Ready to transform your kitchen on a budget?
Regardless of the renovation project, it’s essential to figure out the overall cost before you start upgrading. When it comes to saving money, there are a few hacks you can use, such as keeping the current kitchen layout, buying second-hand cabinets, or simply changing the kitchen doors instead of replacing the cabinets altogether. Of course, prioritising your needs is also important—some things in the kitchen are nice-to-have while others are a must, so be sure to differentiate between the two.
And remember: there’s no need to rush the process. It’s better to take the time to plan things carefully to ensure you will achieve the kitchen design you’ve been dreaming of!
