As summer gets underway and the sun streams through the windows, it can highlight all the shortcomings in our homes – particularly in our kitchens. While a full kitchen remodel might be beyond your budget, it’s still possible to update your room without breaking the bank and in this article, we’re sharing 13 clever kitchen makeover ideas.
1. Lighten up
Dark decors such as deep wood cabinets and worktops can give a kitchen a gloomy look as well as make a bijou kitchen look even teenier. Repainting cabinets and facades in a pale colour, such as light grey or white, can make your room look clean and clear and open up the space to give the illusion of airiness. If you don’t fancy messing about with paint – or your kitchen units are tried or tatty, we at Kitchen Makeovers can make light work of replacing your old cabinet doors, drawer fronts and countertops with light modern ones for a whole new look at a fraction of the cost of a full kitchen remodel.
2. White goods
Old appliances such as fridges, freezers and washing machines are not only bulky and unsightly, but they can also cost you more in energy usage. They tend to consume more electricity, water, or gas than necessary, which not only increases your carbon footprint but also inflates your utility bills.
Replacing old appliances like fridges, freezers, washing machines, and dishwashers with modern versions can offer a multitude of benefits. First and foremost, it gives your kitchen a sleek, updated look. Modern appliances come in a variety of designs, colours, and finishes, so you can choose ones that match your kitchen decor or make a bold statement.
Energy efficiency is another key advantage of new appliances. The latest models are designed to use less energy without compromising performance.
Moreover, newer appliances often come with advanced features that make life easier. For example, modern washing machines have settings for different fabric types, while some refrigerators can alert you when the door is left open.
While replacing your appliances with modern, streamlined versions is an investment, this is a great way of giving your kitchen a refresh – and saving your household money in the long term.
3. Out in the open
If you have a fairly small kitchen, traditional cabinets and cupboards can make it look even more poky. A great solution is to switch up your cabinets to open-fronted versions in a clean, light colour to subsequently open up your kitchen. While these can look great, be warned that you will need to keep the contents clean and tidy!
Open-fronted kitchen cabinets are a fantastic way to maximise your kitchen space, especially if you have a smaller kitchen. Traditional cabinets and cupboards can often make your kitchen look cramped and confined. By switching to open-fronted versions, you can create an illusion of more space, making your kitchen appear larger and more open.
One of the key benefits of open-fronted kitchen cabinets is their aesthetic appeal. They can lend a modern, sleek, and minimalist look to your kitchen. They offer a unique way to display your favourite dishes, glassware, or decorative items, turning them into part of the decor itself.
4. A lightbulb moment
Lighting, often overlooked, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the aesthetic and functionality of our kitchens. The transformation that a simple change in lighting can bring about is quite remarkable.
A common lighting choice for many households is the traditional central light fixture. However, this may not always be the most effective way to illuminate the kitchen. A central light tends to cast shadows, particularly under cabinets or other recessed areas, leading to dark corners that can make the kitchen appear gloomy and unkempt.
Instead, consider introducing spotlights or signature pendant lights. These lighting options can significantly alter the ambience of your kitchen. Spotlights, typically adjustable, allow you to direct light exactly where it’s needed, thereby eliminating unwanted shadows. They’re perfect for task-oriented areas like countertops, stove tops, or sinks.
5. Nooks and crannies
In an ideal world, we’d all have bright, sprawling kitchens with plenty of room for dining and socialising, but, for most of us, our kitchens are more cramped than Kardashian’s. If you don’t have the room for a full dining table and chairs, you may want to consider repurposing an unused corner of the room to create a breakfast nook. Furniture for your nook can be picked up relatively cheaply and can add function and form to an otherwise plain kitchen.
6. Great shakes
While some kitchen trends come and go, the Shaker style is an enduring one. Known for its clean lines and flat cabinet panels, Shaker-style decor can give your kitchen a clean Scandi look while also adding an illusion of space. At Kitchen Makeovers, we can shake up your kitchen style quickly, easily and affordably by simply replacing your cabinet doors, drawer fronts and fittings to give your room a modern new feel without the expense and hassle of a full kitchen refit.
7. The floor is yours
The kitchen, often referred to as the heart of the home, is a place where meals are prepared, and families gather. It’s also one of the most frequently used areas of a house, which means it’s subject to a lot of wear and tear. This is particularly true when it comes to kitchen floors. With constant foot traffic, spills dropped utensils and more; kitchen floors can quickly become worn out and grimy. Maintaining cleanliness in a room dedicated to food preparation is crucial, hence the need for durable and easy-to-clean flooring.
The cost of replacing your kitchen floor will largely depend on the size of your kitchen and the type of material you choose. Wood flooring has long been a popular choice for kitchens due to its classic appearance and durability. It adds warmth and character to any space, complementing almost any style of kitchen decor. Moreover, wood is known for its longevity, especially when properly maintained.
However, genuine wood flooring can be quite expensive and may not be feasible for everyone’s budget. Luckily, there’s a plethora of faux wood flooring options available in the market today. These alternatives, such as laminate or vinyl flooring, mimic the look and feel of real wood but at a fraction of the cost. They are also known for their durability and ease of maintenance, making them a practical choice for a high-traffic area like the kitchen.
8. Island in the sun
A kitchen island, at its core, is an unattached counter in a kitchen that permits access from all sides. It’s a multipurpose space that can be customised according to your needs. For those who love cooking and baking, a kitchen island provides extra space for food preparation, allowing for easier movement and efficiency in the kitchen. It can also house additional appliances like a second sink, a dishwasher, or even a wine cooler, making your kitchen more functional.
For homeowners struggling with storage issues, a kitchen island can be a game-changer. It can be designed with built-in cabinets, drawers, and shelves, providing ample space to store your cookware, appliances, and other kitchen essentials. This additional storage can help keep your kitchen organised and clutter-free.
But a kitchen island isn’t just about function. It also serves as a social hub where family members and guests can gather. With the addition of bar stools or chairs, it becomes a casual dining spot for quick meals, somewhere to enjoy your morning coffee or a place to unwind with an evening drink. It fosters an open, welcoming atmosphere, encouraging interaction and conversation.
9. True colours
Neutral shades can indeed provide a calm, ‘no fuss’ ambience. However, if you’re someone who spends a significant amount of time cooking, these shades can become stained and appear dingy over time due to grease splatters and food stains. Moreover, sticking to a monochromatic palette can sometimes result in a lack of visual interest, making your kitchen feel somewhat bland or uninspired.
Don’t shy away from introducing a splash of colour into your kitchen decor. Vibrant hues such as sunshine yellow and cobalt blue can add a refreshing twist to your kitchen, breathing life and personality into the space. Not only do these colours bring a sense of joy and energy, but they are also quite forgiving when it comes to concealing everyday wear and tear.
If painting your walls in these bold colours feels like too much of a commitment, there are still plenty of ways to incorporate them subtly into your kitchen. A colourful backsplash or a few strategically placed tiles can serve as eye-catching focal points, adding a pop of colour without overwhelming the space. You could also consider colourful kitchen accessories, such as curtains, dishware, or even small appliances, to inject some colour into the room.
10. Bringing the outside in
Incorporating elements of nature into your kitchen decor can significantly enhance the atmosphere of the room, regardless of whether you have a garden. Adding a touch of greenery and floral hues can transform your kitchen from a mere utilitarian space to an inviting oasis that exudes freshness and vitality.
Wall hangers and hanging baskets are an excellent way to introduce nature into your kitchen. They not only save counter space but also add vertical interest to your kitchen decor. Opt for evergreens for a consistent pop of colour throughout the year. These plants are low maintenance and can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, making them perfect for the kitchen environment.
Seasonal blooms, on the other hand, can bring an exciting element of change to your kitchen. Swapping out flowers based on the season can give your kitchen a fresh new look every few months. Imagine the vibrant colours of tulips in the spring, sunflowers in the summer, chrysanthemums in the autumn, and poinsettias in the winter adorning your kitchen.
11. Country living
Even if you live in the heart of a city, you can still indulge in a little country living via your kitchen. Rustic touches such as brick, stone and raffia can transform your kitchen into a rural haven for next to nothing. These days, you can get hold of some really realistic brick-pattern wallpapers and laminate flooring solutions.
You might also want to think about replacing your cabinets and drawer fronts with a wood or stone effect to complete the look. At Kitchen Makeovers, we can help you to create a new country-style kitchen for a fraction of the cost of a full kitchen remodel.
12. Making it count
Kitchen countertops are often the unsung heroes of our homes. They bear the brunt of our daily cooking adventures, from the chopping of vegetables to the resting of hot pots and pans, and yet they rarely receive the attention they deserve when it comes to home decor. But a well-chosen countertop can dramatically transform the look and feel of your kitchen.
One way to revitalise your kitchen is by adding a pop of colour to your countertops. This could be a vibrant hue that contrasts with the rest of your kitchen or a subtler shade that complements your existing colour scheme. A colourful countertop can serve as a focal point, drawing the eye and injecting some personality into an otherwise neutral space.
Another option is to upgrade your countertops with luxurious materials like granite or quartz. These natural stones are renowned for their durability and elegance, and they can add a touch of sophistication to any kitchen. Granite, with its high heat resistance and unique colour variations, makes for a stunning and practical countertop material. Quartz, on the other hand, offers a more uniform look and is also incredibly resilient, making it ideal for busy kitchens.
However, if these high-end materials are out of your budget range, don’t despair. There are plenty of faux alternatives available that mimic the look of granite and quartz at a fraction of the cost. These imitation countertops can be just as attractive and durable as their natural counterparts, and they offer a cost-effective solution for those looking to refresh their kitchen decor.
13. Tapping into modern kitchens
Something as simple as changing your old and tired kitchen sink taps for modern new ones can help to give your kitchen a makeover as well as potentially save you money if you choose new water-saving ones.
Modern kitchen sink taps are available in a variety of styles and designs, making them an excellent choice for updating your kitchen’s look. Many of these faucets are designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind.
One of the popular choices for modern kitchen sink taps is the pull-out or pull-down faucet. This type of tap, like the APPASO Black Kitchen Faucet found on Amazon, comes with a spray head that can be easily retracted, providing more flexibility when washing dishes or cleaning the sink1.
In addition to pull-out faucets, bridge and double-handle faucets are also common in contemporary kitchen designs. These types of faucets combine traditional design elements with modern features, offering a unique blend of old and new.
Square kitchen sink faucets are another trend in modern kitchen design. They offer a sleek, streamlined look that fits well with contemporary decor.
A hot new kitchen for less
Getting your kitchen onto an even keel without paying over the odds can be a challenge, but, as we’ve shown in this article, there are a few tricks and tweaks available to help you upscale this important room. At Kitchen Makeovers, we know that your kitchen is the heart of your home – which is why our mission is to replace cabinet doors, drawer fronts, countertops and fittings as cheaply and quickly as possible with the minimum of mess and disruption to your family.
For more information or for a free, no-obligation quote, get in touch today.
