A lot of my clients at the moment are remodelling or redesigning their kitchens instead of ripping them out and replacing them with a new one. There are so many ways to give your kitchen a new look without breaking the bank. I promise these ideas will help you fall back in love with your kitchen again.

Paint your kitchen doors

You can achieve a totally new look on your doors by painting them, provided they are in good condition to start with. I suggest hiring a professional painter, as painting your kitchen is a lot more detailed than painting a wall.

Think about the look you are trying to achieve. If you are going for a completely new look, you could paint your main units a neutral light colour and your island a dark colour or vice versa.

Before you decide on a colour, talk to a colour expert because if your kitchen is north facing instead of south facing, you will have to go for warmer shades for that space. I suggest one colour should be the dominant shade and the other the accent colour.

Change your door handles

This is an easy way to get a new look without it costing too much. There are numerous options, from chrome to brass to ceramic and even leather. Choose handles that complement the look you are trying to achieve.

Replace doors

If your doors are not in good condition, you need to replace the doors and drawer fronts. Think about who is using the kitchen before choosing the doors. You need to have a hard-wearing door if you have a lot of people opening and closing them daily.

Add in extra storage

Before looking at this, clear out the cupboards. See the space you have. Instead of having the drawers in your press, so to speak, add in some pull-out drawer units. This way you will see what is in your press and use all of the space. Add some free-floating shelves on walls. You could add a larder/pantry unit to a corner in your kitchen.

Replace your worktop

This is an easy way to refresh your kitchen. There are so many options available at the moment, from laminate, Formica, solid wood, granite, quartz and Dekton to composite stone and stainless steel. You can base your choice on your individual budget. The main factor here is to pick a worktop that will suit your needs. How many people will be using it? Ensure the worktop you choose is fit for purpose. I do think this is an area in the kitchen you need to invest in.

Replace backsplash/tiles

You can replace a backsplash with glass or stainless steel or add new tiles.

Replace tap on kitchen sink

Your kitchen tap can add great character to your kitchen. There are so many styles out there, from traditional to modern. Choose one that fits in with the look you are trying to achieve.

Replace your flooring

If you have tiles on your floor and you are dreading the thought of taking them up, then you don’t have to. Leave the tiles as they are, get a levelling compound to level the floor and lay a new floor on top of it. A luxury vinyl tile is a great option for this. This is available in so many colours/styles. If your current floor is dark, I suggest going for a light-coloured floor. This will transform the look of the space.

Replace/repaint table and chairs

A cheap option is to repaint your table/chairs. If you would like a complete change, you can buy new ones.

Change wall colour

Changing your paint colour on the walls is such an easy way to give your kitchen a new look or refresh.

Window dressings

If you have a pelmet over your kitchen sink, take it down and replace it with a roman blind, then add roman blinds in other windows in your kitchen too.

Lighting

This is such an important item. Install softer lighting, dimmable lights and add some LED stripped lighting under cabinets or by kicker boards.

Choose warm pendant lighting over your dining table and brighter lighting over your island where you will be prepping food.

These can be added easily but ensure you hire a trained electrician.

Accessories

Accessories can be such an inexpensive way to transform the look of your kitchen. They can be displayed on counter tops and dining areas. Be mindful to add just the right amount as too many items will spoil the look you are trying to achieve.

Rugs/Runner

Add a runner by the sink or a rug under the dining table. This is an inexpensive way to disguise tiles you do not want to replace.

Maura Mackey is an interior designer and home staging specialist based in Co Cork. For further information, visit www.mauramackeydesign.ie

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