How to update your kitchen on a budget

How can you update your kitchen cheaply?

The kitchen beats all the other rooms in the house hands-down when it comes to attention-seeking. Instagram leads the way for some serious kitchen envy with celebrities sharing pictures of their domestic life with jaw-dropping kitchens in the background — certainly providing some wishful inspiration for those of us in more humble abodes. 

Enviable features include an open floor plan, natural lighting with bifold doors and skylights, a large kitchen island with bar stools, high-gloss cabinets coated in flawless polished glass, an integrated wine fridge and granite countertops. But like anything luxurious, there is usually a price tag to match. The good news is that there are clever ways in which you can update your kitchen cheaply, while still providing the wow-factor. 

Wrap your countertops

The most desirable countertops are made from marble or granite, but these can be eye-wateringly expensive. Instead, consider giving your current worktops a makeover. Worktop wraps are fixed as an overlay on top of your old worktops, instantly revamping them. You can do this yourself, or employ professional fitters if your budget allows. 

Budget-friendly materials

If you want to replace the worktops completely, then there are some cheaper alternatives which still look good. Some examples include:

✔ Man-made composite materials such as ‘granite effect’

✔ Engineered quartz

✔ Laminate

It’s not just about a cheaper price. These materials also have some clear benefits in comparison to the more expensive materials (so you can feel smug when looking at celeb kitchens on Instagram in future). 

✔ Laminate won’t absorb water as much as marble or granite will

✔ Engineered quartz comes in a vast array of colours, grains and tones for more choice

✔ Composite materials are easy to cut and install and are lightweight for easy transportation

Make subtle changes to style

The style of the room is often found in the small, cost-effective touches. Choose light colours if you’re looking for a contemporary, spacious look. Cut rounded corners on your worktops for a softer feel to the space. Mix up materials and textures — if you have smooth countertops and cupboards, add a few concrete plant pots to the shelves and some chunky wooden chopping boards to the counter. And think about adding textured tiles to the walls — their surfaces have 3D qualities and are tactile, reflecting light and creating a sense of movement.

Create more light

If replacing the windows or knocking out walls isn’t in your budget, paint the cupboard doors in high-gloss white or get the cupboards vinyl wrapped in white gloss. Place some large mirrors on the walls and make sure they’re reflecting the expanse of the room or the view out of the window. 

Accessorise 

Accessorising is another wallet-friendly way of updating your kitchen. Here are some ideas:
 

• Add some wall art
• Include a hemp rug or a washable rug (ideal for those kitchen spills!)
• Add some trendy pendant lights over a table or bar (according to interior designers, three is the magic number)
• Look out for second-hand retro radios and lamps to add interest to a shelf
• Include some luscious plants 
• Put up a wall organiser — unorganised clutter can make the space look messy  
• Install under-cabinet lights to add some depth 

What areas of the kitchen should you prioritise?

Plentiful storage and energy-efficient appliances often feature top of experts’ advice to add value to your kitchen, so if you’re unsure where to start — prioritise these.

Storage solutions are currently on-trend, inspired by home organisation influencers such as The Home Edit —  so there are many options available for efficient kitchen storage. 

Scandi style is also big on form and function, so if you’re a fan of the Nordic look, then check out the ever-popular and budget-friendly IKEA for inspiration.

Next up, consider some energy-efficient, environmentally friendly appliances such as   refrigerators, dishwashers and extractor fans. Not only do they look good and help to  update your kitchen, but they’ll save you money on energy bills over time. And don’t forget about the kitchen sink...

Rethink your sink 

A steaming hot water tap was the most sought-after appliance in a home survey by Houzz. Once only for the wealthy, they’re now a good way to update any kitchen as a cheaper alternative to replacing or redesigning the kitchen itself — and they’ll cost less in energy. No more boiling the kettle multiple times a day (with too much water in it — we see you!). 

How do you rejuvenate kitchen cabinets?

Kitchen cabinets carry a lot of visual space — they have the power to totally transform the kitchen just by painting them. Read through our steps before you get cracking.

Choose the right colour and the right finish

There is so much paint on the market that it’s worth getting some samples and testing the area first. Take your time to choose a colour as you may find that you change your mind. You can choose from trendy chalk paints, heritage shades, satinwood, one coat cupboard and melamine paint, satin finish, economy two-coat paint...the choice is endless. Different types of paint will have different benefits and drawbacks. For example, high-gloss paint is easier to wipe clean, but tricky to apply — watch out for splashes — and takes longer to dry (how to clean those paintbrushes when it sticks like glue?!). While chalk paint is quick and easy to apply and won’t ruin your paintbrush —  but it’s hard to wipe down when cleaning. 

Preparation

1. Sand away any dirt or loose surface paint
2. Use wood putty to fill in any holes or gaps in the surface 
3. Use the ‘feathering’ technique to paint primer across any areas of bare wood (you don’t need to load up your paintbrush with much, simply cover the surface with paint).
4. Cover up any areas around you where paint may drop (including yourself!)

FAQ:

Where can I find inspiration for kitchen renovation ideas?
 

• Spend some time searching the web and browsing websites and blogs for kitchen renovation inspiration. 
• Follow kitchen interior designers on Instagram, who provide inspiration for both modern and traditional kitchens.
• Check out the Houzz app that allows you to search and save inspirational photos and create ‘ideasbooks’.

How do I know which colour scheme to pick for my kitchen?

When picking a colour scheme for your kitchen, think about the first impression it will make when you walk into the room. In general, small kitchens benefit from light-coloured cabinets to make them feel more spacious and larger kitchens can take darker colours to make them feel cosier. 

Is there a right time to start kitchen renovations?

The handy thing about kitchen renovations is that they’re an indoor job so you can choose any time of year to get started. If you want to make the most of eating in the garden and the BBQ while the work is underway, then you might pick summer — but knowing our British summers, you might not want to get your hopes up!