How to improve your kitchen decor in time for Christmas on a budget
Carrying out home improvements can be very expensive, especially if they are done in the kitchen. According to householdquotes.co.uk, upgrading even a small kitchen can set households back £4,000. However, experts have shared that there are five special ways homeowners can improve their kitchens on a budget and just in time for Christmas.
1. Painting cabinet
Instead of investing in brand new kitchen cabinets, experts recommend painting them instead. Mike Head, director at Atlas Ceramics said: “Painting your cabinets is a simple move to instantly transform a tired kitchen. To do this well, preparation is key. You should start by cleaning them well using a special degreaser.
“Then lightly sand them down with sandpaper to get a smooth, matte finish. Wipe off the dust and let them dry before painting. Be sure to use masking tape to protect the edges, and cover the floor with a dust sheet.
“Finally, remove the handles and it’s ready! You should first paint with a brush to get into nooks and crannies before using a roller to cover the remaining area. Take your time and wait for each layer to dry completely to ensure an even finish.”
The interior professionals at Stelrad also encouraged those households who want to improve their kitchens to paint the cupboards. They said: “Not only will painting the cupboards make it look more modern, but it will also freshen up the room altogether.
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“Upgrading your cabinets is easy to replace and normally so cheap too, so you can hardly spend time and money making your home as beautiful as it can be.”
For those wondering which colors to go for, Mike advised that soft pinks and sage greens will go “beautifully” with white countertops. He added: “If you want to be more experimental, try a sleek black or earthy terracotta.”
2. New spray backs
For those looking to add ‘personality’ to their kitchen, upgrading splashbacks is a ‘great way’ to do this, says Mike. To do this, households need glue, tile spacers, a cutter, a spirit level, a trowel and safety glasses.
The expert added: “Spletbacken is an ideal place to go bold – so don’t be afraid to experiment with colors or shapes. If you have a small kitchen, we’d recommend mosaic tiles or bold geometric tiles to give the illusion of dimension and space .
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“A splashback can be a fantastic focal point for the kitchen, so make sure the splashback coordinates with the kitchen decor.”
Households upgrading their splashbacks also need to think about sealants. According to Mike, light grout paired with darker tiles can really bring out the finish, but for those tiling over a hob it may be better to choose a darker grout as it is easier to maintain when there is a risk of food splashes.
3. Add vinyl
Vinyl has become more popular in recent years with #kitchenvinylwrap achieving more than 5.4 million TikTok views to date. The interior design pro claimed: “Vinyl is an easy, cost-effective way to update worktops; but you can also use it on drawers, cupboards and tiles.”
Households can purchase vinyl from any DIY retailer or home store in a variety of patterns and colors from mosaic, marble and terrazzo. Mike noted, “It’s a great way to try out a new design you might be considering for a renovation later on.
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“All you need to apply the vinyl is something to smooth the sheet down with, such as a smoothing tool, and some silicone to seal your edges. It’s a complete kitchen makeover you can do in less than a week!”
4. Statement faucets
For households looking to make their kitchen appear more ‘luxurious’, Mike advised them to opt for a statement faucet.
He said: “You can choose a sleek black matte or a classic chrome U-shape and you don’t have to spend a fortune – there are plenty of modern options you can find for around £30.
“As royalcore has made a comeback in recent months, gold faucets are another great way to add opulence and create an elegant look. This year’s faucet trends so far highlight the importance of coordination and unity, so make sure your faucet color coordinates with the rest of your kitchen.”
But households also have to think practically about what works for their kitchen. Those with limited space may want to consider replacing the kettle with a stylish boiling water tap.
Mike added: “It’s always a good idea to make sure the metal on the faucet matches other metal finishes in your kitchen. If not, you can easily replace the cabinet handles and cutlery to match.”
5. Experiment with lighting
The expert recommended being creative with lighting. He said: “LED lights with self-adhesive strips are perfect for creating a sophisticated atmosphere in your kitchen when you’re hosting. You can place them above the worktop, or under your cabinets for a cheap alternative to installing downlights.”
For those with a small kitchen, the expert recommends glass cabinets rather than closed ones. Mike said: “Glass cabinets can maximize the natural flow of light in your kitchen as well as add depth and dimension to make room for a smaller room.”
