Discover 21 ideas that quickly freshen up your kitchen, giving you and your kitchen a fresh lease of life.
Open shelving can look seriously stylish in a kitchen.
Smart kitchen storage ideas can be added to a bare wall to create extra storage to display your favourite cookbooks or crockery collection.
Alternative budget kitchen ideas include simply removing the door of one of your cabinets to create open shelving without spending a penny. However, if you struggle to keep your kitchen shelves tidy, be warned that without a cabinet door there is nowhere for the mess to hide.
Keep your kitchen surfaces clutter-free by hanging a group of wire baskets on the wall from their bases.
Use to display cookbooks, spice jars, and condiments or to keep utensils handy.
Create symmetry on your kitchen shelving ideas by hanging in pairs in groups of two, four or six. To make a style statement why not spray paint your baskets in a neon shade to add a pop of colour to your scheme?
Paint ideas for kitchen cabinets can deliver a premium look at a budget price point, as long as you don't mind spending a bit of time wielding a paintbrush.
How to paint kitchen cabinets properly will ensure you get a professional finish.
'If the units have been previously painted, give them a good rub down with sandpaper before starting to paint. If you can, find out what type of paint was used previously. If it was a water-based product then you'll be fine to paint over it with another water-based paint,'
'However, if it was oil-based or a two-part spray, it's a good idea to use a primer sealer first This will ensure the paint adheres properly when applied and doesn't flake or peel. This will also work to an extent on a melamine finish, but the adhesion here will vary and you may need to go over your paint finish with a clear decorator's varnish to protect the paint from chipping.'
Try setting aside an afternoon to sort out your kitchen cupboards, then organise them so you have access to the things you use every day.
Clearing your worktops can also instantly improve your kitchen and it won't cost you anything at all.
Alternatively, try rethinking storage solutions. Put up extra shelving and hanging rails to make use of every available space.
Get creative and give your kitchen personality by creating a feature wall using chalkboard paint for creative budget kitchen ideas.
A simple wall of black paint, specifically designed to be drawn on with chalk, is a great way to add a personal touch to your kitchen space.
Not only does it give kids the perfect place to entertain themselves, still within view while you tend to jobs in the kitchen – it also creates an ideal family planner.
Wallpaper is a great way to add colour and vibrancy to an old kitchen. You can either cover the entire wall, or create feature wall ideas for a cheaper but equally stunning look.
Make sure you choose the wallpaper that is specially designed for the kitchen so it is heat and steam-resistant.
If the basic structure of your kitchen is in good condition, you can change the look of the room by simply replacing the handles. Right now, leather and brass are hot finishes.
Kitchen lighting ideas can make a big impact on a kitchen's look and feel.
Ideally, you should have task lights, such as spotlights, over the worktops; halogen bulbs on the extractor; and overhead lighting with ambient light in a dining area.
Always use a qualified electrician for anything complicated
Add playful personality to a scheme and introduce a retro vibe with eye-catching kitchen wall decor ideas.
For maximum effect, display against a cool white backdrop and bring in blasts of bold colour with pop art and signage in a palette of primary shades that can be picked out in your accessories.
Vary the way artwork is displayed by hanging some on the wall and propping other pieces casually against it for an informal feel.
Taps add distinctive character to a kitchen and you can change the feel of yours in a jiffy by adding a copper tap or one with white ceramic handles to your kitchen sink ideas
A stainless steel design will create a contemporary feel or a distinctive black one will make a real statement.
If you're short on storage or simply want to have kitchen essentials close to hand, invest in a spacious ceiling rack for your big, bulky pans and utensils.
It's a great way of making a feature of kitchen island ideas and lending a period feel to a scheme. Soften the look by decorating with dried flowers and rustic baskets.
This wall rack is actually a set of webbing-mounted bed slats hung from a couple of wall hooks. It is a really cost-effective way to add extra storage it saves old bed slats from ending up in the bin.
If you don't have any bed slats lying around, leftover pieces of plywood cut into small pieces will also work well. Just add S-hooks for hanging bits and bobs. This is great for small kitchen ideas, where storage space is limited.
If you have perfectly good wood cabinets but hate the dated colour, consider painting them instead of purchasing a whole new set.
You could go classic white, a soft, light grey or try a two-toned look.
If painting is not enough to change the look, you can replace doors and drawer fronts.
Rather than buy a whole new fitted kitchen at a cost that could mean remortgaging the house, we're talking about using budget kitchen ideas to make a world of difference.
'Try mixing patterned and plain doors to achieve a design scheme with contrasting detailing,'
'If you have a kitchen island, why not go for a bold patterned front, allowing it to stand out from the rest of the room.'
If you can't afford a swanky Smeg fridge but are desperate to give your boring-looking appliance a splash of colour, why not get crafty with a can of spray paint
Alternatively, for a less permanent option cover the front of the household appliance with a leftover roll of wallpaper attached with double-sided sticky tape.
Accessories will brighten your kitchen in an instant and you can choose a theme to bring the look together.
Display selected items on open shelving and think about reorganising your worktop so you only have your favourites on show.
If you have a dresser, this is the perfect place to show off neat stacks of crockery, cups and glassware.
Forget paint and tile. To amp up your current kitchen you could simply add elegant or unexpected decorative touches like a piece of art, a lamp on the counter, an antique mirror or rack, copper pots and pans, or a silver tray to put cooking oils on.
By changing the key pieces of furniture you have in your kitchen, you can make a major difference.
Even though your stools or chairs may be perfectly functional, they may sorely lack in design points. Swap them for some stylish pieces to achieve a big impact.
Imagine the same kitchen below with some plain-jane round bar stools, or worse yet, padded versions from the ‘90s. Now look at what the impression these sleek finds make:
You can also play around with the chairs around your kitchen table for the same effect.
Don't overlook kitchen furniture when thinking about major style impacts in your home.
Finally, spend a little on new power-point covers, light switches, window coverings and light fittings.
If you have drawers that are overflowing with stuff, it might be time for an organization overhaul.
Organizing kitchen drawers is actually pretty simple. All you need is some drawer dividers (which are easily found at any home store and online), and a little bit of creativity when it comes to organizing. A label maker can be helpful too!
Dividers are available in multiple sizes so they can fit in just about any drawer. Group like items together—spoons next to spoons, knives next to knives, etc.—and then try laying out similar-sized items vertically or horizontally depending on how much space you have available.
With organization, always make sure that everything has its own place—don't let single utensils take over your silverware tray! Everything should also be clearly labelled so that you don't end up digging through a bin of flatware looking for just one item.
In the same way that a rug can instantly update a living room, it can do the same thing in your kitchen.
While a kitchen isn't the traditional space for a rug, with careful consideration it can be a great addition to make the space look more expensive on a budget.
The most important factors to consider are comfort and cleanability.' '
To style a kitchen, leave the area around the refrigerator and stove clear from the rug.
The best place to place a rug in the kitchen is in front of the sink since it is the area most used.
Decanting your cooking supplies into jars yields a certain amount of satisfaction and makes it easy to spot if you are running low on ingredients too. They also double as home decor when displayed on open shelving with beautiful labels.
There is now a whole range of gadgets out there to create beautiful custom labels.
Alternatively, for even more budget kitchen ideas, you can use waterproof chalkboard labels or make your own clay swing tags.
Now you have some ideas on how to give your kitchen a quick update.
Other Reading
https://www.simplehomesimplelife.com/blog/7-budget-ways-to-upgrade-your-kitchen
https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/remodeling/makeover/budget-kitchen-remodeling-kitchens-under-2000/
https://www.charactercabinets.com.au/budget-refresh-kitchen/
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