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Just because you're on a budget, that doesn't mean you can't complete a kitchen renovation to give it a new look. A kitchen can be one of the most expensive rooms to renovate if you consider new cabinetry, tiles, paints and appliances. If you follow some of our simple tips, you can renovate your kitchen yourself over several weekends without breaking the bank.
Before you get started, make sure that you have some tools, such as screwdrivers, a hammer, some masking tape, pliers, paintbrushes and plenty of rags. Having a higher degree of optimism will help too.
We've heard stories of people doing a kitchen remodel for as little as £100 and asking for friends and family to help where they can.
If your appliances are still in good working order but look slightly used, you can make them look more presentable with an appliance-friendly abrasive cleaner and some elbow grease. This also applies to kitchen sinks, where a good cleanser can make them look completely brand new. Any money you save from replacing appliances can be used to replace your kitchen tap, something small that will make a world of difference.
If you need a new appliance, you could consider an ex-display model, which is often discounted.
Dated kitchens can be prone to dirt and grease accumulating on the walls, and re-painting your walls may be a more significant task than you think, but in the end, it'll be worth it. Start by scrubbing your walls as best as you can, then head over to your favourite hardware store a find a kitchen-friendly paint that will be easier to clean in the long run in a colour that brings cheer to your kitchen.
Re-painting a kitchen is one of the quickest ways to update your kitchen design and instantly impact your kitchen makeover campaign.
If your kitchen furniture, such as tables and chairs, can be up-cycled, you may be in luck. If your furniture is too far gone, try looking for some second-hand deals and giving them a new lease of life. Alternatively, browse online marketplaces for free furniture; what you find may surprise you!
You can use some good paint to make old furniture look new, or if it's made from good, solid wood, a quick sanding and varnishing will instantly give your furniture a new look.
Using chalk paint is quick and easy and often does not need to require you to prime your furniture before you paint. Furniture renovation is a brilliant cost-effective measure.
One of the cheapest ways to keep costs down is to keep the layout the same. Keeping all the plumbing, electrics and kitchen cabinets in the same place will mean you only have to do a cosmetic makeover. If you're lucky enough to have the space, you could invest in, or make, a kitchen island that can serve as an additional work surface.
If you get a kitchen island, perhaps get one with wheels to easily move it about your home. This is a low-cost solution to make sure you can use your remodel budget more wisely.
If you have a kitchen on the smaller side, you could consider removing your kitchen cabinet doors altogether. The open shelving look will create a more spacious atmosphere. You could also paint the inside of the cabinet a different colour or use wallpaper to turn your open shelves space into a feature.
Ensure that your shelves are clutter-free to perfect the look.
Tiling has become more accessible today, where you can now find self-adhesive tiles that can make your job so much easier. A tiled backsplash can help protect your walls and also give you walls a new feature.
Tile only in certain places, such as behind the sink and cooking hob to save on costs.
If you already have tiled splashback, you can buy some tile paint and get creative. This budget-friendly solution can add a new perspective to your kitchen.
If the tiles you wish to paint are glossy, you may need to lightly sand the surface so that the paint can adhere to the tile. Make sure you clean the tiles well to free them from dust before you begin painting. You can create or order some stencils to help with your project, or if you consider yourself to be something of an artist, you can attempt to paint your tiles free-hand.
This simple little investment can do wonders for your new kitchen without spending loads on new electrics.
Changing covers for your sockets and light switches aren't tricky, but before attempting this, make sure your electricity breakers are off to avoid unwanted electric shocks. If you're uncertain about doing this yourself, ask a mate to help out.
Replacing your lightbulbs can also be an excellent solution to transform your kitchen's atmosphere. Depending on the mood you would like to set, choose a bulb that reflects this. You can also use energy-efficient LED lights to help achieve the perfect lighting.
If you have a laminate countertop that has seen better days, you could repair it yourself. If you have deep cuts on bits missing on the countertop, you could buy some matching filler from your hardware shop. Make sure the whole of cuts are well cleaned with rubbing alcohol, dried and then squeeze a bit of filler and use a smoothing tool to make sure the filler is set evenly and deeply. When the filler dries, you can use light sandpaper to blend it with the rest of the countertop.
If you have loose edging, you can try using an iron to re-activate the adhesive and iron the edging back to the kitchen worktop.
If you have no choice but to invest in some new cabinet doors, consider Shaker-style doors. These doors are known to never go out of style and can be used in any kitchen. Cworkshop builds made to measure Shaker doors out of high-quality MDF (which is much cheaper than solid wood), and if you purchase the doors unfinished, you can try your hand at painting them yourself.
Because they don't really go out of style, you can invest some of your time every few years and change the colour of your kitchen Shaker cabinets, giving you a new kitchen look each time.
