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Luckily, there are some smart and effective ways to create a more comfortable, practical and stylish home kitchen without a huge outlay. Try these do-it-in-a-weekend projects for easy updates to your existing kitchen, and await your Michelin stars!
1. Tile repairs
Tiling is a handy skill for any homeowner to acquire, especially if you’re on a tight budget. With the right tools, it’s possible to remove and replace individual cracked tiles or refresh grout work without having to completely re-tile the space.
To give the kitchen a contemporary lift, why not swap out old tiles for feature squares in a colour or theme that inspires you? The new generation of tile paints is also extremely effective, offering a range of glossy colours and textures that work well to cover marks and stains.
If you’re working on your splashback area, consider removing the old tiles altogether and replacing them with ultra-modern stainless steel, glass or acrylic pieces. These are available in a huge range of designs and can be cut to measure at your local hardware store for easy installation.
2. Cabinetry repairs
If you’re not yet in the market for a full kitchen renovation, consider a facelift for your cabinetry. It’s economical and often quite straightforward to replace cupboard doors or drawers without pulling the room apart.
Like tiles, there are some excellent laminate paints on the market designed to spruce up cabinetry with ease. Veneers can also be applied to benchtops and cupboard doors to refresh colour schemes or hide chips and stains.
3. Shelving and storage solutions
While you’re thinking about cabinetry, take some time to consider the efficiency of your storage. Good storage solutions are one of the cheapest ways to improve the look and feel of your kitchen by reducing clutter on your bench tops and ensuring safe, easy access to appliances.
Every celebrity chef has access to a deluxe pantry and this, too, is all about storage. Look for shelving inserts that allow neat stacking of tins, racks for herbs and spices, and good visibility of stored items. No more out of date ingredients lost forever at the back of the shelf!
4. Lighting upgrades
Lighting upgrades in the kitchen are another way to improve both function and flair without major expense. If you have overhead lighting, look for energy-efficient light bulbs that provide clear lighting without heat for a more comfortable work environment.
The buzz word in lighting right now is ‘task lighting’ and this, too, applies in the kitchen. Choose a range of lighting solutions for your kitchen, from bright lamps focussed on work spaces, to warm table lamps in the dining area. Lighting your kitchen is not about ‘one size fits all’ fluorescent strips!
5. A load of rubbish
Finally, improving the way you manage waste in your kitchen can make a major contribution to comfort and efficiency. There’s nothing less inspiring than a kitchen with unsightly, overflowing bins.
Bins that slot into cupboard spaces or the bottom shelf of the pantry are easily installed as freestanding units or integrated with the cabinetry using runners. Bins with multiple compartments allow you to sort recycling from general waste for easier disposal, or incorporate a scrap bucket for food that can be used for compost.
Why not bring the outside in with a healthy herb garden in a window box or self-watering planter? Enjoy fresh flavours in your cooking and nourish the plants with compost from your kitchen waste.
Creating a beautiful, practical kitchen doesn’t always require a major outlay of time or money. Simple solutions go a long way to putting you at ease while you create your culinary masterpieces.
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