Need to renovate your kitchen on a tight budget? It’s possible to get a fresh new look without spending a fortune. From picking up a paintbrush for a few hours to investing in a new worktop, here are our ideas for a kitchen makeover.

Paint your walls

Painting the walls is a low-cost way to refresh a tired kitchen and inject a splash of colour. A bright white kitchen scheme has timeless appeal. Or choose one of the season’s latest shades to bring it up to date. You could create a feature wall to add a bit of artistic flair. It doesn’t have to be hot pink or brilliant red, muted shades can also look striking on a feature wall.

New cupboard doors

If the unit carcasses of your kitchen are in good condition, you can give your kitchen a facelift with new cabinet doors at a fraction of the cost of a total refit. Swap old worn doors for replacement ones in the same style if possible or pick a fresh new look to transform your kitchen into a more contemporary space. Replacement cupboard doors and drawer fronts are available from DIY stores and online in a range of styles to suit most kitchen designs. You can customise them with choice of colour, finish and handles.

Mix and match

Don’t be afraid to combine costly items with more affordable ones. Keep pricier items for areas that are on display and make a feature of them. Put one-of-a-kind, hand-painted tiles on the splashback with factory-made tiles in other areas. Combine closed and open shelving to give your kitchen a personal, characterful feel. Open shelves are less expensive and can be an ideal to display your favourite cookbooks, colourful crockery or pot plants.

New worktops

Changing your worktop is a great way to add wow-factor to your kitchen.  Avoid the cheapest laminates as they can chip easily. Buy the best you can afford. Quality laminate is still cost-effective and can have stunning surface design but without the hefty price tag of quartz or granite. If you have a kitchen island, you could opt for a beautiful natural stone worktop and choose less expensive laminate for other units.  

Kitchen accessories

From kettles and toasters to pots and pans, accessories can help rejuvenate your kitchen. Think vibrant shades to inject a shot of colour into a neutral scheme.  Or you can choose a theme to bring the look together, including oven gloves and tea towels, such a poker dots or sunflowers. Reorganise your kitchen to display your favourite crockery in glass-fronted cabinets or open shelves and de-clutter worktops. 

Create more light

Refreshing the lighting is a great way to make your kitchen feel bigger and brighter. Swap old-fashioned strip lights for ceiling-mounted spot lights for work areas such as sinks and worktops or add stylish pendants to illuminate the breakfast bar or dining area. It’s essential to use a qualified electrician for electrical work to make sure it’s safe and complies with building regulations.

Don’t forget the kitchen sink

A small, scruffy sink can spoil the look of a kitchen. Upgrade by adding a shiny new white ceramic butler sink for a country look or a stainless steel or composite one for a more contemporary feel. Be wary of choosing the cheapest stainless steel sink as it’s more likely to scratch and lose its shine. Choose a size and style to suit your kitchen design and practical requirements. Do you need a one-and-a-half bowl or two bowl sink?  If your budget doesn’t stretch to a new sink, splash out on modern taps, or a new washing up bowl and drainer to give your kitchen a cleaner, fresher feel.

Add a cosy seating area

You don’t have to stick to bar stools and upright chairs in the kitchen area. If you have space, consider adding a small sofa or comfy armchair to create a cosy seating area. Kitchens are the heart of the home and we spend a lot of time in them, so make it a relaxing space. Children or guests can chat while you cook, or you can use it to curl up with a favourite book and cup of coffee.