I have decided that updating my kitchen is going to be this year’s house project. Last year we took on the bathroom on a budget and I know the kitchen has needed some attention for some time. If I could have my dream kitchen it would require an extension and a complete refit. Unfortunately, we just don’t have the budget for that right now. I’m not sure it would be worth the disruption with having the children running around so I’m looking at other ways to make my kitchen a space I can love. When we do have the time for the chaos then we can look at the bigger picture and make the changes that we want for a complete refit. It’s lucky that there is so much help out there for people like us who want to get it done! From checking out Francostone info for their kitchen countertops to popping into our local hardware store for baseboard fittings, we’ll be spoilt for choice.

Affordable ways to improve your kitchen

We have a galley kitchen so space is really limited and I’ve really let the clutter take over. I’ve been guilty of saving all the takeaway tubs for storing kids snacks in and I have no idea what is hiding under the kitchen sink these days! I want to transform my kitchen into a clutter free bright space that I enjoy being in. Cooking is an important part of being a healthy thriving family, and I want a kitchen space that inspires great family meals and baking.

Tips For Decluttering A Kitchen

If I can get this bit right, I think I will be halfway to having a lovely working kitchen space. I started this part of the project before Christmas by tackling all of the food cupboards. I was shocked at how many herbs, spices and other ingredients I had which were well past their best before date. I was ruthless and chucked things away that were out of date and I made a box of things that were in date but that I wasn’t going to use. I sent these items down to the local food bank.

I’ve started on the crockery and utensils as I have far more than I need. I’ve started making a bottom drawer of items for teen to take to Uni in September and that’s made a huge difference to my storage space. I’m clearing all the window sills of the ‘bits and bobs’ that I’ve managed to collect and the cupboard under the sink and I are going to have some serious words. I am guilty of keeping things ‘just in case’, and that needs to stop. If that phrase enters my head, the item will go in the bin.

Add or Change Lighting

Our kitchen is at the back of the house, and despite having two windows it is still quite dark. In order to make it light and fresh I’d like to update the existing lighting. I’ve been looking into lighting options and it really doesn’t have to be that expensive. Our kitchen would benefit from some under cabinet lighting to brighten it up. There might even be some wiring already in place, and it’s just a question of adding some fittings.

Add New Tiles or a New Rug

kitchen rug ideas

You might not think about it much because you only ever walk on it, but the floor can have a big impact on a room. A kitchen floor needs to be easy to keep clean, non-slip and durable to withstand dropped pots and pans. If your tiles are dated or cracked, Floor Removal and replacement is your best option. But, what kind of flooring material do you want for the new project? If you have not selected the material yet, then you can consider granite flooring as an option. Granite is a popular flooring choice for busy kitchens because of its beauty and durability. Even without sealants, this natural stone is resistant to moisture. So, it can be a perfect choice. That said, if you are interested, then you can purchase granite slabs at a budget-friend price from the likes of Stone Boneyard.

However, if you aren’t able to replace the floor, a plain rug can transform a kitchen space quickly and cheaply. Just make sure you can throw it in the washing machine every week to get rid of food crumbs and occasional spills. Maintaining hygiene in a kitchen is vital, so make sure you keep the rug clean and dry.

Change the Taps

The taps on our sink are very uninspiring and I’d love to update them. There are some really affordable modern taps out there, and you can fit them yourself. It really isn’t that hard! With a new tap starting as low as £30 it’s a really cheap way to bring a modern touch to an out of date kitchen.

Kitchen taps

Add Perfect Kitchen Accessories

I really need to minimise the amount of things I have on the work surfaces, and use the things I do have to maximum effect. Everything that needs to be out should add something to the room. It might be time for a new kettle and toaster to add a bit of colour to the decor. I’m determined to find a new home for the washing powder and perhaps replace it with some fresh flowers or a pretty chopping board. Using jars and tins for storage can also bring a kitchen up to date or change the look completely.

I recently revamped my kitchen by doing a simple shop on Ivy and Wilde. Their Luxe range of cutlery is mesmerising and truly looks like it’s something straight out of Harrods with a price tag of $250. Combined with their Skov wooden plates, my kitchen suddenly looks like a millionaires pad!

What is your house project for 2016? I’d love to hear what you’ll be working on and if you have any tips?

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4 COMMENTS

  1. This is a really useful post. Because we rent, we are loathe to spend a lot on the house but at the same time want to make it our own – these would be great to update ours!

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