Kitchen Makeover

Living Magazines Kitchen Makeover Pollard Property After

Update your kitchen at a fraction of the cost of a new one.

Spring is in the air and there’s nothing nicer than giving your home a bit of a sprucing up – and a brand new kitchen can make the world of difference.

But if you can’t stretch to an entire renovation don’t despair. There are many ways to give your kitchen a new lease of life that don’t have to cost the earth. We spoke to the experts.

Cupboard Love

If your cupboard doors are looking a bit tired, or you just fancy a change, consider having them professionally spray painted.

‘For a top quality finish, spray painting is the best option, and can be done on any surface, from wood to plastic to laminate,’ explains Ryan Pollard from Pollard Property Services in Tring.

If you’re worried it’s a messy job, don’t fret. The cupboard doors are taken away to the workshop to be stripped and prepped, and are then painted on site, with everything completely covered up, meaning minimal disruption.

Worktops

If your worktops are looking tired or dated, installing new ones is a quick and easy solution.

‘The most popular type of worktop is quartz as there is such a large range of colours and finishes,’ says Andrew Morton from Hawk Kitchens and Bathrooms in Gaddesden. ‘It’s one of the most durable and practical surfaces around.’

Flooring

You have to be careful what floor you choose in a kitchen area where it’s likely to get splashed with water and grease – but a new floor, whether it’s tiled or vinyl or even a treated wood is a great way to make a big impact.

Tiles and splashbacks

If you don’t have splashbacks or the ones you have are looking old and dated, this is a great way to give your kitchen a mini upgrade.

‘Coloured glass or patterned tiles can add a dash of colour and bounce light around a room, ideal for small spaces with a lack of light,’ explains Andrew Morton.

Paint It

If you’re bored of your colour scheme, why not give your kitchen a splash of colour? Go for a strong paint colour or even make a feature wall with a striking patterned wallpaper on just one wall – just make sure you buy a wallpaper suitable for kitchens.

New Doors

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If your kitchen doors are not just faded but are actually falling apart, a respray may not be enough. But you don’t need to replace the entire thing. Keep the carcasses and simply replace the doors. It’s also a great way to give your kitchen a brand new style. ‘For example if you had a Shaker style door and you wanted to go more modern, change it to a flat slab door,’ says Andrew Morton from Hawk Kitchens. It’s amazing what a difference it will make.

Updates on a Budget

If you’re on a really tight budget, here are some simple ideas to give your kitchen an update.

Paint tiles

If you can’t afford to replace the kitchen tiles but they’re making the room look dated, buy a decent tile paint and paint over them.

Lighting

Adding lighting under worktops and in work areas makes everything look better. If you can afford it, have recessed lights installed. Otherwise, buy a strip of LED lights and attach them yourself – they don’t last forever but they look great.

Open shelving

Display quirky crockery, plants – anything you like – on open shelves to give the room a sense of space and style.

Picture perfect

Add colourful wall art to give your kitchen a splash of colour.

Go vintage

Seek out vintage chairs or accessories to give the room a personalised, funky feel.

Handles

Changing handles on cabinets is one of the cheapest changes you can make.

If you get in touch with either Pollard or Hawk in reference to this article and updating your own kitchen, please mention Living Magazines. It’s only a little thing, but it would mean a lot to us. Many thanks.