How to transform your kitchen on a budget
The kitchen is one of those spaces in the home that gets a lot of use but infrequent renovations because of the hefty cost. While you can swap out some cushions or décor to spice up your living room, it can feel more challenging to add new interest to your kitchen without making expensive changes. As interior designers in Sydney, we are always being asked for tips to breathe new life into a tired kitchen without breaking the bank. Continue reading for some key insights on this topic.
PAINT THE CABINETS/WALLS
All you need for this upgrade is your chosen paint, a primer, sanding materials and some tape… oh and a heck of a lot of time. Be warned that painting your cabinets is not as easy as whipping out the paintbrush one afternoon and having a new look that same day. Taking care to prep the cabinets properly is essential so that all of your hard work doesn’t end up chipping and flaking off soon after. This isn’t to say that we don’t love a nice painted cabinet look, just a word of caution before you undertake the project. Check out this article so you can avoid some common mistakes.
Back to the upside, here are some gorgeous examples to remind you it’s worth all the hard work:
This beautiful soft pink is ‘Templeton Pink’ by Farrow & Ball
Image credit to British Standard
These cabinets are painted in the shade ‘October Mist’ by Benjamin Moore
Image credit to Jemma Sue Design
Of course if painting the cabinets sounds like too much of a headache, you can always reenergise the space with a fresh colour on the walls which should be far less time consuming but equally impactful.
Pro tip: Make sure to test your paint colour with swatches first as it will appear darker when applied due to differences in lighting and additional shadows that often aren’t shown on a website or an image on the tin.
NEW CABINET HARDWARE
If you want to differentiate your kitchen, statement pulls will immediately set you apart from most people. We love to browse Etsy for the most weird and wonderful picks, and at affordable prices. Here are some of our top finds that you’re unlikely to spot at your local hardware store.
Pro tip: If you want to change from a pull attached in two places to a knob, you’ll need to also patch the second hole and paint your cabinets.
ADD STRIP LIGHTING
Strip lighting is an easy addition that will give your kitchen a modern, sleek look. The image on the right is a good example of using strip lighting and shows it can really invigorate a space, although personally, I think they have overused the strip lighting. I would choose above and below the overhead cupboards only OR by the kickboard for a more subtle look, but each to their own.
Be sure to consider the colour you would like your strip lights to be, often a choice between a warmer yellow tone or a cool white. Here is a helpful tutorial to help you install your strip lights.
LAZY SUSANS FOR ORGANISATION
Transforming your kitchen isn’t just about what you see on the outside, it’s about gaining better functionality in your space too. Corner cupboards are often dead zones as they are too difficult to see into properly. Lazy susans are great for improving visibility of your items so you don’t have to rummage through them every time you need an item.
Even more elaborate, and yes pricier, are corner drawer systems called ‘Space Corner’ by Blum. If your corner cupboards fall into the range of sizes they accommodate and you need more functional space, this could be a great solution for your home.
WALL SCONCES OR CEILING FIXTURE
An interesting light fixture does wonders for adding character to a space. Lighting fixtures have a huge price range but you can generally find more unique pieces from about AU$500, making this perhaps the most expensive alteration on our list. The possibilities with lighting are almost endless but we think these elegant, minimal picks are bound to enhance any space.
UPGRADE TAP
Upgrading your tapware might seem like a pricy addition, but it can make a real impact in the space. You might also be surprised by the wide range of affordable options on the market. Take the tap on the right from Accent Designs as an example, on sale for AU$199 and still under AU$400 after installation by a plumber. This design also features a pull-out spout and is an elegant, brushed nickel colour.
Pro tip: Splurge on a finish that isn’t just basic chrome to give a more elevated feel.
PEEL & STICK EVERYTHING!
We saved potentially the biggest transformation for last. Peel and stick is a wonderful option for personalising your space and the fact that they are removable makes them perfect for renters and indecisive homeowners alike. There are so many colour and pattern options across several different stores, and often the same sticker could be used for countertop, splashback and floor if desired. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed when tasked with making a selection. Try to narrow down your preferred countertop material and colour scheme first and then continue from there.
Pro tip: If you plan to use stickers on your floor ensure they have a suitable slip rating first.
We love Eckusa on Etsy for an amazing selection of self-adhesive wallpaper with simulated texture designs which you can cover your countertops with.
We love the Moroccan vibes that these tile patterns are giving us:
There are so many exciting alterations you can make to personalise your kitchen and this is just the tip of the iceberg. If this article has inspired you to start your own DIY kitchen adventure we would love to follow along on your journey. Tag us on Instagram @sunbeamstudiointeriors
If you feel you need interior design services to make selections for a DIY project or are considering taking the plunge for an entirely new kitchen please reach out to our team here at Sunbeam Studio, the leading interior design studio in Sydney; we would love to help you achieve your dream home.