The kitchen is the heart of the home and should be treated as such, but with professional home improvements proving costly, there are alternative roads to go down.
The cost of replacing a kitchen can vary wildly, costing upwards of £5,000, and that's usually just for the cheapest option.
When you factor in appliances and other various finishing touches, you could be looking at a bill of almost £10,000.
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As people across the country tighten the purse strings in a cost of living crisis, Michael Rolland, DIY expert and managing director of The Paint Shed, has shared a number of tips on how to refresh your kitchen on a budget.
Revamp the counters
Replacing countertops is an expensive move and luckily there are a number of cheaper alternatives to bring new life into the kitchen. These include using contact paper, a worktop transformation kit, painting or staining the existing counter, using concrete or tiling the area.
Michael said: "There are plenty of cheaper options to consider but the right one depends on the current material of the countertops, plus the longevity you want to achieve. Contact paper for example is a great quick way to update kitchen counters but it is unlikely to look its best for any more than a year."
Giving tiles a lick of paint
A quick and easy way to change things up, whether you're painting floor tiles or wall tiles. Be wary though; this will require "adequate DIY cleaning and preparation" as well as the right tools.
Paint the cabinets
Another quick fix that can deliver dramatic results. Michael added: "Painting kitchen cabinets is a relatively simple process." Again, this step takes preparation, which Michael said "is the biggest part of any painting project".
Change up your hardware
This simple change can give the cupboards and drawers an entirely new look. Michael said: "Why not opt for a different toned metal, such as copper to go with dark grey or black cabinets, gold to go with sage green and black hardware to go with white cabinets."
Accessorise
Many homeowners overlook this step like they would a living room, for example. Michael said: "Adding a vase of fresh flowers to a kitchen island or the windowsill, hanging a few prints and ensuring your countertop storage, such as utensil holder or fruit bowl are updated to match the new aesthetic will help tie the look of the kitchen together and elevate the overall look."
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