Are you looking at your dated kitchen and envisioning another crowded push to get dinner on the table? Or, are you mid-renovation and want to have some semblance of normality before Christmas?
Our experts will take you through the average timeline of renovating a kitchen, so you can know which expectations are realistic, and which can only be done once the decorations are down after New Year.
Kitchen remodel ideas are a chance to make our lives that little bit easier and quite exciting, but they don’t have to be all or nothing. From changing up fixtures, adding new lighting, or swapping out cabinet doors as a refresher, read on to get inspired without putting too much pressure on yourself before the big day.
1. Swap or repaint cabinet doors
Rather than ripping out a functional but dated kitchen, consider replacing cabinet doors. Replacement doors can be purchased from high street suppliers, or from bespoke manufacturers, such as Plykea and Hush.
Repainting kitchen doors is also a very manageable task.
‘If you have a hand painted kitchen, this can be repainted, though to ensure the best finish, we’d recommend hiring a decorator with proven experience in this area, as a bad paint job can instantly ruin an expensive kitchen,’ warns Richard Davonport, Managing director at Davonport Kitchens.
For the best results, sand down each door and use a good primer (like this one from Lowes for $25.98) before applying a few coats of appropriate durable paint.
2. Repaint walls
Repainting the walls of a kitchen is extremely achievable up until two weeks before Christmas. Take at least one day to prepare the walls by sanding and filling where necessary. This step is essential to a great finish and should never be skipped in an effort to save time or money.
A durable and washable paint is best for kitchens so you can clean or wipe up any splashes or spills from cooking.
Learn more about where to buy paint in our dedicated guide and take some inspiration from our kitchen color trends for 2025.
3. Refresh fixtures and fittings
Take a look at your kitchen’s hardware. Everything from handles and sconces to faucets and splash backs can be swapped out quickly and easily, even with a week to go until Christmas.
‘If you are looking to update your kitchen quickly, then hardware – the handles on your cabinets as well as brass ware – can be a good place to start as these can be changed out relatively effortlessly,’ says Richard Davonport.
All you need is a decent screwdriver or good brushless drill (this DeWalt set is a best seller from Lowes) to remove the old handles and install the new ones.
‘Replacing the fixtures only takes a few hours, so you can easily do all of that within a day,’ adds Andy Ellis. ‘If you are redoing the tiled splash backs, these can easily take five days to achieve, so make sure you have adequate time aside for this.’
This handle has so much personality it is sure to revamp and kitchen. The art deco styling presents a stylish highlight, while the comfortable design would be ideal for day-to-day use.
This timeless design will add a sleek edge to an existing kitchen without breaking the bank. I love the details to the simple shape, exactly what you need in the kitchen.
Clean and simple, this drawer pull handle exudes elegance and would match pretty much any decor style.
4. Declutter and streamline storage
It’s time to look at faster, simpler jobs that can make a huge impact on how you interact and view your kitchen.
‘Declutter, deep clean, and add seasonal decor,’’ begins Andy Taylor. ‘I suggest streamlining countertops and organizing cabinets to make everything feel fresh and functional. A few new plants or subtle holiday touches can give it that polished, festive feel without a full renovation.’
‘This is very easy to achieve when you are only a week out,’ continues Andy Ellis. ‘Get your gloves on and give the kitchen a deep clean, remove and dispose of any clutter, and tidy up the rough edges from your DIY work. This is also a good time to make any minor adjustments to your kitchen and its functionality, and it gives you a chance to refresh any utensils and small appliances that might need to be replaced (like that new set of kitchen knives you’ve been eyeing up for holidays).’
Products like this magnetic spice rack from Walmart is great for getting frequently used clutter away from the countertops, while drawer organizers keep everything clearly in its place.
FAQs
When is the best time to buy a kitchen?
Although you can buy kitchen all year round, many brands offer discounts at certain points of the year (such as after New Year or on Black Friday). If you're not in a rush, try to put in your order during these periods, even if delivery is lengthier. I ordered my kitchen after Christmas as our suppliers allowed us to pick a delivery time weeks after purchase.
Can I live in my house during a kitchen renovation?
While of course you can physically live in a house during a kitchen renovation, you might want to take a good look at the timelines and consider if you're willing to give up certain luxuries in that time. Washing up usually needs to be done in a bath at certain points, there will be dust everywhere and limited access to appliances (if at all). Many, including myself, have lived this way and it is more than manageable, but it is best to know your own household and routine before making a decision.
Meet our experts
There you have it. Four kitchen renovation projects you can get onto, and finish in time for Christmas.
Next, delve into chic DIY projects you can finish in a weekend at home.
