How To Update A Kitchen Without Renovating

A full kitchen renovation is a daunting prospect for anyone and its not always realistic. When you take into account the cost and the disruption to your household, many people decide it just isn’t an option. However, you don’t need to start from scratch with your kitchen to make it feel new. With a series of smaller updates you can change the look and atmosphere of your kitchen, and often you can do it without noisy and messy builders.

You can make the smaller details work harder. Updating kitchen hardware, repainting cabinet doors or swapping out light fittings can bring new life to a tired kitchen.

Below we’ve explored some simple and affordable ways to bring new life to your kitchen without the pain of renovating.

Start With The Kitchen Handles & Other Hardware

Swapping out tired kitchen handles and hardware can instantly transform your kitchen. Give it a cleaner and more modern appearance without touching any of cabinets or kitchen layout.

Kitchen handles are available in a range of styles and finishes. Brushed nickel or matt black handles and knobs will add warmth and character, whereas chrome handles will create an extra modern edge.

If you are going to replace your kitchen cabinet handles, then being consistent is key. You should consider other hardware such as taps, light fittings and plug sockets to create a cohesive look

Look To Refresh Cabinets With Paint Or Wraps

If your kitchen cabinets or units are overall in a good structural condition but perhaps just look a little tired, a fresh coat of paint or vinyl wrap can transform them. It’s one of the most effective ways to make a big change without having to install any new units.

Painting your cabinet doors or drawer fronts will instantly lift the room. You could choose fairly neutral colours such as soft white or grey – both will work well the most interior styles. Or, for something a little braver go with a navy blue or forest green to add real depth. The key is to choose a paint specifically manufactured for kitchens that is durable and easy to clean. It’s advisable you remove the doors before painting.

An alternative to painting are vinyl wraps. These can be supplied in a huge range of colours and can also mimic high end finishes such as marble or wood grain. A wrap will be easy to clean and can be changed at a later date.

Change Or Update Worktops Or Splashbacks

The worktops and splashbacks in your kitchen take up a huge amount of visual space. When thinking about an update you don’t need to invest in fancy stone or quartz worktops to make an impact, there are a few creative and affordable ways to give them a lift.

It’s likely your worktops have become scratched or faded and in this instance you could consider a worktop overlay. These are thin and durable surfaces that fit over your worktop. A laminate cover is also another budget friendly option and these can also replicate premium materials such as marble or natural wood. If you’re a little more confident with DIY you could also consider painting your worktops.

Splashbacks or tiled areas are another place that can become grubby or tired. Swapping tiles with fresh coloured ones or new patterns will instantly boost your kitchen. For quicker and less permanent changes, have a look at peel-and-stick splashbacks or glass panels.

Bring Extra Life With New Accessories & Finishing Touches

Once you’ve finished updating the key elements of your kitchen you may choose to consider some more thoughtful styling. Small decorative details can make a big impact and are often really easy changes.

Replace cluttered areas with tidy storage solutions or accessories. Visualise ceramic jars, real wood chopping boards or utensil holders. Patterned blinds, seat cushions or stools are easy to add and swap out seasonally.

As a finishing touch you could bring in some greenery. A few herb plants on the windowsill or a trailing plant off a shelf adds a bit of nature and softens the room.