Fabulous for less

So your kitchen is dated and dysfunctional, but you have limited cash for an expensive remodel? Don’t fret! Restoring, refreshing and reorganising your existing kitchen can transform the space for much less than you might think. While a full renovation could cost tens of thousands of dollars, these savvy updates can give you instant impact for only hundreds.

Surface spruce-up

Whether you’re looking for a cosy farmhouse style or a sleek modern look, vertical-join lining is a fantastic way to DIY some character into a plain space. It’s easy to install over existing walls and is hard-wearing, with pre-primed and moistureresistant panels available.

For changing up tired flooring, self-stick vinyl tiles are a go-to, noskill solution. Available in a variety of styles, they are designed for hightraffic areas like kitchens at a fraction of the cost of retiling. Literally, just peel and stick these over shabby areas.

Painted love

One quick way to upgrade your kitchen is with paint, and not just on walls – specialist paints such as the Dulux Renovation Range

Dulux DuckBlueEgg

can be used to transform cabinets and tiled splashbacks, with great ‘bang for your buck’ impact. To up the ambience, Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr recommends using darker tones on feature walls and cabinetry in the kitchen. “This can result in a striking focal point for your home,” she says. “If it is already fairly minimalistic and sleek, choose a bright Scandinavian-inspired look by blending soft, neutral hues to ensure your space stays warm and inviting.”

For a more dramatic effect, select two distinct tones. “To create a striking contrast, consider bolder colours such as blues and greens for cabinetry and trims, while sticking to neutrals and whites for the walls and benchtops,” suggests Andrea.

Easy wins

Handles and drawer pulls are vital details in kitchen design, and also one of the easiest and most costeffective elements to replace.

COOK-ZONE COLOUR TRENDS

Neutral greens

Subtle greys

Warm, soft tones

Oceanic hues

Dark and moody

John Harrison of Kaboodle Kitchen says handles are like jewellery for your kitchen. “They are a small piece but can make a huge impact on the overall aesthetic,” he explains. “Swapping out polished chrome handles for a streamlined matt-black option or a brushed-brass finish will instantly elevate the space.”

Before making a final decision, pop in store and see what you like the look and feel of. If you’re unsure how they will match with existing cupboard and drawer colours, create a moodboard to get a better impression.

While you’re focused on kitchen bling, another easy switch is the kitchen tap. A new and modern mixer will give your space a huge lift for little cost – plus you can match it to your new hardware, with an on-trend brass, black or white finish.

Storage satisfaction

Blank wall space presents a chance to install open shelving – a chic addition to any kitchen. “Floating shelves will add dimension and give you an opportunity to style them with decorative objects or use the area for more storage,” says John. “Benchtop offcuts work really well, if you’re thinking about updating your benchtops at the same time.”

If your surfaces are cluttered with appliances, utensils and cookbooks, they can impair the way you work in your kitchen. Make a practical update by improving storage. “Retrofitting wireware systems, such as pull-out pantries and rotating corner baskets, will help improve the functionality of your space without committing to an entire renovation,” says John.

Benchtop revival

The layout and size might be just fine but, if a benchtop is looking worse for wear, it can bring a whole kitchen down. Transform it with benchtopspecific specialist paint. “Adding an interesting lighter colour to benchtops can immediately brighten up the area and make it appear more light and airy,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr. She suggests a shade such as Dulux Winter Fog, a neutral, warm greige with an interesting depth.

Is granite on your wish list but not within your budget? Rust-Oleum has a granite-look DIY paint kit in white or black, to transform dated or worn benchtops in a weekend.

If the surface is truly beyond repair, replacing it does require moderate DIY skills but not extensive work or outlay, says John. “A timber or timber-look benchtop will instantly add warmth and texture, whereas a stone-look option will brighten your space and give it a sense of luxury,” he explains.

Light appeal

The right kind of lighting will enhance both the functionality and ambience of a space. A few tweaks or additions can make a big difference, often for less than $100. “Lighting adds the perfect accessory to your decor, much like adding shoes to an outfit,” says Brilliant Lighting’s Debbie Paice. Available in a vast array of styles, pendants can bring design flair and brighten dark islands or help define kitchen and dining zones. DIY pendants have the added advantage of not requiring an electrician for installation.

Under-cabinet LED bars lend an upmarket feel, says Debbie, while colour-changing lighting can switch the vibe of the space, turning it from a functional family area to an entertaining zone in an instant.

Photography (opposite top) Jonno Rodd, styling Lucy Glade-Wright; Kaboodle Kitchen. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk. *This product uses a coin/cell battery. Keep out of reach of children. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.