Refresh with no sweat
MORE than a third of Britons say their kitchen is the room most in need of a change and with post-Christmas sales still going strong, what better time to ring in the changes than new year? The survey by Terry’s Fabrics, which advises wipe-clean wooden blinds above sinks and worktops, reveals that 40 per cent of us think we need to spend £10,000 to achieve the perfect home while 26 per cent say £20,000 is nearer the mark.
But while buying a complete fitted kitchen and its appliances can be pricey, there are cheaper options such as replacing tired worktops or tiles, repainting the walls or updating elements such as the sink and taps.
A poll by home improvement retailer B&Q found that almost half of us feel better once we have achieved a DIY job
Makeover
and two thirds of us think that just a few changes can make a room feel completely refreshed.
“Mini makeover projects, such as installing statement open shelving, can breathe new life into any kitchen and these small projects are easier and more affordable than ever,” says Mike Lavers, category manager for kitchens at B&Q.
But for those who want a new designer kitchen on a budget take a look at The Used Kitchen Company, which sells ex-showroom and virtually unused second-hand units in all the latest trends – including concrete.
“By compromising and recognising that you aren’t the first to get it out of the box but are still getting a nearly-new kitchen, you can save yourself an absolute fortune,” says the company’s founder Looeeze Grossman. B&Q’s IT Westleigh textured ivory effect Shaker galley kitchen starts from £860 (diy.com) Caple’s Zona 100 sink has an optional custom chopping board, colander, ice bucket and cup stand for making hot drinks with a Caple Vapos hot water tap, £438.74 (0117 938 1900; caple. co.uk) The Used Kitchen Company has designer kitchens including this ex-display concrete-effect Nobilia kitchen for £8,250 (RRP £18,800) including laminate worktops and Bosch appliance (020 8349 1943; theused kitchen company.com)