8 EASY TWEAKS
If you’re not ready for a big revamp, refresh the look of your room with some simple solutions
1 INSPIRING TILING
New tiles can make a huge difference. As well as thinking about colour and pattern, be creative about where and how you place them. Consider adding a contrasting style above a display shelf or making a feature splashback with decorative designs.
Confiserie recycled glass mosaic tiles in Sorbet, £79.88/sq m; shelf painted in Brown eggshell, £30/1L; Trousdale Aniston Terrazzo tiles, £65.95/sq m; all Claybrook
2 FRESH FACED
Replacing cabinet fronts is a clever and inexpensive way to give your kitchen an uplift. Firms such as Custom Fronts, Plykea and Superfront offer designs tailored specifically to Ikea cabinetry, while Husk has fronts for Ikea cabinets, as well as Howdens.
Parallel fronts in Ashton Grey, from £45 each; No Pattern fronts in Cloudy Grey, from £28 each; Superfront
3 STANDALONE SPACE-SAVERS
Often it’s the layout of a kitchen that needs an overhaul. If your cupboards are full to the brim and utensils are never to hand, a freestanding piece such as a larder cupboard could free up space elsewhere, meaning you can finally fit the mugs next to the kettle!
Collect cabinet by House Doctor, £695, Nunido
4 A FRESH APPROACH
For a budget-friendly update, consider painting existing tiles. Chalk paint adheres well to glazed tiles, but does require sealing and is best used on areas not exposed to harsh cleaning or excess water.
Tiles in Olive, Athenian Black, Antoinette and Duck Egg Blue matt chalk paint, from £5.95/120ml, Annie Sloan
5 IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Changing the lighting brings a fresh perspective to a tired kitchen, and these brushed-brass pendants instantly add a modern touch. It’s also worth noting that simply replacing the bulbs can have a huge impact too. If you’ve currently got harsh white light, a softer orange glow will give the space a completely different ambience – and be more forgiving on areas of wear and tear.
Riddle pendant lights in brushed brass, £372 each, Bert Frank
6 ON THE SURFACE
Countertops are one of the hardest-working elements of a kitchen. If yours is looking a little tired, a new one can bring a whole new look – it’s a great chance to introduce a completely different material.
Royal worktop, from £680/sq m, Lundhs
7 GET A GRIP
It may be only a small touch, but upgrading your cabinet handles can alter the whole feel of a kitchen. Look out for quirky designs in smart metallic finishes, or bold shapes in unexpected colourways.
Myford handle, from £34, Swarf
8 THE POWER OF PAINT
Ring the changes with a new wall colour. If your kitchen is relatively neutral with monochrome units, the world is your oyster in terms of choosing a new hue. Otherwise, you’ll need to opt for a shade to complement your existing cabinets. You could even go one step further by painting the ceiling for an added wow-factor!
Powdered Clay matt emulsion, from £14/2.5L, Crown
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