Custom kitchens
TURN A BASIC KITCHEN DESIGN INTO SOMETHING SPECTACULAR FOR THE PRICE OF A FLATPACK
Designer looks on a budget
superior splashbacks
A sensational tile can add exponentially to a kitchen’s style and individuality. “A great splashback is one of the best ways to make an inexpensive kitchen look expensive,” says interior decorator Hong Henwood of Affordable Style Files. “Tiles can add a unique and stylish look to your kitchen, whether you go minimal or luxe.”
Consider trending designs, such as textures, timber and jewel tones, and don’t forget to pay attention to your grout choice. “An inexpensive tile can be elevated simply with a contrasting or coloured grout,” says creative director Melissa Webster of The Gather Collective.
bring your appliances up-to-date
You don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive brands, but try and keep a coordinated look between large appliances. Choose the same colour family – either all black, all white, all stainless steel – or, if you’ve got a more minimalist space choose one bold colour, such as orange (Belling does a great range of bright ovens, while Smeg’s funky ‘Fab’ fridge comes in a variety of colours), to complete the kitchen. “Colour-coordinated and integrated appliances are right on trend,” says Christine. “They give your kitchen a seamless, high-end look.”
add beauty or bling
Think of your kitchen’s hardware like the jewellery that completes an outfit; a jewel-coloured knob or sweeping handle will give a plain cabinet extra va-va-voom and can be worth splashing out on. “Handles are little things but they can have a big impact,” says Christine Gough of
Ikea. Melissa Webster of The Gather Collective agrees. “They typically don’t get much budget, but handles can transform the overall aesthetics of a space and show that the smaller details have been considered,” she says. Hong Henwood of Affordable Style Files favours plain brushed silver, gold and brass; but don’t omit other materials to lift the style ante.