10 ways with $10,000 Stylish kitchen makeovers

UPDATING YOUR KITCHEN DOESN’T HAVE TO COST A FORTUNE – IF YOU SPEND WISELY YOU CAN CREATE INCREDIBLE IMPACT, EVEN ON A LOW BUDGET

We all covet a beautiful kitchen, yet if your space needs a significant overhaul, the dream can seem out of reach. “Often kitchen renovations are put on the backburner, because people think it’s too hard, expensive or inconvenient,” explains Jess Hunter of Jess Hunter Interior Design. But it doesn’t have to be. With a budget under $10,000 it is possible to reinvent the space, if you know what to change and where to spend, says Jess. To help inspire your own kitchen makeover we’ve rounded up expert ideas to address problem areas and stretch your budget to create revitalising change.

1 ADD DINING

Chris Ruffe of Bondi Kitchens suggests capitalising on a trend towards informal kitchen dining by exploring the possibility of creating a breakfast bar. Expand the island top or create a generous peninsula overhang to comfortably accommodate stools below (as seen here).

2 ENHANCE SURFACE APPEAL

For a fresh look, replace the splashback with new tiles (right) or a stone feature (above), suggests Chris of Bondi Kitchens. “A plain island bench can be enhanced with a new face panel in marble tile, a large piece of engineered stone or Porta Contours timber lining boards, which adds depth, texture and visual interest,” he says. “Just ensure that when you’re choosing any feature materials, you also budget for the installation too.

3 HIT THE FLOOR

Laminate or vinyl timber-look flooring (try Polyflor) is a cost-effective option, which can add a stylish foundation to the space – be sure to continue the flooring throughout adjoining spaces for a cohesive look. Or, if you’re looking to disguise a few marks or define a zone, Jess suggests dressing up the floor with a rug: “For around $300 you can add a fabulous, easy-clean, waterproof vinyl floor mat, which resembles feature tiles, concrete or even reclaimed timber.”

4 PAINT POWER

A coat of paint can work wonders and it doesn’t have to stop at walls. “Dated tile splashbacks, benchtops and lacklustre cabinetry can be revamped with paint to create a modern, neutral backdrop,” says Jess. “Dulux has a Renovation Range designed for various kitchen surfaces, which can achieve great results, if you thoroughly prep surfaces and use the right application tools and techniques.”

5 SPECTACULAR LIGHTING

Great lighting will dial up the style of a bland kitchen. Think statement pendants above the island or table (right), LEDs which run below cabinetry and internal sensor lights, which come on when you open a cupboard, or peek into the pantry. Ensure a qualified electrician installs your chosen fittings and set them on a dimmer so you can adjust the ambience.

6 APPLIANCE UPGRADE

Changing your island benchtop is the perfect opportunity to snap up a new cooktop and rangehood. Consider a sleek, easy-clean induction cooktop, paired with an unobtrusive ceiling exhaust system (seen here) to enhance the social space. If you’ve always dreamt of having integrated appliances, check out Ikea’s budget-friendly range of cabinetry and appliance packages for under $10,000.

7 REFACE CABINETRY

If cabinetry carcasses are in good condition, simply enhance the fronts. A cost-effective change is using vinyl wrap, which can mimic the look of materials such as timber through to glossy 2-pac in a spectrum of colours. Another option is consulting a company such as Ren Studio or Sydney Doors, which specialise in stylish cabinetry fronts, says

Jess from Jess Hunter Interior Design.

8 BOOST STORAGE

A common complaint is lack of storage, so invest in ways to use your space more effectively. Upgrade small overhead cabinets with affordable flatpack units that stretch to the ceiling and run the width of the wall. Jess also suggests replacing shallow corner shelves and dated wine holes with deep cabinetry and using internal organising systems such as Blum and Hafele to optimise storage in drawers and corner cupboards.

9 CHIC FIXTURES & FITTINGS

If the current layout works, keeping plumbing and electrical in the same location will minimise costs, enabling you to splash out on fresh fixtures and fittings (below). “Introducing new joinery hardware and tapware in an on-trend finish such as brushed nickel, teamed with a sleek sink, will instantly modernise the space,” recommends Rebeka Morgan, director of BuildHer Collective.

10 SPACE CREATION

A common kitchen renovation goal is creating a space that is light, bright and airy, says Rebeka. “If you can’t change the footprint, assess the feasibility of removing a wall, adding a skylight or enlarging a window to create a more open feel.” Instead of overhead cabinets consider switching to open shelves (below) and opt for track lighting in favour of low-hanging pendants.”