There’s nothing like being home for the holidays to start noticing all the little annoying bits and pieces around the house that you’d really like to change.  The kitchen is always top of the list when it comes to sprucing up. Sometimes all you need to spruce up a tired kitchen  are a few new cannisters or a colourful accessories.  And other times nothing will work except a full blown rip-it-all-out job to ensure you are also adding value to your property. But luckily, for the budget conscious, there is a third option.

Maximum impact, minimum spend

Updating your kitchen on a budget is not only satisfying, it’s also a lot of fun. There is none of the pressure of a full blown refit, and most of the decisions are cosmetic ones – so, you can be as creative as you like without worrying about incurring major expense.

However, you still need to plan ahead. Planning – and prioritising – is the best way to keep your budget under control.

Step one

Are you planning any major renovations in the future? If so, you probably want to take those into account. Nobody wants to spend more than they need to, but a functional space is still a necessity. If you are planning a major upheaval in the future, keep costs to a minimum now. However, there’s no reason why you can’t buy that six-burner stainless steel oven now,  and incorporate it into your future dream kitchen later. Ditto the fridge and dishwasher.  However avoid any structural work, such as new cabinetry and kitchen layout, to save doubling up on costs.

Step two

It’s budget time. Once you’ve decided on a plan consider how much you are willing to spend. Don’t forget to include the cost of hiring tradespeople such as interior designers, electricians, painters and tilers, as well as the cost of the materials.

If your budget is tight, choose a few key priorities, and work around them. Consider shopping around for bargains or buying secondhand for things that aren’t on your priority list.

Step three

Painting kitchen cabinets is a easy way to spruce up your kitchen

Cabinet doors

If the structure and the location of the kitchen are functional, you can really bring an old kitchen to life by refreshing the cabinetry.  If your budget is tight, you can paint your cabinet doors, even if they are laminate.

If you’ve got the budget, or the doors are in poor condition, you can revamp the kitchen with new cupboard doors. Visit a kitchen showroom to find out more.

Door pulls and knobs

An easy and effective way to revamp a tired kitchen and give it a little fashionable oomph is by updating the knobs and pulls on your cupboards and drawers. It’s a key way to set the style of your kitchen, so before you rush out and choose the first style you see, make sure it ties in with the rest of the kitchen makeover. Find a display at a showroom near you.

A new splashback is a great value addition to your kitchen

Splashbacks or tiles

There are loads of options when it comes to splashbacks, so it really depends on your budget. The cheapest option is to paint the tiles but laying new tiles can also be cost effective – especially if you DIY.

Glass or laminate options are best installed by a professional, especially when it comes to cut outs for power points.  Talk to a kitchen design expert for a full range of materials and  colour options.

Benchtops

New benchtops can really revitalise a kitchen. No matter what material your cabinets underneath are, the right benchtop packs a punch in the design stakes.  It’s a hardworking investment too – the style of the benchtop will pull the rest of the kitchen design into line. From country-style timber to the industrial-chic of concrete of stainless steel or concrete,  your benchtop speaks volumes.

So check out your local hardware store – sometimes they stock a range of designer options at bargain-bin prices. From timeless timber, hardwearing composite stone to designer laminates, your budget – and your chosen kitchen style will dictate the material you choose.

Shiny new tapware is a great way to spruce up your kitchen

Taps

There are taps and there are taps. While your hardware store will stock basic designs, you should head to a kitchen and bathroom design store for a large range. Choose a tap that makes a bit of an impact and is functional as well as good looking. Our tip? Test drive the tap. Make sure you like the way it feels when you turn it on and off.

Sink

Not every kitchen will need a new sink, but if you’re getting a new benchtop it makes sense to consider updating the sink too. Look at your hardware store for inexpensive options, or head to a kitchen showroom for a full range. Think about the number of sinks you want, and the type of dish drainer you prefer.

Paint

Paint is always the easiest way to freshen up a space. Before you choose a colour scheme, consider all the elements – from the benchtop, cabinets and splashback – to adjoining rooms and flooring, and choose a colour that ties it all together.  Consult a colour specialist if you need advice.

New lighting is a great way to modernise your space

Lighting

This is the final piece in the puzzle. Greasy old pendant lights need to get replaced by something funky and modern, energy guzzling halogens need to replaced by LEDs and the workspace needs great overhead lighting. If there’s room in the budget, consider installing lighting in the cabinetry to illuminate the benchtops. Talk to an electrician to get a quote and to talk options.