I’m an interior designer – how to spruce up your drab kitchen for under £20 and all in time for Christmas
WE spend two-and-a-half years of our adult lives in the kitchen, according to a new study.
And with up to three meals a day being rustled up within those familiar walls, interior designer Julia Kendell, who has worked on hit BBC show Diy SOS, tells Kirsten Jones some great ways to spruce up your culinary confines by spending less than £20.
Paint cupboard handles
COST: £10
If money is tight and shopping for new handles is a push too far, grab some gloves and get handy with a can of spray paint.
Julia, part of , says: “The paint is easy to use and you don’t need primer. The warm, metallic look is on-trend. Build up paint in light layers. It lifts the whole space.”
Put backsplash in vinyl
COST: FROM £15
A new steel splashback for hobs is costly but a dupe does the job. Just keep knife blocks and crockery away from the wall to avoid scratches.
Julia says: “You’ll create a brand new look with a sheet of vinyl overlay (try Dunelm or RestoWrap). It doesn’t matter that it’s not designed to be there.”
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Stick-on wall tiles
COST: FROM £15
Ceramic tiles can cost a fortune but stick-on designs from Dunelm and Wayfair look just as stylish. Guests won’t even know the difference.
Julia says: “Make sure you thoroughly clean the area before applying so they attach properly. If you rush into it, you may not achieve the most effective result.”
Swap cabinets for open shelves
COST: FROM £20
Browse second-hand sites such as Gumtree and Preloved, hit the shops or make your own open shelves to show off cookware and relieve overflowing cupboards.
Julia says: “People are trying to open up their kitchens as much as possible, so the shelving trend will continue for some time.”
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Use bed slats as hanging storage
COST: FREE
Before you dump a broken bed frame, retrieve the slats and hang everyday items such as tea towels and aprons from them on a wall.
Julia says: “This is a brilliant use of material. It’s easy to find brackets to support them and you can paint them fabulous colours.”
Make herb holders
COST: FROM £5
If herbs are clogging up your counter space, create your own recycled wood shelving. Fill jars with dried herbs to show them off.
Julia says: “The jars will look attractive, no matter which herbs and spices you have. Plus it will look much neater than piled up on the side.”
Hide ugly appliances
COST: FROM £5
Dishwashers and dryers are easy to cover with a length of wire and a curtain. Pick material from a local craft shop.
Julia says: “Cut the material to length and use hemming tape to create a fold. Feed a spring wire through the hemmed fold. Pop the wire on to hooks fixed underneath your worktop.”
Stencil your fridge
COST: £10
It may sound bizarre, but jazzing up your fridge door will give the kitchen a brighter atmosphere and the kids will love it.
Julia says: “If you’ve bought spray paint for your door handles, use the rest to create your own artwork. Use old stencils for a fun effect or make your own designs to impress guests.”
Paint your sink drainer
COST: £10
A lick of metal paint will give your stainless steel sink drainer a new lease of life. Check if you need a primer or sealant for durability.
Julia says: “On a flat draining board, metal paint could be the colour boost your kitchen needs.”
Roll out a rug
COST: £10
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Wood and vinyl floorings are popular in kitchens but a stylish rug can cover up scuffs and scrapes. Lay it where the heaviest footfall is, such as by the sink.
Julia says: “If you hate your kitchen floor, this is the easiest hack of them all. A rug is transformative.”