Thinking of upgrading your kitchen, but the thought of it is daunting? There is a lot to consider with any home improvement project, and the time and money could be putting you off. However, there are a few ways that you can spruce up your kitchen space, with minimal time and effort if you’re not able to invest just yet.

The below tips are some of our interior designers’ favourite tips for upgrading your kitchen without breaking the bank.

Shop around
Whether you’re entirely renovating, redecorating, or just giving it a little upgrade, remember to shop around. There are so many options out there, and if you spend a little bit of time searching around you’ll be able to find some of the best deals. Don’t be afraid of the sale or of second-hand items either. You don’t want to compromise on quality, but there are definitely options out there which are affordable, yet high-quality. If you’re looking for inspiration, our designers have shared some of their favourite shops in and around West London here.

Storage containers
This is a specific tip, and it may not seem like much but it can make all the difference.. If you have any dry food packaging on display, for example, pasta or tea bags, decant these into jars or containers. This way you can have these on the side neat and tidy way. Not only does this help make a kitchen look more styled, but everything lasts longer in glass storage! This really is an inexpensive kitchen design hack that you can do in little to no time.

Don’t forget the ceiling
If you’re looking to give the kitchen a lick of paint, don’t forget the ceiling. A ceiling with faded or peeling paint can easily make a kitchen look aged. Additionally, if you’re not planning on redecorating the whole kitchen, adding a pop of colour to a ceiling is a great way to bring a different feel to the room without too much money, time or effort. Opt for darker tones of colours to create the feel of a luxury kitchen, such as deep oranges or deep greens. Lastly, don’t forget about the lighting! There is an array of beautiful lighting or lighting accessories, such as the ones used in this property, that can be installed in a kitchen that can really change the whole feel of the room.

Choose your materials carefully
There are some things in a kitchen that you shouldn’t compromise on, this is the case for the materials you’re using in the kitchen, especially countertops. If you use materials that tarnish easily or deteriorate quickly you’re going to need to revisit these regularly so invest a little more to start with, and this will save you money down the line. If you’re investing in materials that look luxurious but are long-lasting consider granite, marble or quartz. All of these materials for hard, durable and resistant to heat, scratches and water.

Don’t be afraid to upcycle
You might not necessarily need a brand new kitchen if you have cabinets or countertops that are good quality, and may just need a little bit of TLC. A few tips, if you’re planning on upcycling anything in your kitchen, is to take doors and drawers out when painting, and make sure you’re using the correct paint for the material. Also, don’t forget about the door handles! Getting new handles is an easy and very affordable way to refresh your kitchen cabinets. The beauty of upcycling your kitchen is that you really can create your very own bespoke and unique kitchen.

Work with a professional
This might not be your first thought when you think about affordable ways to design your kitchen, however, a professional interior designer will be able to help you make the most of your space whilst keeping within your budget. Interior designers are able to work with suppliers directly, and suggest options for your kitchen that you may not have thought of, or even knew were possible. Interior designers can make sure that you can create an affordable bespoke kitchen, without having to compromise on the design aspects of your dream kitchen. If you are interested in booking an appointment with our interior designers, you can do so here.

Think about the small details
You might be looking at your kitchen and think that the space is feeling or looking a little dull, or perhaps you aren’t able to decorate it due to it being a rented property. One way to fix this is to spruce up with accessories, think new glassware, plants, aesthetic apothecary jars for storage, light fixtures and table mats. This property in London is a perfect example of utilising kitchen accessories for decoration purposes, such as the open cocktail bar. All of these things can be implemented quickly and really help with refreshing your kitchen area.

Company Bio
Hi-Spec Design is a family run interior design agency based in Chelsea, South West London. We specialise in bespoke kitchens and work with some of the best appliance manufacturers across Europe, this company is remembered by its customers for its unique and luxurious designs. Read more about our story here.