KITCHEN UPDATES
From best buys and clever tricks to mini decor projects… this is our roundup of the simplest, quickest ways to make your kitchen more beautiful now
FEATURE HOLLY WALSH
1 Fit statement pendant lights
Whether you use your kitchen island for meal-time prepping or meal-time munching, hanging some statement lighting above it can really change the feel of the room, especially if you have high ceilings. Ask your electrician to put the lights on a dimmer switch so you can control the light levels for different tasks.
2 COSY UP FLOORS WITH A RUNNER
No underfloor heating? Give your feet a treat with a floor runner to break up chilly tiles or flagstone.
3 REPLACE SHABBY OR DATED HARDWARE
A quick way to give your kitchen a smart new look is to update sticky, tired-looking cupboard door handles with some on-trend copper or brass options. Try your local ironmonger, DIY store or browse online at Handles4Doors.
4 Cheat a new splashback
Create a statement splashback with tiles (or fake the look with wallpaper – Recubed, Smink Things) and edge the top of it with a slim shelf. It makes a great divide and is the perfect place to store and display teapots and mugs ready for elevenses.
5 Match your walls to your cabinets
A great trick in a small space is to use immersive colour, matching furniture, walls and surfaces for a streamlined effect. Upgrade a dated kitchen with a modern colour like this teal tone, then add a standout tap.
6 PUT UP A NEW WALL CLOCK
Install an extralarge clock to make sure brekkie doesn’t run over. No more excuses to be late to school/work/the g ym!
7 GLAM UP YOUR DISH DRAINER
If you’re looking for the ultimate cohesive look in your kitchen, then add a bit of bling to the washing up area with a glamorous, golden dish rack. Available in copper and matt black, too, it has plenty of room for drying plates, bowls and glassware, as well as a separate space for cutlery and utensils.
8 Paint the inside of cupboards
If you’ve gone for glass-fronted wall cupboards, consider painting the insides so your crockery and glassware look their best. Go for a muted shade that complements your wall colour.
9 REVIVE WOODEN WORKTOPS
If your wooden worktop is sad, chipped and tired, give it a good sand and restain or oil it back to its former glor y. Give it a clean with white spirit before oiling or staining.
10 Make it social
Plan your kitchen so your hob is posit
