Kitchens

Advice on kitchen design, renovations, refits and improving functionality and style in the heart of the home.

60-Minute Makeovers to Transform Your Kitchen

14th August 2020

If you don’t currently have the budget to splash out on a full kitchen redesign, here are some quick tips to help you upgrade your kitchen in just one hour (or two!).

It’s fair to say that most of us have spent a lot more time in the kitchen over the last few months, which means more time to notice the tired décor or the grubby cupboards. If familiarity with your kitchen has resulted in contempt, but you don’t currently have the budget to splash out on a full kitchen redesign, here are some tips to help you upgrade your space in an hour (or maybe two).

Cupboard love

Dingey cupboards can really bring a kitchen down. And yet they are so easy to change. A splash of paint – choose gloss, chalk paint or wood stain depending on your budget and the finish that you want - and a few new handles, and your old but serviceable cupboards will be given a whole new lease of life.

If you like a more open vibe (and you are good at keeping your shelves tidy!) you could consider removing a couple of doors entirely. Take the doors (and hinges off and paint the inside a contrast or coordinating colour to the rest of the room. Baskets are on trend and can help you to keep the shelves looking pristine. You can even add adhesive tiling at the back of the cupboards for extra finesse.

A lick of paint

If your kitchen walls and ceilings carry the battle scars of many a meal cooked, steamed, boiled (and burnt!), a quick lick of paint could be all that you need to revamp the space. Remember that cooking produces steam and grease. This means that it is important for you to thoroughly wash down all of the walls and ceilings before you start, to get rid of any residue. It is also a good idea to invest in specific kitchen paint, which is more resistant to stains and moisture.

Curtains up

Fabric accents are easy to switch around but can make a huge difference. If you have open shelving that you want to conceal, curtains can hide a multitude of sins whilst adding a whimsical, farmhouse kitchen feel. Use any offcuts to make mats or pot holders to bring it all together.

Pimp your flooring

There are few things more depressing than a grubby, sticky, stained kitchen floor. Of course, the ideal is to get a professional floorer to install new, beautiful, high-end flooring, but if that is beyond your budget, there are some seriously good looking, low cost alternatives around. In fact, the low-cost flooring game has been upped to an extent that it can be hard to tell the difference between lino or LVT and the real thing. So if you want a floor that looks like it cost thousands, but which only cost hundreds, shop around for a range of options. A good option is to buy cheaper flooring but get it professionally fitted by a flooring specialist – that perfect finish will make your kitchen look a million dollars.

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Kitchens

Looking for more kitchens advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common kitchens questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

Do I need planning permission for a kitchen extension?

It's the extension that matters, not the fact it's a kitchen. Single-storey rear extensions often fall under Permitted Development - but depth, height, and proximity to boundaries all affect whether that applies to you. Side extensions and two-storey builds almost always need full permission. Building Regulations approval is separate and required regardless. If you're in any doubt, a quick pre-application inquiry to your local planning authority will give you certainty before you commit.
Should I choose a bespoke or flat-pack kitchen?

Flat-pack has come a long way - professionally fitted, it can look brilliant and is a smart choice for a regular-shaped kitchen or if you're renovating to sell. Bespoke is worth the extra investment when your kitchen has awkward dimensions, alcoves, or features that standard units just won't fit around. It's also built to last longer. If you're staying in the property long-term and want something that feels right rather than just functional, bespoke is usually the better call.
What kitchen layout works best for my home?

It mostly comes down to the shape of the room. Narrow rooms suit a galley layout as it's efficient and practical. Corner rooms work well with an L-shape, which creates a natural flow between hob, sink, and fridge. U-shaped layouts give the most storage in a bigger, squarer room. An island needs at least a metre of clear space around it - don't try to squeeze one in. Open-plan connecting to a dining area is consistently the most popular choice right now. A good kitchen designer will look at your space properly before suggesting any particular layout.
Do I need a plumber and electrician for a kitchen installation?

In most cases, yes. A full kitchen fit will involve plumbing for the sink, dishwasher, and possibly a washing machine, plus electrical work for new sockets, the cooker connection, and lighting. Both need to be done by qualified people - electrical work near water and worktops must comply with Part P. Some kitchen fitters cover basic plumbing, but for anything more involved, bring in the specialists.
How long does a kitchen installation take?

Typically five to ten working days for a standard kitchen, though it depends on size, layout complexity, and whether any rewiring or new plumbing runs are needed. Delayed deliveries are one of the most common causes of projects overrunning. Confirm lead times before you schedule the work.
Do I need to move out while my kitchen is being fitted?

Usually not, but expect a fair amount of disruption - especially in the first couple of days when the old kitchen is being ripped out. Water and power will be off at various points, so have a kettle, microwave, and bathroom sink access sorted. For a complex fit with multiple trades over an extended period, some people prefer to stay elsewhere - but for a standard installation, most people manage fine at home.
Does a new kitchen add value to my home?

A well-fitted, well-designed kitchen can make a real difference to both value and how quickly a property sells - it's one of the first things buyers look at. The return depends on quality and the local market, but a tired or poorly fitted kitchen can put buyers off just as easily as a good one draws them in. Professional installation is very important here!
What are the most common issues that arise during a kitchen installation?

The big ones: units or appliances arriving damaged or the wrong size, unexpected plumbing or electrical problems behind the walls, deliveries running late, and the room not being properly prepped before the fitter arrives. Most of these are avoidable - double-check measurements before ordering, get a clear schedule agreed with everyone involved, and make sure any plastering or flooring that needs to happen first is done before the fitter turns up.

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