Kitchens – How to upgrade on a budget.

March 17, 2016

Deciding to install a new kitchen is always a big investment, and although I love the opportunity to start from scratch there is no reason why with a little creativity you can’t either upgrade existing or go for one of the less expensive suppliers.  As with some careful ‘hacking’ you can create something unique.

The current trend for open shelving means that removing over counter cabinets brings down the cost of a new kitchen. By taking away oppressive wall cabinets you can create a much lighter more modern look. Yes you do need to be tidier and the crockery has to match, but the overall effect is modern and refreshing.

I like to mix up finishes and styles, such as using rough natural looking wood shelves against a more sleek matt cabinet finish. The kitchens above are part of an overall design scheme I created for a  new build project of 6 industrial style flats in EC1.

Other options include spray painting existing cabinets in a lighter more contemporary shade or adding a bespoke island, this will  have an immediate upgrade effect. Another tip is to change cabinet and draw pulls.

This year we are seeing a huge revival of gold and copper accents. I’m using these finishes in all my up coming projects for 2016.

Alex Evans

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

Buying a Home? What you need to know about asbestos

Asbestos is a well-known issue in UK housing – but while it’s rightly treated with caution, it doesn’t need to cause alarm. With the right advice and professional guidance, it’s a manageable problem that shouldn’t stand in the way of purchasing a dream home. Used widely in construction until 1999, asbestos is often found in…
Read More →
Breaking News

Hodge Bank introduces 80% LTV on Interest Only Mortgages, helping borrowers maximise their affordability

Specialist lender Hodge has today announced it will accept 80% Loan to Value (LTV) on Interest Only Mortgages to help borrowers expand their affordability. The criteria enhancement is the latest in a raft of changes introduced by the lender in a bid to make its underwriting as flexible as possible. This change applies to Hodge’s…
Read More →
Breaking News

The end of the ‘Forever Home’? 63 per cent of young homeowners prioritise flexibility and renovation potential over permanence

63 per cent of younger homeowners (18-34 year olds) find the ‘forever home’ concept less important than older generations Nearly half (45 per cent) of the same group of homeowners expect to move home within the next five years, embracing a flexible ‘Right Now Home’ model 23 per cent of 18-34 year olds view their…
Read More →
Breaking News

Ignoring these simple winter property maintenance tasks could cost you big time

The latest research from nationwide cash buying company and quick sale specialists, Springbok Properties, has revealed that failing to complete some of the most common winter home maintenance tasks could cost homeowners thousands of pounds, as ignored issues turn into major repair jobs over the colder months. Springbok Properties analysed a series of essential winter…
Read More →
how to present your property for sale
Breaking News

Half of first-time buyers delaying until after the Budget

The latest research from eXp UK has revealed that almost half of first-time buyers (47%) have paused their homebuying plans until after the Autumn Budget, as uncertainty around potential tax and housing policy changes continues to weigh on buyer confidence. However, it’s not short-term tax tweaks they’re waiting for. The survey of aspiring homeowners, commissioned…
Read More →
Breaking News

Moneyfacts Average Mortgage Rate dips below 5%

The Moneyfacts Average Mortgage Rate has dropped below 5%. The latest analysis by Moneyfactscompare.co.uk reveals how the rate has changed over time.  Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said: “Borrowers will no doubt be thrilled to see mortgage rates drop, particularly the millions due to come off a cheap fixed rate before the year is…
Read More →