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22 easy kitchen updates you can do on a budget

By Ellie Reeves | 3rd January 2025 | 8 min read

Want to improve your cooking space, but not willing to fork out thousands on a mega kitchen makeover? There are loads of ways to breathe life back into your kitchen and make it feel brand new again. From advice on painting cabinet doors to swapping your appliances – we're here to help you refresh your kitchen!

Large dark green kitchen with open shelving, laminate wood flooring, wooden worktops and wooden dining table attached to the island.Large dark green kitchen with open shelving, laminate wood flooring, wooden worktops and wooden dining table attached to the island.Large dark green kitchen with open shelving, laminate wood flooring, wooden worktops and wooden dining table attached to the island.Large dark green kitchen with open shelving, laminate wood flooring, wooden worktops and wooden dining table attached to the island.

1. Start with storage

Tidy kitchen, tidy mind. Install wall-mounted storage to keep utensils, knives, and lids neatly out of the way. Think about your drawers and cupboards – are they as organised as they could be? Our guide to organising kitchen cupboards and drawers is packed full of expert tips to help you keep your kitchen looking fresh and tidy.

Selection of four different style pendant lights hung over a dining table, against a deep teal wall.Selection of four different style pendant lights hung over a dining table, against a deep teal wall.Selection of four different style pendant lights hung over a dining table, against a deep teal wall.Selection of four different style pendant lights hung over a dining table, against a deep teal wall.

2. Brighten your space

Lighting can transform your kitchen in an instant. Try stylish cluster pendants over a dining table or breakfast bar for a statement look. Under-cabinet LED strips are perfect for illuminating worktops and making meal prep easier. For a cosy ambience, choose bulbs with a soft amber glow.

Large kitchen with blue cabinets, blue walls and white marble worktops.Large kitchen with blue cabinets, blue walls and white marble worktops.Large kitchen with blue cabinets, blue walls and white marble worktops.Large kitchen with blue cabinets, blue walls and white marble worktops.

3. Add some colour

Say goodbye to bland walls. Bring some personality to your space with a lick of paint. Navy, olive green, or deep plum are all the rage and pair beautifully with brass effect taps and accessories. Check out our guide to painting walls to get you started.

White kitchen with light green tiled splashback, wooden worktops, brass effect cabinet door handles and brass effect tap.White kitchen with light green tiled splashback, wooden worktops, brass effect cabinet door handles and brass effect tap.White kitchen with light green tiled splashback, wooden worktops, brass effect cabinet door handles and brass effect tap.White kitchen with light green tiled splashback, wooden worktops, brass effect cabinet door handles and brass effect tap.

4. Swap the small details

Handles, switches, and taps might be small, but they can make a big impact. Go for brushed chrome, copper, or matt black finishes to instantly modernise your space. It’s a quick, easy update that delivers serious style points.

Selection of herbs in plant pots on kitchen worktop and windowsill.Selection of herbs in plant pots on kitchen worktop and windowsill.Selection of herbs in plant pots on kitchen worktop and windowsill.Selection of herbs in plant pots on kitchen worktop and windowsill.

5. Bring the outdoors in

Houseplants can boost your mood and add natural beauty to your kitchen. Try a Boston fern in a humid corner, or a few potted herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme on your windowsill. Not only will they look great, but they’ll also add fresh flavours to your cooking.

Blue and white kitchen with handleless gloss white cabinets and a small wooden breakfast bar.Blue and white kitchen with handleless gloss white cabinets and a small wooden breakfast bar.Blue and white kitchen with handleless gloss white cabinets and a small wooden breakfast bar.Blue and white kitchen with handleless gloss white cabinets and a small wooden breakfast bar.

6. Freshen up with new doors

Old cupboards? No problem. Swap out tired kitchen doors for high-gloss, shaker-style, or solid oak to give your kitchen a brand-new look without replacing the units. Mix and match finishes for a unique touch that reflects your style.

Kitchen with wooden worktops and white splashback with black geometric lines.Kitchen with wooden worktops and white splashback with black geometric lines.Kitchen with wooden worktops and white splashback with black geometric lines.Kitchen with wooden worktops and white splashback with black geometric lines.

7. Stylish splashbacks

Protect your walls while adding personality with a new splashback. Neutral tones create a timeless look, while bold options like red, teal, or copper bring energy and vibrancy. Explore patterned tiles or sleek glass panels for a custom feel. Check out our kitchen splashback ideas for plenty of inspiration!

Glass vase full of colourful flowers in a white kitchen.Glass vase full of colourful flowers in a white kitchen.Glass vase full of colourful flowers in a white kitchen.Glass vase full of colourful flowers in a white kitchen.

8. Accessorise with style

Décor isn’t just for living rooms. Add a vase of fresh flowers, a lantern for candlelit dinners, or unique ornaments to personalise your kitchen. Small touches like colourful tea towels or a statement fruit bowl can pull the whole look together.

Fabric beige roman blind on window in white room.Fabric beige roman blind on window in white room.Fabric beige roman blind on window in white room.Fabric beige roman blind on window in white room.

9. Update blinds or curtains

Window coverings do more than filter light – they can add colour, texture, and warmth to your kitchen. Day and night blinds offer ultimate flexibility and control over light and privacy, while patterned curtains and voiles bring softness and style.

White kitchen with green tiled splashback, wooden worktops, gas oven hob and hood.White kitchen with green tiled splashback, wooden worktops, gas oven hob and hood.White kitchen with green tiled splashback, wooden worktops, gas oven hob and hood.White kitchen with green tiled splashback, wooden worktops, gas oven hob and hood.

10. Upgrade appliances

Most kitchen appliances have a life span of around 10 years. Has your fridge been in action since the early millennia? It’s probably *cough* definitely about time you swapped it for a newer model. Modern appliances are energy-efficient and come with innovative features like smart connectivity or frost-free tech, making your life easier and greener.

Selection of black and white photographs in white frames against a grey wall.Selection of black and white photographs in white frames against a grey wall.Selection of black and white photographs in white frames against a grey wall.Selection of black and white photographs in white frames against a grey wall.

11. Hang some art

Artwork isn’t just for gallery walls. Frame your kids’ masterpieces or hang bold prints to add personality and colour. Command strips make it easy to switch things up whenever you fancy a change – no drilling required.

White kitchen with wooden worktops and a grey brick effect wallpapered feature wall.White kitchen with wooden worktops and a grey brick effect wallpapered feature wall.White kitchen with wooden worktops and a grey brick effect wallpapered feature wall.White kitchen with wooden worktops and a grey brick effect wallpapered feature wall.

12. Create a feature wall

Transform a plain wall with bold paint, brick effect wallpaper, or patterned tiles. This trick is perfect for open-plan spaces, helping to define your kitchen area while adding visual interest and personality.

Stainless steel sink and tap in kitchen with integrated draining board and chopping board.Stainless steel sink and tap in kitchen with integrated draining board and chopping board.Stainless steel sink and tap in kitchen with integrated draining board and chopping board.Stainless steel sink and tap in kitchen with integrated draining board and chopping board.

13. Refresh the essentials

A new dish drainer, washing up bowl, or utensil holder can do wonders for your sink area. Look for coordinated or space-saving designs that not only look great but also make your daily routine a little smoother.

Blackboard panel in room that says "Life is a journey".Blackboard panel in room that says "Life is a journey".Blackboard panel in room that says "Life is a journey".Blackboard panel in room that says "Life is a journey".

14. Chalk it up

Chalkboard paint or sticky back plastic can turn any surface into a handy message board. Perfect for jotting down shopping lists, meal plans, or simply keeping the kids entertained while you cook.

Side of kitchen cabinets covered with sticky back plastic in funky mosaic tile detail.Side of kitchen cabinets covered with sticky back plastic in funky mosaic tile detail.Side of kitchen cabinets covered with sticky back plastic in funky mosaic tile detail.Side of kitchen cabinets covered with sticky back plastic in funky mosaic tile detail.

15. Get crafty with sticky-back plastic

Modern sticky back plastic is a game-changer. Use it to line cupboard interiors, refresh storage jars, or add privacy to windows with frosted film. It’s affordable, versatile, and easy to use – a true DIY hero. Check out our article for some creative ways to use sticky back plastic in your home.

Woman wiping spilled tea off a kitchen worktop with a cloth.Woman wiping spilled tea off a kitchen worktop with a cloth.Woman wiping spilled tea off a kitchen worktop with a cloth.Woman wiping spilled tea off a kitchen worktop with a cloth.

16. Spring clean

Sometimes, all your kitchen needs is a thorough scrub. Invest in specialist cleaners for tiles, metals, and wood to make surfaces sparkle. Don’t forget to declutter your cupboards – it’s amazing what a little organisation can achieve.

White kitchen with blue metro tile splashback with white grout.White kitchen with blue metro tile splashback with white grout.White kitchen with blue metro tile splashback with white grout.White kitchen with blue metro tile splashback with white grout.

17. Revive your grout

Grout looking worse for wear? A grout pen is a quick and affordable way to cover stains and refresh your tiles. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference to your kitchen’s overall appearance.

Alpinia dusk blue kitchen with blue crockery displayed on open shelves.Alpinia dusk blue kitchen with blue crockery displayed on open shelves.Alpinia dusk blue kitchen with blue crockery displayed on open shelves.Alpinia dusk blue kitchen with blue crockery displayed on open shelves.

18. Paint kitchen cabinet doors

Transform your kitchen with a lick of paint. We have a range of durable furniture paint that is designed to handle splashes and spills with ease. Check out our guide for advice on painting your kitchen cupboards for a step-by-step walkthrough.

White kitchen with terrazzo stone worktop and stainless steel sink and tap.White kitchen with terrazzo stone worktop and stainless steel sink and tap.White kitchen with terrazzo stone worktop and stainless steel sink and tap.White kitchen with terrazzo stone worktop and stainless steel sink and tap.

19. Install a new sink and tap

Upgrading your sink and tap is easier than you think. Choose from brushed brass, chrome, or matt black finishes for a contemporary look that complements your style. It’s a simple change with maximum impact. Need some help? Our guides will show you how to install a sink and fit a new tap.

Large kitchen with red cabinets and laminate wood worktops.Large kitchen with red cabinets and laminate wood worktops.Large kitchen with red cabinets and laminate wood worktops.Large kitchen with red cabinets and laminate wood worktops.

20. Revamp worktops

Stains, splashes, scratches, and smears. Worktops have to put up with a lot. They’re an integral part of the kitchen, yet it’s easy to overlook their importance. Upgrade the look of your kitchen with a fresh new worktop. Whether you prefer a wood, granite, or marble effect – choose from loads of styles. Read our guide to installing a kitchen worktop for help.

Amazon Echo speaker on a kitchen worktop.Amazon Echo speaker on a kitchen worktop.Amazon Echo speaker on a kitchen worktop.Amazon Echo speaker on a kitchen worktop.

21. Embrace tech

Create a smarter kitchen that’s a whole lot easier to use by making the most of smart technology. If you have a smart voice assistant, you can give it instructions, such as to set a timer or convert recipe book measurements. From smart plugs to thermostats, we've got loads of clever gadgets that’ll make your kitchen smarter than ever.

Country style kitchen with green cupboards, wooden beams and open shelving.Country style kitchen with green cupboards, wooden beams and open shelving.Country style kitchen with green cupboards, wooden beams and open shelving.Country style kitchen with green cupboards, wooden beams and open shelving.

22. Finishing touches

Sometimes, it’s the little things that count. Add chic storage jars, framed art, cookery books, or a bold kettle to tie your kitchen’s look together. These small, thoughtful updates can make your space feel truly special.