4 easy and affordable DIY tips that’ll rejuvenate your kitchen in 2018

For many of us, our kitchens are the heart of our homes. We spend considerable time preparing scrumptious feasts for family members; and it’s often a place where our kids and partners naturally seem to congregate for memorable moments and lively conversations. It only makes sense then that it should be a space in which we feel comfortable, creative and relaxed. Fortunately, an immensely rewarding update is less expensive and easier than you may think.

The always informative and helpful experts Builders have put together some tips on how you can easily transform the heart of your home without breaking the bank:

1. Create a visual feast with a beautiful colour scheme

When it comes to colour paints, Builders stocks a variety beyond compare, and because kitchens contain many elements (cabinets, shelves, walls and tables) your canvas is large. If you prefer understatement, muted tones like complementary blueish pastels and even greys, blacks and whites certainly prove that less can be more. If, however, you enjoy vivacious and bold colours that bring life into the space, complementary warm colours will pop and attract the eye. Lastly, if your cabinets and shelves are made from solid wood with a grain, think about foregoing the paint and instead consider sanding them down and applying rich wood stains or light colour washes.

2. Indulge your appreciation for design with eco-friendly appliances

Modern appliance design aesthetics work in any kitchen, be it a farm, English, French or a sleek and simplistic modern style. From brushed metal finishes to matt or glossy white and black paint, new fridges, freezers, microwaves, hobs, ovens and dishwashers are guaranteed to spruce up a dull and outdated kitchen. Moreover, these appliances are highly energy efficient, which means monthly savings on your utility bills. And by installing a gas hob and a gas kitchen geyser, you can still get things done when the electricity faeries cause trouble.

3. Optimise your kitchen’s functionality by employing the “work triangle” principle

The idea underpinning the kitchen work triangle design is that kitchens should facilitate cooking and baking by making the chef’s life as easy as possible. When the hob, fridge and prep bowl form a triangle, you have to move around less when creating your latest culinary masterpiece. This isn’t always possible, but you can still optimise your work flow by placing the fridge near your worktop and prep bowl, which in turn is near the hob. In a galley kitchen, you should create a zigzag between your fridge, worktop/prep bowl, hob and oven/microwave.

4. Use focal points for your finishing touches

Even if you’re in love with an uncluttered and always 100% clean look, well placed focal points can add variety and character to your kitchen. A beautiful bowl with fresh and plump fruit may be enough, but other elements include wall clocks, interesting rustic tins, small indoor plants and retro cookbooks from yesteryear. Focal points can also be created by your lighting scheme: appropriate downlights, for example, can be used to highlight granny’s stunning China that you keep in the glass cabinet.

Wherever your DIY imagination may take you in 2018, remember to get as creative as you can, and for reliable and useful advice, don’t hesitate to visit your nearest Builders. Alternatively, shop online for everything you need for your affordable kitchen update!