Create a serene scheme Simple box shelving filled with neutral-coloured crockery forms an attractive – and useful – display in this bleached-oak design topped with corian and marble. Greenery and chopping boards make for affordable artistic displays. For similar stools, try ikea.com
Your kitchen can be expensive-looking without breaking the bank. You just need to know where to spend and where to save, says interiors expert Kate Watson-Smyth
We use our kitchens every day, which means that we need to get it right if we’re going to justify the cost and love the room for a long time. But that doesn’t always mean you have to spend a fortune. Focusing on the details can make a modest kitchen look more expensive and you will also be creating a space that is a perfect reflection of your own style and needs.
Splash out on surfaces. Splashbacks are often small so invest in fabulous tiles or even a marble that will bounce light around. For similar affordable marble tiles, try toppstiles.co.uk
Begin with affordable cabinet carcasses such as ikea.com or howdens.com; the latter come ready assembled, so that’s a couple of days of labour you don’t have to pay the builder for. Instead, pay the builder to make new doors you can paint, so you can change them later if you fancy. Then add your own handles. Remember, door knobs do not need to match, so try antiques stores or markets for something more unique.
Curate a shelf, left Save on space and cost by incorporating open shelving to display everyday items and make them more accessible. For similar plates, go to habitat.co.uk. For handles try dowsingandreynolds.com
If you are redoing a kitchen on a tight budget, try to integrate as many of the appliances as possible – a run of units will instantly look more expensive if you can’t see a dishwasher or washing machine. Paint bottom cupboards in a different colour from wall cabinets for a more bespoke look. Instead of display cupboards, consider open shelves filled with the prettiest things you use every day – plates, mugs, glasses, storage jars and serving platters. You could create a series of cubbyholes from medium-density fibreboard and paint them to match the wall so they disappear into the backdrop and your stuff stands out.
Add an island, above If you have your heart set on a freestanding workstation, you need 1m to be able to comfortably pull out a chair, and around 110cm between an island and worktop – less than that and the space will feel cramped. Wheeled designs are good for compact rooms. For a similar island, try maisonsdumonde.com
Update with paint Refreshing doors with a new shade will add instant personality and drama. Opt for darker tones on the units with a lighter shade on the worktop to draw the eye upwards. You could also consider updating the doors with cane webbed panels. For similar cane webbing, try etsy.com
Lastly, always spend more on things with working parts such as taps, light switches and ovens as they need to stand the test of time.
Tile, £7, bertandmay.com, Handle, £12, anthropologie.com, Tap, £99.99, dowsingandreynolds.com, Bowl, £10, arket.com, Stool, £229, grahamandgreen.co.uk, Pitcher, £25, arket.com, Tray, £115, neptune.com, Vase, £36, anthropologie.com, Bowls with lids, £50 for three, amara.com, Jars, £22 for two, made.com, Diffuser, £31, vonnorten.se, Plant pot, £7.50, oliverbonas.com, Shelf, £50, next.co.uk, Measuring set, £6.99, hm.com, Jar, £4.50, johnlewis.com, Sugar pot and spoon, £9.50, oliverbonas.com, Salt and pepper bowls, £17.99, hm.com
This is an edited extract from Mad About The House Planner: Your Home, Your Story by Kate Watson-Smyth, which will be published by Pavilion on 11 March, price £18.99. To order a copy for £16.14 until 21 march go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3308 9193. Free UK delivery on orders over £20.