Here at Appliance Retailer we are big fans of complete kitchen renovations; the kind of knock ‘em down, rebuild ‘ems from the ground up type jobs that require a whole new matching set of appliances, often costing northwards of $50,000.
In the recent past, we’ve profiled the amazing work done by Lee Hardcastle and Eileen Middleton— both recent winners at the Kitchen and Bathroom Design Institute (KBDi) Awards— while also highlighting the great support Smeg continues to give designers and architects as patrons of several awards and event programs.
Of course, not every one is well-minted enough to fit out a brand new kitchen with handmade Swiss appliances from V-Zug or the latest touchscreen controlled masterpieces from the Miele Generation 6000 range. That’s why we were interested to read these six tips to a great new kitchen without bankrupting yourself in the process.
These ideas were sent to us by Jessie Harvey, a trends expert at Granite Transformations, an Australian company specialising in kitchen makeovers:
1. Splashbacks
Most kitchens have limited wall space so it’s usually affordable to add a decorative wall mural or feature panel using glass mosaic tiles. Splashbacks introduce colour, texture and a tactile finish, creating a fresh new look for any kitchen.
2. Cabinet Handles
White kitchen cabinets give you the freedom to choose almost any of the finishes available and even allow you to mix and match and choose a style that works within the theme of your kitchen. Chrome with brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze with brass go well, as long as the finishes complement each other.
3. Lighting
New light fixtures can instantaneously transform your kitchen. A tradesman can remove the old lighting and replace it with contemporary and subtle recessed lighting. Or install pendants over islands, tables and sinks for a bolder, modern feel.
4. Benchtops
Upgrading to a solid, low maintenance benchtop will add a contemporary new look to your home. Natural stones like granite add a touch of class and cleanliness to your kitchen.
5. Appliances
If you’re working within a limited budget, think about investing in one great statement piece for your kitchen. Be it a fridge or an oven, modern appliances will be sure to impress and draw attention away from less flattering kitchen features.
6. Cupboard Doors
This really is a great way to change the look of your kitchen without the hassle of ripping apart the entire space. Simply replace old cupboard doors with new ones to create a stylish look at a fraction of the cost of a new kitchen.
Thanks to Jessie Harvey for these tips. Share them with your retail customers and, remember, the more money customers save on the kitchen fixtures, the more they can spend on appliances!
