I'm a DIY whizz & there are five surprisingly easy hacks to transform your kitchen this Christmas & it they're cheap | The Sun
CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and many of us will be looking forward to hosting the festivities with our loved ones.
However, there’s always the worry of wondering if your kitchen is in tip top shape for the guests.
With the cost of living crisis, it’s more difficult than ever to be able to afford things like a new kitchen.
However, Mike Head, director at Atlas Ceramics has just the trick to help you revamp and refresh your kitchen just in time for Christmas.
First up he explains how using a lick of paint can go extremely far.
Mike says: “Painting your cupboards is a simple hack to instantly transform a tired kitchen. To do this well, preparation is key.
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“You’ll want to start by giving them a good clean, using a specialist degreaser.
“Then, lightly sand them down with grit paper to get an even, matte finish. Wipe the dust off and let them dry before you paint. Make sure to use masking tape to protect edges, and cover your floor with a dust sheet.
“Lastly, remove the handles and that’s your prep done.
“You should initially paint with a brush to get into the nooks and crannies, before using a roller to cover the remaining area.
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“Take your time, and wait for each layer to fully dry to ensure an even finish.
“If you’re wondering which colours to go for, soft pinks and sage greens will pair gorgeously with white countertops.
“If you're looking to be more experimental try a sleek black or earthy terracotta."
Mike also says a new splashback is a great way to add personality to your kitchen.
He continues: “You will be able to tile this small area yourself with the right equipment.
“You’ll need adhesive, tile spacers, a cutter, spirit level, a trowel and safety goggles.
“The splashback is an ideal space to go bold – so don’t be afraid to experiment with colour or shapes.
“If you have a small kitchen, we’d recommend mosaic tiles or bold-coloured geometric tiles to give the illusion of dimension and space.
Vinyl is an easy, cost-effective way to update worktops; but you can also use it on drawers, cupboards and tiles
“A splashback can become a fabulous focal point for the kitchen so make sure your splashback coordinates with your kitchen interior.
“You’ll also want to think about grout.
"Light grout paired with darker coloured tiles can really highlight the finish, however, if you’re tiling above a hob, it might be better to choose a darker grout, as it’s easier to maintain when at risk of food splatters.”
Vinyl has become more popular in the last few years with #kitchenvinylwrap achieving more than 5.4 million TikTok views to date.
Mike says: “Vinyl is an easy, cost-effective way to update worktops; but you can also use it on drawers, cupboards and tiles.
“You can purchase vinyl from any DIY retailer or home store in a range of patterns and colours from mosaics, marble and terrazzo.
“It’s a great way to try a new design you may be considering for a renovation later down the line.
“All you need to apply the vinyl is something to smooth the sheet down with, such as a smoothing tool, and some silicone to seal your edges.
“It’s a full kitchen makeover you could do in less than a week.”
Don’t be scared to get creative with statement lighting either
A statement tap is an easy way to make a kitchen look more luxurious.
Mike continues:”You could opt for a sleek black matte or a classic chrome U shape, and you don’t need to spend a fortune – there are plenty of modern options you can find for around £30.
“As royalcore has been making a comeback in the last few months, gold taps are another great way to add opulence and create a sleek look.
“The tap trends of this year so far highlight the importance of coordination and unity, therefore make sure your tap colour coordinates with the rest of your kitchen.
“You’ll also have to think practically about what works for you. If you’re short on space, you might want to consider even swapping your kettle for a stylish boiling water tap.
“You can also use your kettle to make a statement, too, by considering a bright colour, such as red or yellow.
“It’s always a good idea to ensure the metal of your tap matches other metal finishes in your kitchen. If not, you can easily replace cupboard handles and cutlery to match.”
And finally, get creative with the lighting.
Mike says: “Adhesive strip LED lights are perfect for creating a sophisticated atmosphere in your kitchen when you are hosting.
“You can place them above your hob, or under your cupboards for a cheap alternative to installing downlighters.
“Don’t be scared to get creative with statement lighting either. Consider pendant lighting hanging over a breakfast bar or kitchen dining table.
“If you have a darker interior you could also use a soft glow lamp to lighten a dark corner.
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“If you have a small kitchen, we’d recommend glass cupboards rather than closed cupboards.
“Glass cupboards can maximise the natural flow light in your kitchen, as well as add depth and dimension to add space to a smaller room."
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