How to decorate a small kitchen on a budget

Adjust your kitchen lighting setup

Let there be light! Adjusting your kitchen lighting can make a big, big difference to how your small kitchen looks and feels. If the job is quite complicated, make sure that you use a qualified electrician – visit the Electrical Contractors’ Association to find one in your area.

Here are some options for your kitchen lighting setup:

• Task lights (usually spotlights)
• Halogen on the extractor
• Ambient lighting in the dining area

Statement ceiling lights can tend to overpower a small kitchen, and they’re also expensive when you’re on a budget — but there are light fittings on the market which are small and still have a wow-factor. There are some beautiful and affordable Scandi designs in IKEA which exude subtle elegance. You can also use the opportunity to mix up materials and textures — consider concrete or wooden light shades. If you have room for a breakfast bar in your small kitchen, hang three pendant lights directly above for maximum impact. 

Pursue a lighter colour scheme

If you’re giving a new look to a small kitchen, a lighter colour scheme will instantly freshen the space up and make it seem so much larger, clean and bright. Trends may come and go, but white will always be stylish. 

Paint your kitchen cabinets to freshen them up

 

Painting your kitchen cabinets is one of the cheapest ways to give your small kitchen an instant makeover. If you plan to paint cabinets, be sure to prime them first and then choose a paint which is specifically for painting melamine, MDF or wooden cupboards.

Improve your kitchen storage with hacks

Ah, the joy of the internet — never-ending funny cat videos….and useful hacks. Here are some of our favourite kitchen storage hacks: 

• Hack your bread bin into a charging station (who uses bread bins anyway?)
• If you have a stainless steel kitchen sink, then add a Magisso magnetic cloth holder to the inside of the sink. No more dirty cloths on the countertops!
• Repurpose magazine holders into freezer shelves
• Add a wire rack to your fridge
• Repurpose a mesh desk tidy into a kitchen sink tidy for the washing up brush, sponge and soap. Excess water will drain through the mesh so that mould doesn’t collect on the sponges (just put a little tray underneath) 
• Put a clear desk organizer in your fridge (cheaper than The Home Edit fridge organisers which look identical!)
• Put a lazy Susan in your fridge

Sink space improvements are a quick win

One way of instantly improving the look and functionality of your kitchen sink is to buy new taps. A steaming hot water tap is a great design for a contemporary look that will make a real statement. It’s also a way of making your life so much easier, never having to wait for the kettle to boil ever again! 

FAQ:

What is the best layout for a small kitchen?

The galley kitchen is the best layout for the small kitchen — it’s cost-effective and efficient.

How can you update your kitchen to look classy?

A classy look tends to be one that looks expensive...but don’t worry if you don’t have the money to spend. There are inexpensive things you can do to update your kitchen: 

• Use lighter colours
• Paint the cabinet doors
• Paint the kitchen wall tiles
• Add a lamp in the corner of a countertop 
• Put up some artwork — preferably original, look out for some in charity shops or on Ebay
• If you have a breakfast bar, add some velvet cushion bar stools

How can I make my kitchen space more homely?

The trend at the moment is for glossy white kitchens — but if you don’t add a few finishing touches the kitchen can look too clinical and not very warm and inviting. Here are some quick tips to add a bit of character and make your kitchen feel homely: 

• Add a soft rug (make sure that it’s washable!)
• Add some plants  — on shelves, above cupboards, on hanging plant holders from the ceiling or along a windowsill
• Add cushions to any seating — choose cushions which are made from a cosy material such as wool or fleece
• Put up a rustic chalkboard for chalking up shopping lists
• Drape a chunky knitted blanket over a kitchen chair 
• Add a hot drinks station and hang some favourite mugs near to your instant hot water tap
• Put up a wall clock
• Hang up some bunches of dried herbs
• Group some scented candles and some photo frames along a countertop or kitchen island