If your kitchen is looking tired and in need of a refresh but a total redesign is off the cards, some little tweaks can help to bring new life to an old space. After all, it is often the little additions we add in over time that bring personality and charm to the home …
PAINT JOB
A fresh lick of paint alone will smarten up your kitchen and give it that refreshed look. However, what about a little change up with a new shade? A new colour on the cabinetry, walls or splashback could infuse the kitchen with a whole new mood and elevate the space. If you have spray painted cabinetry be sure to discuss the best approach with your kitchen providers before you start hand painting. Little Greene’s reformulated Intelligent Paints offer seamless application to almost any surface (including tiles) and there is no need for primer. You could have a whole new kitchen feel by the end of the week! @littlegreenepaintcompany
ARCHED DOORWAYS
Talk about attention to detail but a curved corner look is a real charmer. Replacing a corner or edge with a curve can be completed relatively easily (some DIY skills necessary!) and can make a huge difference to the space. It can be incorporated anywhere; in the archways, windows and doorways, generating a free-flowing feeling and adding a creative and personal flair to the room. @ldsherm
RED ELEMENTS
Have you heard of the ‘unexpected red’ theory in interior design? The idea is that adding an element of red to a room immediately brings it to life and makes the space look better. A red coloured chair, lamp or vase will make the room pop and it doesn’t have to break the bank. You could even upcycle old chairs or a picture frame – create a project out of it. www.colombe.pl
UNIQUE LIGHTING
The simple addition of a cool lamp or lighting centrepiece really adds a touch of style and interest to the kitchen. It doesn’t have to be the most extravagant lamp you can think of either – outdoor lamps are affordable and look just as good indoors. www.rhatiganandhick.ie
A COCKTAIL BAR
Wait! You don’t have to knock down walls to create a bar area in your kitchen! If there is a natural division in a broken plan kitchen or you have a certain amount of extra space along your counter, incorporating a bar area will jazz up your room to no end. Put glasses on display, your favourite bottles, wine holders and style it up to suit you. The drinks cabinet in this Kube kitchen infuses the space with a cosy ambiance and distinct personality. The close proximity of the bar and island makes hosting parties a breeze. www.kubeinteriors.com
A PERSONAL TOUCH
We know that adding unique and quirky additions to the kitchen makes the space feel like your own. Try adding pops of colour through your favourite artworks or prints, your favourite ceramics, quirky plants, sconces or vases, and decorative items you’ve picked up on your travels. Everything should tell a story. Open shelving is a beacon for quirky additions and provides the perfect platform for all your wares. www.herringbonekitchens.com
FAMILY PHOTO WALL
A gorgeous family photo wall or shelf presentation is a great way to personalise your kitchen space and creates that quirky point of interest that interior designers often try to incorporate. A simple project to tackle one weekend! www.82mm.com
SOFT TEXTURES
A very clear way to add pattern or personality to your home is by adding soft textures like a kitchen rug or runner, new seat cushions or reupholstering tired bench cushions. A kitchen rug serves not only as a decorative element but can also provide protection for the floor in the most used section of the house, and offers comfort. It will define different areas of the room and brings warmth and interest to the kitchen. Just make sure it’s washable. www.rugs.ie
UNDER COUNTER LIGHTING
Under the counter lighting – or an island in this case – is an easy and affordable way to elevate your kitchen. It not only adds more interest to the room but is practical for creating atmospheric lighting. This O’Connors of Drumleck kitchen in Carrickmines achieves a light and tranquil ambiance as a result of the bespoke lighting and neutral colour palette. www.oconnorsofdrumleck.ie
PRACTICAL PLACEMENT OF APPLIANCES
Being able to translate your ideas into a stylish kitchen just the way you imagined it is an absolute must. But it shouldn’t be limited to just aesthetic considerations – incorporating ergonomic considerations into your design will make your life much easier in the kitchen. This is why Siemens have compiled an overview of important points that you should take into account when planning your kitchen and choosing your household appliances. Read their guide here; www.siemens-home.bsh-group.com.
