5 simple kitchen renovation ideas

1. Vinyl wrap kitchen cabinet doors

Kitchen cabinets don’t just provide storage; theyre also a primary focal point for any kitchen. Switching up your kitchen cabinets is an easy way to add a decorative touch to any type of kitchen space, no matter what the size. Vinyl wrap are durable enough to stand up to everyday wear and tear, and they also look fabulous. Made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) thats been cut, shaped and coated with glue, and then covered with pressed vinyl that goes completely around the door so that there are no visible joints.

Vinyl wrap doors are incredibly versatile, as MDF panels can be cut and shaped in a huge range of styles, from simple, flat designs to ornate surfaces that resemble carved wood. The vinyl wrap is available in a wide array of colours, textures and finishes, including simulated wood veneers and glosses.

Vinyl wrap doors are extremely popular with homeowners on a budget because they can replicate the look of wood so well. They cost significantly less than natural wood cabinets, but you have to look closely to see the difference. In addition to smooth wood grains, vinyl wrap can also simulate the look of different varieties of textured wood. This means that if you already have wood features in your kitchen, you’ll be able to select vinyl door coverings that will tone in beautifully.

Caring for vinyl wrap doors

Vinyl wrap doors are ideal for kitchen cabinetry because theyre incredibly durable. The MDF material is scratch resistant, so you dont have to worry about chips and marks. It is also engineered to seal out water and moisture, so your cabinets wont be in danger of warping. In addition, vinyl wrap doors require very little maintenance. You’ll never need to sand, paint or revarnish your vinyl wrapped doors, and they’ll never need furniture oil. To clean them, all you need to do is wipe them with a soft cloth or sponge and warm soapy water, and then allow them to air dry. Avoid using chemical cleaners, as these may damage the vinyl. For stubborn stains, you can apply a bit of methylated spirits, and then rinse clean. Otherwise, the only other maintenance you’ll need to do is oil the hinges occasionally.

2. New benchtops

What is the first thing to wear out in the kitchen? Often it is the benchtop. From all the spilling, chopping, and general wear and tear that benchtops take, upgrading to a new laminate, granite, or even marble top can make a vast improvement to the overall modernised look of your kitchen.

There are several different factors that need to go into your benchtop selection. First, think about how big you’ll need to make your benchtop; as a general rule, they should be between 600-900mm deep. Remember, if they’re too wide, you won’t be able to reach all the items you’ll need – but don’t make it too small as to detract from the food preparation! Figure our how many people are going to be preparing food, and get a benchtop that has room enough for all of them to do the work.

After that, you’ll have to figure out what your benchtop will actually look like. This is important, since the benchtop is such an important, dominating part of the kitchen.

Benchtop materials

You want to pick out a tiled benchtop that both fits into the existing decor and is practical enough to fit into your lifestyle. More serious cooks might want to go for heat and scratch-resistant materials, while casual cooks might want to go for laminates. Additionally, figure out how much of a renovation you’d like to do. Just replacing the benchtops might be more complicated than it seems – you might have to figure out how structurally sound your kitchen is before you do any work.

Granite is durable and resistant but needs to be sealed on a regular basis. The blended material Corian is seamless, stain- and heat-resistant and available in a range of options. The marble looks great but requires plenty of sealants. Quartz is low-maintenance and very durable. Concrete is very popular nowadays and can be cast right on-site, but has to be sealed often. Laminate is economical and versatile. Tiled kitchen benchtops offer plenty of designs, and are available in several different materials. Hardwood is sturdy and perfect for the home cook who wants to get serious.

From bargain to expensive, kitchen benchtops are available at a variety of prices. However, even if you are on a strict budget, do not skip the laminate benchtops. They are highly cost effective and will last for many years with little maintenance. Also, they are available in a variety of colours, effects and patterns. There are finishes that resemble stone or timber, so you can have that look without the cost. Additionally, laminates are available in designer options to provide stylistic flare to your kitchen. Use laminate benchtops in conjunction with laminated splash backs, doors and drawer fronts.

5. Splashbacks

Consider filling the gap between your new counters and cabinet doors. Connect your cupboards and benchtop elements by installing new splashbacks. Options for this feature include acrylic splashbacks, glass splashbacks, and even LED splashback which can install straight over your existing one.

4. Small, personal touches

One of the quickest and least expensive ways of giving your kitchen the makeover it deserves is to add some personal touches. Let’s take a look at how we can do this on a budget:

• Grow flowers on your windowsill: Find a colourful flower or useful herb to grow indoors on a windowsill.
• Update your small appliances: You do not have to run out and buy a new stove or refrigerator unless you really want and need to. Instead, you can just update some of the smaller, frequently used appliances in your kitchen. Think about adding an element of colour while you’re out shopping for these; it will bring a new element to your kitchen countertops.

Also, think about swapping out those old handles and hinges for some new, interesting ones. There is a lot of freedom in this upgrade, as home decor suppliers have a huge range of options for you to choose from.

5. A fresh coat of paint

One of the easiest and most effective ways to hit refresh on a tired space is a fresh coat of paint. Depending on the layout of your kitchen, this could be a great option.

Another option to revamp your kitchen is a door respray or finish. You could paint over suede paint with a more durable and easier-to-clean 2-pack paint, or opt for a Japan black finish for a sleek and modern look. However, if you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it’s best to leave it to the professionals to avoid a potential floor disaster.

In addition, if you have a display cabinet that does not seem to be getting the most attention, think about painting its back wall with a bright vibrant colour that can breathe a new life into it.