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Easy Do It Yourself Ways to Update a Kitchen

I have read many articles that offer ways to update a kitchen but none that really offer easy do-it-yourself ways that don't cost a fortune, so what can you do to update a kitchen - affordably?

22/05/2023

 

 

 

 

There are plenty of articles out there on ways to update a kitchen but so many of them either cost a lot of money or require a great deal of hard work. I would rather look at inexpensive ways to give a kitchen an update, ways that are do-it-yourself and not so difficult yet also ways that won't cost you much and yield visible results.

 

 

 

 

1. Clean and Sort the Kitchen

I have seen plenty of kitchen makeovers where simply giving a kitchen a thorough cleaning from top to bottom makes a huge difference. We are talking about removing clutter from countertops, scrubbing cabinets down, cleaning wall and floor tiles and emptying out and re-organising kitchen cupboards.

 

 

Check out the Krud Kutter range of heavy-duty cleaners for removing built-up grime and grease on cupboards, tiles, and walls. Available at Builders at a cost of R150 per 946ml bottle.

 

 

 

 

It's not just about how dirty a kitchen is but rather giving it a deep clean that normally gets overlooked when you are too busy to do anything than just give it a wipe down when you have time. Even house cleaners rarely take the time to clean everything and there are always areas that are overlooked, so put on your rubber gloves, arm yourself with cleaners and cloths, and get to work. Who knows, you may be in for a pleasant surprise and your kitchen will definitely appreciate the attention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Update Kitchen Hardware

This one is a no-brainer. Dated hardware means a kitchen that looks dated and yet, updating kitchen handles and knobs isn't that expensive. Builders have a great selection of kitchen hardware that you can remove and replace in an hour or two and will immediately update the kitchen.

 

 

 

 

New Knobs and Handles are priced from around R11 each and upwards at Builders depending on the style selected.

 

 

 

 

3. Replace Dated Light Fittings

Light fittings are another way of updating a kitchen, particularly if these haven't been changed since you moved in or built the house. And this is one area where you can also save money, since LED or CFL light fittings are far more economical and that means you can install additional lighting if the kitchen needs it without increasing your monthly electricity bill.

 

 

 

 

Affordable LED ceiling lights are priced from around R375 at Builders and will light up a kitchen with energy-efficient lighting.

 

 

 

 

Shop for light fittings that are reasonably priced, will provide plenty of artificial light, and will also complement the layout and style of the kitchen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Change Window Treatments

 

 

 

 

 

Affordable aluminium Venetian blinds cost around R700 each at Builders (Finishing Touches), depending on the size, and are available in several different colour finishes.

 

 

 

 

5. Install new kitchen countertops

Believe it or not but replacing kitchen countertops is not a difficult task, nor is it an expensive one. You can pick up a variety of styles in Formica LifeSeal countertops that offer the look of marble or granite, wood-look finish, or plain colours. At 600mm wide and just short of 3 metres in length, it won't cost a fortune to rip out your old countertops and update with new ones. 

 

 

 

 

Replace old countertops with PG Bison Melawood in 2,750 metre lengths at Builders for around R1,199. This length is more than enough for a small to medium-size kitchen and DIY installation is easy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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