9 Ways to Liven Up Your Tired Old Kitchen
These ideas will have you reviving your kitchen decor in an out-of-the-ordinary fashion
Freestanding cupboards, mix-and-match colours, contrasting textures, individual drawer handles – kitchens can be as creative as their owners. If sleek, clean-cut units don’t get you excited, take inspiration from these nine ways to get a more varied look in the kitchen.
2. Feature a key piece
To keep things interesting in a kitchen with matching cabinets, add a standout storage unit. It could be a plate rack or a bright or weathered cabinet. It will break up the rigidity of a single-finish kitchen and let your personality shine through.
To keep things interesting in a kitchen with matching cabinets, add a standout storage unit. It could be a plate rack or a bright or weathered cabinet. It will break up the rigidity of a single-finish kitchen and let your personality shine through.
3. Work in an island
For impact in a large kitchen, an island needs to be a ‘hero’ piece that can carry the space. This weathered central island doesn’t conform to any norms. Along with the industrial storage on wheels, it adds just the right amount of character.
For impact in a large kitchen, an island needs to be a ‘hero’ piece that can carry the space. This weathered central island doesn’t conform to any norms. Along with the industrial storage on wheels, it adds just the right amount of character.
4. Try an urban loft style
A strong dose of industrial style livens up this slim kitchen. Wood, metal, grey paint and ceramic surfaces mix easily, thanks to similar tones. Then there are the contrasts: bare bricks are mirrored by glossy metro tiles, waist-level units by a taller cabinet. Matching kitchen pieces in this space could have looked too uniform; these look freed up and innovative.
A strong dose of industrial style livens up this slim kitchen. Wood, metal, grey paint and ceramic surfaces mix easily, thanks to similar tones. Then there are the contrasts: bare bricks are mirrored by glossy metro tiles, waist-level units by a taller cabinet. Matching kitchen pieces in this space could have looked too uniform; these look freed up and innovative.
5. Go two-tone
A blend of two shades – palest green and natural bare timber – brings a breath of fresh air to this kitchen. Tongue-and-groove cabinets and two types of handles are extra custom twists.
A blend of two shades – palest green and natural bare timber – brings a breath of fresh air to this kitchen. Tongue-and-groove cabinets and two types of handles are extra custom twists.
6. Compare and contrast
A creative kitchen doesn’t have to be off-the-charts unusual. Simply combining two tones, two surfaces and two heights does the job. Carefully crafted finishes give the space a quality feel.
A creative kitchen doesn’t have to be off-the-charts unusual. Simply combining two tones, two surfaces and two heights does the job. Carefully crafted finishes give the space a quality feel.
7. Cast it in monochromes
The dark-on-light colour scheme here adds visual interest, and the contrast of raw, waxy timber and smooth marble creates a look that’s unique.
Explore more marble kitchens
The dark-on-light colour scheme here adds visual interest, and the contrast of raw, waxy timber and smooth marble creates a look that’s unique.
Explore more marble kitchens
8. Add your own handles
This kitchen works its magic with off-the-shelf Ikea units with tactile leather handles. The handles are eye-catching and pleasant to hold – significant, when you consider how often they’ll be used. Open shelving on top combines with a stainless steel benchtop that wouldn’t be out of place in a chef’s kitchen.
This kitchen works its magic with off-the-shelf Ikea units with tactile leather handles. The handles are eye-catching and pleasant to hold – significant, when you consider how often they’ll be used. Open shelving on top combines with a stainless steel benchtop that wouldn’t be out of place in a chef’s kitchen.
9. Pare it back
This converted industrial warehouse is a dramatic space, so the designer wisely didn’t try to make the kitchen steal the show. Zinc-coloured doors inside pale frames, metallic tones and a pared-back 1960s vibe for the furnishings help this kitchen work in its setting – proof that statements don’t always have to be shouts.
YOUR SAY
How have you adapted your kitchen to look its best? Share your ideas in the comments section.
MORE
6 Factors to Consider When Choosing Handles for Your Kitchen Cabinets
18 Kitchen Updates Every Homeowner Should Know About
20 Budget-Friendly Updates for Your Kitchen
This converted industrial warehouse is a dramatic space, so the designer wisely didn’t try to make the kitchen steal the show. Zinc-coloured doors inside pale frames, metallic tones and a pared-back 1960s vibe for the furnishings help this kitchen work in its setting – proof that statements don’t always have to be shouts.
YOUR SAY
How have you adapted your kitchen to look its best? Share your ideas in the comments section.
MORE
6 Factors to Consider When Choosing Handles for Your Kitchen Cabinets
18 Kitchen Updates Every Homeowner Should Know About
20 Budget-Friendly Updates for Your Kitchen
This kitchen’s cabinets are all the same trendy grey, but they sidestep predictable symmetry because two pieces are different styles. They work together, but their drawers have different depths and storage options. A rail for pots and pans creates more variety.