Small kitchen ideas on a budget
by
Checkatrade

Is your small kitchen in need of an urgent face-lift yet you don’t have the funds for a big overhaul? Don’t fret. Whether you’ve inherited a dated space, or your existing kitchen is looking worn and tired, it’s still possible to make big changes on a tight budget. The secret to success is to make inexpensive design choices that will make an impact.

Read on to discover clever updates that will give your kitchen that much-needed refresh it deserves without denting your bank balance.

If you want to find out how much these updates might set you back, check out our kitchen remodel cost guide.

Clever budget-busting tile ideas

Boldly patterned tiles are your secret weapon for adding buckets of unique character and style statements to your small kitchen.

Source cheap ceramic or porcelain tiles with a vibrant design to create a big impact – the louder the better. Create a lively splashback to energise the walls, and if your budget can stretch further, tile the floor to heighten the look.

For an even bigger statement, consider painting your units in a kitchen cupboard paint that picks out the colours of the tiles.

Discover more cheap kitchen splashback ideas.

Cheap kitchen ideas that will make a statement

Unsure how to update your dull white kitchen? Create a timeless look in an instant by injecting it with some classic monochrome touches and cool Scandi style.

Simply pop in an inexpensive black and white runner beside the white cabinetry, add monochrome prints to bring interest to plain walls, and pull the look together with touches of pale timber to evoke a true Scandi feel.

Turn heads with these inexpensive kitchen ideas

Transform mundane kitchen storage into an interesting wall display by making it the focal point of your space. For example, hang an inexpensive utensil rack above the worktops and then elevate its interest by adding open wall shelves above. The result – a trendy display area that will catch the eye.

Houseplants and fresh herbs are a quick and cheap way of bringing colour and texture to your space, while stacks of your favourite tableware and glasses lined up on the shelves will also add a dynamic touch.

Find a handyman near you to put up your shelving.

Small kitchen makeover on a budget

Don’t underestimate the impact of painting a statement wall in a striking colour – even in your kitchen. Just be sure to choose a paint specifically formulated for the steamy kitchen environment that can be wiped down easily.

When it comes to the colour, go for a deep, rich tone on the wall behind your kitchen cabinets and you’ll instantly propel your kitchen’s style credentials, giving it a super contemporary feel. This cheap, low-cost decorating idea is a brilliant solution for disguising tired walls that need pepping up.

Why not hire one of our professionals to get the look?

Cheap kitchen design ideas to transform your compact space

Giving cabinets a new lease of life with a fresh paint colour can make an outstanding difference without spending a fortune.

The secret is to choose a colour that will not only complement your worktops, flooring and splashback but will also make an eye-catching difference.

You can’t go wrong with a dark neutral, such as charcoal or graphite, however, if you’re feeling particularly brave, a rose pink or rich aubergine will spice things up a bit. Always ensure you purchase paint that is formulated for kitchen cabinets.

Like what you see? There’s more where this came from. Check out Checkatrade’s blog for more tips, ideas, how-tos, and inspiration.