How to create a luxury kitchen for less

The kitchen can be the most expensive room to renovate in a home with so many factors to think about from appliances to worktops, but there are many small ways to jazz up the space without breaking the bank.

Create the right atmosphere – are you seeking energy at the beginning of each day? A calm place to enjoy a coffee at the weekend? Or an intimate space for relaxed dinners? Here are some tips for how to create a luxury kitchen look for a fraction of the price.

Keep the space clean

Having a clean space is the easiest way to make your kitchen look chic. Scrubbing your kitchen cabinets and cleaning the grout on tiles can make an instant difference.

Avoid letting dirty dishes pile up and stay on top of expiration dates for food and condiments to maximise space in the cupboards. Wet sponges, unread mail and dirty appliances like toasters and blenders sitting on worktops clutter up the space.

If you want to have tea and spices on display, throw away unsightly boxes and packets and decant products into glass containers that complement the style of your kitchen. Put washing-up liquid into a stylish soap dispenser. If you want to go the extra mile, print out labels to keep track of exactly what you’re placing in each jar. Look on TikTok and Pinterest for storage inspiration if you’re not sure where to start.

Worktops and splashbacks

Chris Webb, Senior Kitchen Buyer at B&Q, says: “Stylish worktops and splashbacks can instantly make an out-of-date kitchen look incredibly modern. Choose an interesting splashback, such as a copper or patterned design.

"And choose a worktop that will look as good in ten years as it does today– marble effect laminate is a timeless and cost-effective option for that luxury look. Make sure your worktop is scratch, heat and spillage resistant – a clean finish is essential.”

Focus on lighting

Light fixtures can be an easy way to make a kitchen feel more expensive without breaking the bank. Low-hanging fixtures can make the ceiling look higher and chandeliers can really make a statement.

If you don’t want to replace your lights, placing mini lamps around the room can also be a quick and easy way to make the space feel cosy. If you have a lounging area in your kitchen, a floor lamp can create a more relaxed feel.

Replace hardware

You might be surprised at what upgrading drawer and cupboard handles can do to a space. An old drawer can look brand new with a sleek handle, and even sink fixtures like taps can be changed for a quick revamp.

Think about colour

A splash of paint can make all the difference. Colours like cream and beige can make a kitchen look elegant and create a calming space to be in.

If you don’t want to repaint your entire kitchen, painting the units can change the space. Make sure you use a primer and an oil-based paint which is more durable than latex in wet areas like kitchens.

Don’t forget about the finishing touches

A high-end kitchen features pure luxury, right down to the smallest details. This is where you can really save the cash, without anyone being able to spot the difference.

Adding paintings and prints can be a simple way to inject some personality into your kitchen and make it look more stylish. If you want the space to look cohesive, paint the frames of your artwork the same colour as your kitchen cabinets.

Fresh flowers and plants bring a lovely fragrance into the room. Windowsill herbs look attractive and are also functional. Invest in an elegant plant pot to tie the look together.

ESPC magazine

This article appeared in the February 2023 issue of the ESPC magazine. Find out more about the ESPC magazine and read the latest issue online.