7 ways to give your kitchen a makeover this winter
BY READERS DIGEST
28th Jan 2021 Property

Now that Christmas is firmly behind us, with many of us find ourselves in a new lockdown thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, there's no better time to start a few projects around the house.
One area that often gets overlooked when it comes to makeovers is the kitchen. You don't need to have a full remodel to make some significant changes to your kitchen, here are a few simple ideas for breathing new life into your kitchen.
Declutter your kitchen
Cluttered living spaces have been known to cause and exacerbate stress and anxiety – this is no different in your kitchen space. Our kitchens are where we spend a lot of time throughout the day, so ensuring that it is a calm, clear space is vital.
Before any DIY projects can begin, have a thorough declutter. Go through each cupboard and take stock of what you have. Dispose of anything out of date and reorganise all that is left. Try to get into the habit of regularly reorganising, so that you don't have to deal with clutter building up.
Replace older cookware
Replacing your older cookware can be a great way to freshen up your kitchen's overall look. If your cookware is looking a bit worn, and not working as well as it used to it might be just the time for an upgrade.
When changing your cookware, you should always invest in the best possible quality – this way you know that your cookware will last. Items around the kitchen tend to be the most hardwearing in the house, so splashing out a little extra will end up saving you money in the long run.
Have a look at Oliver's Kitchen's range of cookware for an idea of the quality you should be looking for. You will want things that will last and look good in your kitchen, and Oliver's Kitchen provides the right balance of style and practicality.
Get painting!
If you've grown tired of the look of your kitchen cabinets, then a lick of paint could be all you need to freshen up the look. You could go for any colour you want, and your kitchen will look brand new by the time you're done.
Make sure to get the right type of paint for the material of the cabinets, as well as primer and a polish to finish. You could even let your creative side show and paint some patterns or stencil some images onto your cabinet doors. If you have kids, this could also be the perfect project to get them involved by having them each decorate their own cupboard door!
Replace handles
Going hand in hand with freshly painted cabinets, new handles for drawers, doors, and cabinets can do wonders for your kitchen's overall look.
It also has the advantage of being a pretty simple adjustment that can make a huge difference to your kitchen's look. There are plenty of styles out there to choose from, from rustic copper handles to glamorous crystal knobs.
Get Creative With Lighting
New lighting can be a great way to breathe new life into any room, and the kitchen is no exception. There are so many different styles to choose from that you're sure to find one to suit your tastes and requirements.
You can easily install under-cupboard storage to create soft glowing light to prepare your food under. Or choose from adjustable brightness lights so that you can switch from preparation to mealtime easily.
There are some genuinely cost effective ways to light your kitchen, including battery powered adhesive lights. You could even repurpose Christmas lights with the use of adhesives, providing you have the socket space!
Try some new storage ideas
If your kitchen suffers from a lack of cupboard space, new storage ideas could be perfect to gain more room.
One great trend at the moment is using the walls to help free up more space in cupboards and drawers. You could get a magnetic strip that affixes to your wall to store knives on or hooks for pots and pans.
Consider using clear containers for foods like rice, pasta and cereal. Not only are these easier to fit into cupboards or arrange neatly on counters, but they also make it easier to see when you're running low on the essentials.
Check out kitchen rugs
This may seem an odd choice for some, but rugs for the kitchen are growing in popularity. They have the dual advantage of changing the look of a room while providing some much needed warmth on colder days.
Many shops are now stocking machine washable, non-slip rugs designed specifically for the kitchen. They help protect the kitchen floor from daily wear and tear and are great for providing a focal point to the room.
Keep up with the top stories from Reader’s Digest by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.