Please help me spruce up this tiny kitchen on a separate budget

[PianoPants]

Cannot afford a new kitchen at the moment but really don't like this one. I've seen people stick things over cupboards etc. But don't think that would work with this design. How I can I make it look better until I'm in a position to to upgrade? All hints, tips and tricks welcomed!

[PianoPants]

Don't know where the rogue word 'separate' came from in the title, sorry!

[RHRA]

Have a look at the Frenchic paint forum on Facebook. Loads of inspiration there.

[RainySaturday]

Frenchic paint the units in a neutral colour. Remove the tiles and replace with new. You can do the tiling yourself as a temporary job and it'll be fine.
A few nice plants in bright pots on the windowsill. Jazzy teatowel on ovendoor.

[Whatthebloodyell]

I don’t think it’s that bad? I’d
Paint the tiles a sea green/ turquoise colour and that would be it. Those cupboards look paintable though so with a bit more effort and time you could get it
Looking really fab.

[BrieAndChilli]

We had practically the same kitchen doors. We painted it with cupboard paint in a cream colour, painted the walls a duck egg colour. Made a massive difference!

[84claire84]

Paint the cupboards a light colour. Paint the times or replace if you have the spare cash and add a bit of colour to the walls

[84claire84]

It's really not a bad kitchen though.

[Elieza]

I just bought a spray paint gun thing with the intention of spraying all my units and putting new handles on them. Fifty odd quid from Aldi. That ought to make a difference. I’m going to add a new worktop too from ikea as it seems cheap. Don’t know how much it will be to fit but so far the costs will be around £30 for paint, £50 (or £55, not sure) for sprayer. £80 for worktop, £50 handles £? for worktop fitting and if I have any money left I might do some tiling, nothing exciting, from b&q. That ought to make it look a bit fresher.

[lolalolalol]

Paint the cabinets and new handles.

[Eng123]

I hate tile paint and painted cupboards. Trying to paint a kitchen surface is a recipe for disaster in my book. I rather like the kitchen but for a spruce up I'd change the tiles, maybe red metro tiles or large format porcaline replica limestone (Devon bone). I'd also change the flooring for tiles rather than lino, again I like light limestone but a grey/silver slate could work too.

[Twizzleisadancer]

how is that a tiny kitchen? :s

[YesIDoLoveCrisps]

Could you jazz up the floor instead? Maybe paint the tiles a more neutral colour and get a snazzy floor?
www.wayfair.co.uk/World-Menagerie--20cm-x-23cm-PVC-Peel-and-Stick-Mosaic-Tile-IWP85497-L7271-K~HVO74386.html?refid=GX399105011747-HVO74386_38785796&device=m&ptid=672397689968&targetid=aud-388180976294:pla-672397689968&network=g&ireid=54177726&PiID%5B%5D=38785796&device=m&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0baDv-Kg6wIV2-7tCh0N8QxZEAQYCCABEgIRLvD_BwE

[CatAndHisKit]

that's not a tiny kitchen
Agree it needs to go cream / pastel.

[Thisischaos]

Frenchic paint’s Alfresco range - this is the outdoor version of their paint but is also perfect for kitchens as it is ultra durable and wipeable. A little goes a long way as you must only apply it in very thin coats - usually 3-4 coats.

I used it to paint my cupboards nearly a year ago and it’s still looking in great condition. I used about 3/4 of a tin which cost about £17.

Have a look at kitchens on the Frenchic Fan Forum on Facebook- search for them, but posts are added daily too.

Also new cupboard handles can make a difference.

[PianoPants]

Thanks everyone for some really great tips. Will definitely be exploring them! Maybe I should have said "small" kitchen instead of "tiny". It's our first (bought) flat and for a family of four seems small in comparison to what we've had when renting. But after a quick Google of tiny kitchen decor, I agree that it's not that tiny.

Can't believe I've never heard or Frenchic, what a revelation!

[daisypond]

I don’t even think it’s particularly small, let alone tiny.

[Solina]

@daisypond I think it looks bigger as its quite airy but I would call 1 set of drawers, one normal size cupboard, one half lenght? Cupboard and under sink and under oven cupboard small storage wise. There is also only 3 top cupboards as I assume the end is a boiler cupboard.
We used to have a kitchen with similar amount of storage and although it looked decent size it really was small and we couldn't have anything extra like a microwave or mixer for baking etc. Also had one cupboard for all dry goods/spices etc.

Anyways, OP I would paint cupboards and change flooring and either paint the tiles or change them. Will look much nicer.

[PianoPants]

Yes you're right, it's lack of storage space and not having space for a table. But might get one of those fold down ones.

[Jenniraffe]

Yes look at the Frenchic Fan forum on Facebook and put 'kitchens' in the search bar. Amazing transformations and so easy if you follow the specific instructions! ☺️

[maxicheddar]

Yes paint cupboards cream/white. I reckon you can gt a breakfast bar/island in there op. Have a look at some Ikea ones that have been modified. 'Ikea hacks' are the key words!

Also a blackboard wall maybe. Also search images/ pinterest for 'family command centres' for organisation ideas eg for the end walls of a run of units. And what the Americans call 'mud rooms' too.

I am desperate to to do all these ideas in our small flat but can't as we rent so no mods allowed :(

have fun!

[MikeEhrmantraut]

Painting our cupboards lighter and replacing the handles, some tile stickers and a new worktop, plinth ends and kick boards fitted with matching accessories and a blind has made a massive difference to our ugly smallish kitchen. I think we spent approx £700, most of that was the worktop and kick boards.

[NachoNachoMan]

@PianoPants

Yes you're right, it's lack of storage space and not having space for a table. But might get one of those fold down ones.

Do you have somewhere else for a table because if you do you could use the space and put in a dresser, and could paint it the same or a contrasting colour as the cupboards. Then you could store recipe books, pots, glasses etc on that. You can get some good bargains on Facebook marketplace or in charity shops, and if you're painting it anyway it doesn't matter if it isn't in perfect condition

[snaxinyourslacks]

Frenchic paint! I've just redone my 30 year old brown/orange kitchen with Frenchic, you can also paint the tiles with it.

[goodwinter]

I'm in the middle of doing a similar thing. Used Frenchic (wedding cake from the lazy range) for the cupboard doors, new handles, painted the walls, and will be retiling soon! It's made a world of difference already :)