A dated kitchen and tired-looking kitchen can lower the value of your home if you’re selling, so it’s worth the effort to keep this central part of your home looking its fashionable best. A simple kitchen makeover can make a dramatic difference, but it is a project that you must do well as this is a room where families spend much of their time either together or entertaining guests.

It can be expensive depending on what work needs to be done. For this reason, many people try to tackle the job on their own. It is crucial that whatever you are looking to do, you know how to complete it safely and correctly.

Kitchen projects range from a total replacement – likely beyond the standard DIYer’s capabilities – to minor tasks, such as painting, adding a splashback or replacing cupboard handles.

Much of what you can do will depend on your existing kitchen’s materials. Unfortunately, there’s often little you can do to reconfigure your kitchen without pulling it apart completely, regardless of the materials. Still, if you’re feeling confident in your abilities, you can buy components as flatpacks to replace those you already have.

Cabinetry Materials

Modern kitchens are often made of MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard – a material made of timber particles mixed with resin and wax and then pressured into board) and sealed with a plastic laminate like Formica. MDF can ‘blow out’ if the seal is compromised and the core becomes wet. In this case, it’s often relatively easy to replace the damaged board alone.

There is a limit to what you can do to an MDF kitchen. The plastic laminate does not paint well. Though you can replace it, you either have to pry the laminate off each cupboard and door or laminate over the top, which requires cleaning and sanding each piece to ensure the new laminate will adhere properly. In short, it’s a mission for the average DIYer, but there are companies that will do this for you – at a substantially lower price than replacing the whole kitchen.

If you have older cabinetry, the carcase and cupboard doors of the kitchen are most likely timber. If you’re happy with what you have, then a coat of paint and a change of cupboard hardware (door handles, cupboard runners, hinges) can make a dramatic difference.

Sometimes the exposed carcase sections and the cupboard doors can be lacquered paint. This is more durable than a regular painted surface, which is ideal for high use areas like kitchens but is a bit harder to repaint than a normal finish. Fear not, however, for it can be done. There are numerous YouTube videos and instruction websites that show how to do it, and, again, there are even specialist kitchen outfitters who can do this for you.

Other materials, such as Stainless Steel, Granite or Marble benchtops, are a lot harder to work with – they are what they are, and short of replacing them, you’re stuck with them. But, if you’re not keen on the stainless steel bench, replacing it with granite or marble will transform your kitchen beyond your imagination.

The internet is a fantastic resource when it comes to DIY work. Even for the smallest of jobs, you can find guides on how to complete them the right way. It means that DIY remodelling in the kitchen has become much easier.

Replacing Appliances

A new oven, hob, dishwasher or fridge can have a dramatic impact.

Replacing appliances is not necessarily a hard job unless they connect to gas; this may be a perfect time to make the switch if they are. Recent studies show that gas cooking contributes to CO2 emissions and the release of other toxic gases into our homes.

Induction hobs are the ideal replacement – they have the same immediacy as gas, but the hob doesn’t get ‘hot’ in the sense of old-style electric elements (though the hot pan can transfer some heat back to the surface), so they’re safer.

Modern appliances have a streamlined look that immediately improves anyone’s kitchen. They’re also generally more energy efficient. But, if you’re going to replace your appliances, make sure you measure the hole they’re to go into!

Appliances come in all shapes and sizes, so finding one to fit your kitchen will not be difficult.

Colours and Decor

There are two parts to kitchen design. There’s the functional design aspect – where does the hob/fridge/sink go to create the essential ‘kitchen triangle’ for efficient working.

Then there is the look and feel. The theme, if you like.

There’s no doubt that colours and decor are fashionable at different times. Those of us of a certain age can probably remember the bevelled dark wood and orange tiles of a 1970s childhood. More recently, black kitchens have been the rage, white before that, then dark timber cabinetry contrasted with brightly coloured splashbacks in the early 2000s.

On top of that are the design approaches of the modern kitchen. Do you want a modern, Cape Cod, French country or industrial aesthetic?

Much will depend on your own taste. One person’s glorious mock Victorian fit-out is another’s idea of a design disaster. But if you like Victorian, you can buy modern tiles and appliances that will fit this look. And the added benefit is that the design is timeless.

The tiles you choose are essential in creating the kind of look you wish to achieve. Classic looks like rectangular white ‘subway’ tiles are a perennial style that never dates. Specific colours can look fabulous, but if they’re the colour du jour, they will be out of fashion in a year or two, and you may regret your choice.

Fashions change. What looked terrific five years ago can end up looking tired and dated. Our advice is not to follow trends too closely but rather choose what feels good for your home.