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The secret to having a luxurious-looking kitchen is easier than you think, and it is different from how much money you spend. Today, we’re going to look at how you can create a stunning million-dollar kitchen, no matter the size of your home or your budget. The tips we are going to share today can make any kitchen look instantly distinguished, and while you may not be able to do them at once, just a few of them can really make a significant impact. 

Let’s look at some practical ways to make the kitchen look plush on a budget. 

Upgrade Your Kitchen Hardware

Suppose your kitchen cabinets are looking a little bit tired. One of the quickest and simplest ways to give them an upgrade without even having to touch a can of paint is to replace the hardware. New drawer pulls and cabinet knobs can completely change the look of your cabinetry, and it’s an easy budget-friendly project. 

Remember that your taps can also easily be replaced. A new tap doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, and it can give your sink area a whole new lease on life. 

Under Cabinet Lighting 

Under cabinet lighting is one of those things that can take your kitchen from looking budget to plush in no time. It’s a super affordable upgrade, and it makes such a big difference when it comes to the overall look of your kitchen. Besides, looking good under cabinet lighting is helpful, too. Just grab an adhesive strip light or light bar, stick it on the underside of your cabinet so that it’s hidden from you, and you’ve got instant super chic task lighting. There’s no need to call in electricians or even plug anything in, as you can get affordable motion sensor light strips that are battery-operated. You can employ the same technique for setting up your toe-kick lighting. 

Mix High and Low

One clever way to turn your kitchen look posh is by getting one beautiful higher-end item that acts as a central point and then styling it with economical items. The higher-end items beautify everything else around it. So many stylists and designers employ this trick, but only a few people realise it. You can do it anywhere in your home as well, not just in the kitchen. It can be a piece of art or some beautiful glassware – whatever you have that you think will elevate the other items that you place around it. Try it; you’ll be amazed.

Bid Farewell to Small Appliances

When it comes to counters, aim only to keep out the small appliances that you use every single day. It will be different for all of us, so for example, small daily–use appliances could be a coffee machine, a kettle, and a toaster. Other than these appliances, you can put away all other small appliances that you don’t use on a daily basis, which you can bring out when needed. Everyone has different levels of what they can tolerate; looking at the surface, each one of us longs for a balance in our kitchen between practicality and aesthetics.

Spend Only on Select Items 

Now that you have decided which small appliances deserve a permanent place on your benchtops – go a step further and consider investing in versions of those appliances that look beautiful and futuristic. When you age, you’ll probably think you’ve got one life, and you deserve to treat yourself to something that brings you joy— “If that’s the toaster, so be it”!

Get Some Pretty Glass Jars 

Transfer everything. Having a million different tubs, tins, boxes, and packets can really bring down the look of a kitchen. So, get yourself some pretty glass jars and transfer your dry goods—things like sugar, flour, oats, and coffee beans. It’s a simple thing to do, but it will make your kitchen look more refined and luxurious. 

But if you have a super tight budget, you can save the mason jars from things like your pasta sauces and jams and just use those. You can also get a label maker and create cute labels for your jars if you want. 

The cohesion created by placing everything in similar vessels will make the inside of your cabinets look a hundred times better, and it’ll be easier to find what you’re looking for when everything is organised in see-through containers. 

Create a Pretty Artefact 

Adding an artefact somewhere in your kitchen with a piece of framed art is a beautiful way to make your kitchen look classier and more thoughtful. Yes, art can be costly, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money on it. You can make your frame – your kid’s art- by buying prints or finding great, quirky little pieces at economy stores. You don’t have to put the art directly on your benchtop, although many do. Also, youcan place it on a shelf or hang it on a wall. If the only place you have to hang art in your kitchen is on a tiled splashback, you can use adhesive command strip hooks to hang your art instead. 

Add a Small Lamp

Adding a small lamp to your counter will create an ambience, making your kitchen look cosy and giving the feel of a plush designer space.

Improve Your Day-to-Day Items

If you get into the habit of replacing the items that must remain on display with attractive yet functional pieces, the overall look of your kitchen will be 100% improved. Here are just a few suggestions of everyday kitchen items that you may want to consider upgrading. 

• Dish Towels: Your dish towels should be lovely and not look like rags. Wash them regularly, invest in some that you enjoy looking at, and make sure to hang them in a way that looks intentional. 
• Dishwashing Liquid and Dish Brush: Nothing is less chic in the kitchen than the dishwashing liquid bottle that lives on your sink, along with any gross-looking sponges and dish rags. Your soap dispenser and your dish brush can be upgraded for just a few dollars. Empty your dish soap into an amber glass bottle, grab a small wooden dish brush and a little tray to hold them both, and you’re good to go. 
• Drying Rack: Instead of a drying rack, try using a drying mat. They take up way less storage space, and they can be brought out and put away as needed. They don’t have to stay out on your counter all the time.
• Cutting Boards: If you have an ugly plastic cutting board with old knife slices all over it, and the corner is melted because you left it on the stove, and it used to be white, but now it’s permanently stained orange, then you know. Well, you may not need to chuck it out, but maybe demote that cutting board to being a backup that stays hidden and treat yourself to a nice solid wood cutting board that you display and enjoy every day.

Peel and Stick Splashback

If you have a dated splashback that’s killing the vibe of your kitchen but you’re not in a place where you can retile, we recommend going the peel-and-stick route. Not a permanent solution, but if saving for new tiles, they’re an excellent interim option to elevate your kitchen’s elegance. In the meantime, peel-and-stick splashbacks are budget-friendly, super easy to install and available in a variety of colours and styles. 

Pretty Woven Baskets

Baskets are an inexpensive way to add storage to your kitchen if it has a lot of steel, glass, and shiny polished surfaces. They can also help bring back some warmth and add textural interest.

Keep the Fridge Clear

Avoid sticking a lot of pictures, drawings, magnets, etc. on the fridge. If you love your kid’s art piece, just pick your favourite one to display on the fridge door. Keeping your fridge door clear will create a lot less visual clutter and will help make your kitchen instantly look more put together and sophisticated.

Clean and Declutter

If your kitchen feels and looks dirty, it won’t look plush. Clean, uncluttered surfaces are essential in the kitchen. No one frets over crumbs, but delaying wiping surfaces and letting dishes pile up due to an unloaded dishwasher is neglectful.

It is not helping your cause, so make sure you stay on top of keeping all your surfaces clean. 

If you have an island and it’s become a catch-all area for mail keys or sunglasses or whatever else, clear it off. Declutter your island; add enjoyable decor like a candle tray or floral centerpiece. It looks better, simplifies cleaning, and enhances utility. At the same time, you cook, and it’s easy to put them back together. 

By decluttering surfaces, investing in key pieces, and adding simple upgrades, you can transform your kitchen into a space you love without breaking the bank. 

Contact Emporium Kitchens

Emporium Kitchens is your premier choice for kitchen renovation in Sydney! Enhance your home with our signature style. Reach out to us today, and let’s craft your perfect kitchen together.