• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australiaโ€™s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      Weโ€™re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
      • Get Your Free Ebook

        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesnโ€™t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • 1-AFTER-SHA15-ROSELANDS-0P9A4910Before & after: this week’s Selling Houses recap: Roselands, NSW
    • Will's favourite room in the homeBefore & after: rundown boarding house to beautiful heritage home
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other peopleโ€™s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether youโ€™re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • Birdblack Design (49 Wollongong Street, Shellharour)Stunning curved ledge and Venetian plaster create spa like feel
    • IMG_3188Art Deco apartment makeover to create New York Paris vibe
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? Weโ€™re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • designer-rugs-gavin-harris-polaris-lo-wr1Gavin Harris still excited seeing sketches become real life rugs
    • Affordable-Art-2022-426The Affordable Art Fair returns to Sydney next month
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jenโ€™s a legitimate interiors addict, sheโ€™s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the countryโ€™s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • ELROY_009cA closer look at this year’s Dulux Colour Awards winners
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      Weโ€™re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks youโ€™ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • Screen Shot 2023-05-03 at 5.28.36 pmFoodie Friday: Organic fig & nut chocolate crack
    • Airbnb-Rooms-Bangkok-Bedroom-2023-Summer-ReleaseAirbnb launches Airbnb Rooms, going back to its affordable roots
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

How to: Update your kitchen for sale without replacing it

By Lauren Ellis โ€ข 3 Comments

FacebookPinEmailTweet

When taking a home to market, thereโ€™s no denying that the kitchen plays an integral role in a propertyโ€™s appeal. The heart of the home (it is usually the most high-traffic area), its importance is (unfortunately) often reflected in its cost and a full replacement can be very expensive indeed. And while many kitchens canโ€™t be brought back from the brink, it is amazing the difference small tweaks can make in modernising a kitchen for sale.

kitchenwhite
Image courtesy of Cantilever Interiors

Firstly, you must consider each kitchen element and ask yourself the following: Can you paint it? Cover it? Clean it? Re-finish it? Or is replacement your only option?

Handles/pulls

As with most kitchen design aspects, trends come and go and the same can be said for door handles and pulls, meaning fresh hardware is a great, simple way to update your kitchen. Obviously you need to consider where your existing holes are before purchasing new fittings, but a new set of classic stainless steel handles (or on-trend black or rose gold), can work wonders.

Splash back

The kitchen splash back is one of the easiest ways to tell the age of a kitchen โ€“ from tiles to toughened glass, textures and colours come and go on a trend basis. But itโ€™s also an area that is fairly easy to change and, depending on your choice of material, it can inexpensive too. Tiles are usually the cheapest option but, regardless of what finish you choose, stick to neutral tones to appeal to the widest range of buyers.

Image courtesy of Design Tiles
Image courtesy of Design Tiles

Cupboard doors

Installing new cupboard fronts is a great way to update your kitchen, but you need to consider what your existing ones are made from. If they are made from timber they can be updated with paint however, if they are covered in vinyl wrap, they canโ€™t be re-coated and will require complete replacement. Replacement is fairly easy if your doors are standard sizes โ€“ if theyโ€™re not, it becomes a much more expensive exercise.

Bench tops

Your kitchen bench top material plays a huge role in its overall aesthetic which is why replacing it can really refresh the space. A standard laminate is your most inexpensive option while stone is usually the costliest, but it is a timeless choice. Again, stick to neutral hues for the broadest appeal.

Lighting

Like any interior space, lighting is key and updating your kitchenโ€™s lighting can make a huge difference to its feel. Think on-trend pendant lights over an island bench, or new task lighting โ€“ both can make a significant impact.

Image courtesy of Justine Hugh-Jones
Image courtesy of Justine Hugh-Jones

Appliances

Old appliances can really date a kitchen which is why replacement is often a great idea. Stainless steel is a fairly fail-safe choice but integrated appliances are even better โ€“ theyโ€™re great for a streamlined look.

Windows

If your kitchen is short on natural light, it could be a good idea to have a window or two fitted but equally, if a window isnโ€™t possible, a skylight is great idea too. Natural light can really lift a space.

–Naomi Findlay is one of our resident experts, principal ofย Silk Homeย and founder of theย International Institute of Home Staging.ย 

Read all her articles for Reno Addict.

FacebookPinEmailTweet

October 4, 2016

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Before & after: this week’s Selling Houses recap: Roselands, NSW
  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail
  • Art Deco apartment makeover to create New York Paris vibe
  • Why render is the unsung hero of garden design
  • Palette Cam 15 apps to help you build your dream home

Follow us on Instagram

SALE ALERT! Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my fav SALE ALERT!

Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my favourite home stores @shack.furniture.homewares are having their annual warehouse sale this week, from Thursday until Saturday.

HUGE savings on furniture, homewares and decor with 30 to 80% off. Wowsers!

I'm a big fan of SHACK and can never leave one of their stores without a few styling goodies for my place! It's just too tempting!

While you're at the sale, mention Interiors Addict for an extra 10% off!

Unit 16a, 1801 Botany Rd, Banksmeadow NSW 2019

Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd June 2023, 9am to 4pm. Not online.

#sydneyshopping #sydneysale #sydneysales #sydneyfurniture #shackfurniture #shackfurniturehomewares #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #comeshoppingwithme
A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in th A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in this bathroom is one of the cleverest designs we've seen in a while!

This mega ledge, made of Corian, even incorporates a sink, seamlessly.

Combined with venetian plaster on the walls, it's no wonder this Illawarra bathroom by @birdblackdesign feels like a day spa!

Come check it out via link bio.

Lead designer Stuart Gibson says: "One smooth curve, right around the room, from either side of the door opening. As it moves around, it creates a ledge for the bath: for bath oils, lotions, a book and a champagne glass. The ledge continues around and becomes the vanity, widening out to create a custom seamless basin."

#bathroomhappiness #bathroomdetails #bathroomshelves #bathroomshelf #venetianplastering #coriandesign #coriansolidsurface #spalikebathroom #spabathroom #sustainablebathroom
Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the before and afters for you on the blog now, via link in bio (and swipe for a taster).

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #foxtel #lifestylechannel #beforeandafterkitchen #beforeandafterlivingroom #beforeandafterrenovation #realitytv #housetours #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
๐Ÿ˜ Not sure what's better: the custom mirror abo ๐Ÿ˜ Not sure what's better: the custom mirror above the fireplace in this Art Deco one-bedder or the wallpaper in the kitchen (swipe)?!

It's been a while since we featured an apartment makeover on IA. Would you like to see more apartment interiors? Head to the blog now to see more of this one. Via link in bio.

#artdecoapartment #artdecointerior
#artdecomirror #artdecofireplace #artdecomelbourne #artdecofurniture #artdecobuilding #artdecointeriors #apartmentrenovation #apartmentinterior #smallspaceliving #melbourneapartments #melbourneairbnb #kitchenwallpaper #wallpaperaustralia
Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sh Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sheets and soap and powder!). We have a great roundup of the best options on the blog today. 

A whole host of brands are offering eco-friendly, low tox alternatives to the more chemical-laden ones. Not only that, they often smell amazing, look good on your shelf and come in recycled or recyclable (or even better, both) packaging. 

Good for your skin, your clothes and the planet: whatโ€™s not to like?

Do you use any of these?

COMPARE THEM ALL VIA LINK IN BIO NOW.

#lowtoxliving #lowtoxlife #lowtoxlifestyle #lowtoxhome #lowtoxlaundry #lowtoxswaps #naturallaundry #naturallaundrydetergent #naturallaundrysoap #ecolaundry #lowtoxcleaning #ecofriendlyhome #ecofriendlyhouse #laundryliquid #laundrypowder #laundrysoap #naturalcleaning #chemicalfreecleaning #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Play room goals!๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿป This is just one room fr Play room goals!๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿป

This is just one room from today's real house tour which I really love because in employing interior designer @issyandhcreative the owners weren't looking for a complete rip out and re-do but rather to work with what they had in their new suburban home (including a dated kitchen) and give it a largely cosmetic glow up with styling and new furniture (some of which was upcycled). 

The brief was to create a family friendly home. "They weren't looking for perfection but rather a warm and relaxing retreat for their busy young family." This playroom though? Pretty close to perfect! And the mum did the colour coded books herself. Love that๐Ÿ˜

Head over to the blog now via link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#playroomideas #playroomgoals #playroomdecor #familyhomes #kidfriendlyhome #kidfriendlyinteriors #familyhomedecor #sustainabledecor #affordablerenovations #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #beanbagchair #beanbags #colourcodedbooks #colourcoded #toyroom #kidsroomdesign 

Pix by @tealily
All the heart eyes for this little setup ๐Ÿ˜ Hea All the heart eyes for this little setup ๐Ÿ˜

Head to the blog to shop this and two other gorgeous styled images from @greenhouseinteriors 

The stunning @mrsniceart artwork has already sold but the good news is, you can still get prints of it!

Styling by Aisha Chaudhry for Greenhouse Interiors, assisted by Nikki McGar, Kylie Harris, Rachael Blake and Max Green. Photography by Stephanie Rooney. 

#poolart #sideboardstyling #buffetstyling #consolestyling #vignettes #greenhouseinteriors #barcartstyling #shopthelook #bluehomedecor #poolumbrella #beachumbrella
Bookworms need a cosy book nook! ๐Ÿ“– ๐Ÿ› Seb an Bookworms need a cosy book nook! ๐Ÿ“– ๐Ÿ›

Seb and Charlie had one of those kid size couches in their playroom but frankly, they'd outgrown it! I picked this Aussie made compact 2-seater Ruby sofa from @fantasticfurniture 

I'd usually go for grey to keep it neutral but as it's in a kid's room I went for this heather blue fabric to make it a little more fun while still classic. There's more than 50 fabric choices for Fantastic's Aussie made range so good luck choosing ๐Ÿ˜‚ 

I left the legs off to keep it below the windowsill. I'm super happy with the quality. It looks a lot more expensive than its $699 pricetag ๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿป

Books, natural light and a cosy couch = happy boys! And let's not pretend they won't be watching the odd movie on there too ๐Ÿฟ because #keepingitreal

#FantasticFurniture #FantasticFamily #booknook #booknookstagram #booknook #bookwormsofinstagram #littlereader #littlebookworm #cosycorner #cosycorner #playroomideas #toyroom #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #aussiemade #aussiemadefurniture #twoseater #kidssofa #kidscouch #bluesofa #loveofreading
Last week we interviewed chalk paint pioneer Annie Last week we interviewed chalk paint pioneer Annie Sloan from her UK base about colour and Aussies' relationship with it. (And how's this for a before & after kitchen?! ๐Ÿ˜)

Annieโ€™s latest green hue, Coolabah Green, is inspired by the Eucalyptus trees of her childhood (did you know she was born in Sydney?). โ€œI made it in tribute to Australia and Iโ€™m thrilled to say thatโ€™s been really popular both here in the UK and in Australia. Itโ€™s a kind of smoky, silvery sage green thatโ€™s very easy to work with and would complement accents of Amsterdam Green deliciously.โ€

Sales stats show Aussies are all about greens while elsewhere in the world greys and blues are more popular from her range. So tell me, are you a green lover?

Head to the blog to read Annie's thoughts on upcycling furniture and more. Via link in bio.

#chalkpaint #chalkpainted #chalkpainting #chalkpaintfurniture #chalkpaintlove #chalkpaintmakeover #anniesloanchalkpaint #anniesloanhome #anniesloanpaint #paintedkitchencabinets #paintedkitchen #paintedkitchens #upcycler #upcyclers #upcyclersofinstagram #upcycledfurniture #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #anniesloan #greenkitchencabinets #greenkitchens #greenpaint #coolabahgreen #coolabah
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: What Made The Biggest Impact in Jen's Own Reno.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

More from Expert Tips

Key fabric & furniture trends from Italy, by Marco Meneguzzi

Why render is the unsung hero of garden design

Aussies love colour, especially green, says Annie Sloan

5 simple ways to adopt stylish sustainability habits at home

Small space hacks to make your bathroom feel larger

Art: more than just looks, it’s about the feels too!

Tips to make any space feel and appear larger

How to make your bed look like a stylist did it

Dulux 'Legacy' palette, 2019

The Dulux Colour Forecast is celebrating 25 years!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarAnne Loneragan says

    October 5, 2016 at 10:01 pm

    About half of my white 2pac kitchen cupboard doors have gone a creamy yellow colour. Can I repaint the cupboard doors?

    Reply
  2. AvatarNaomi says

    October 7, 2016 at 9:10 am

    Hi Anne, was that 2 pac from the manufacturer or one that you applied? Naomi

    Reply
  3. AvatarDonatella Bellini says

    March 26, 2017 at 12:23 am

    You haven’t mentioned one other important surface – the floor finish.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2023 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP ยท Log in

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!