6 Simple Ways To Elevate Your Kitchen For 2026

6 Simple Ways To Elevate Your Kitchen For 2026

* This is a collaborative post

Keen to update your kitchen without spending loads on a full remodel?

Good news: there are plenty of simple ways you can give your kitchen a fresh, modern look that works for the whole family, without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re cooking together, helping with homework at the table, or hosting family dinners, these six tips will make your kitchen the heart of your home.

Invest in new tiles
Updating your tiles can instantly revamp the whole room. Consider which styles and textures suit the rest of your home’s décor and will enhance your space.

If you’re into a contemporary vibe, consider herringbone or trendy brick-effect tiles.

Want something that looks luxurious? A marble splashback is timeless and chic.

Maybe something more practical? Choose durable, easy-to-clean tiles. Perfect for those inevitable spills and splashes when little ones are helping out.

If you’re on a tight budget, stick-on tiles are a great solution as they’re affordable and easy to install without professionals.

Give cabinets a fresh lick of paint
Cabinets can take up a lot of visual space, so giving them a fresh coat of paint can completely change your kitchen.

Trending shades for 2026, like soft whites, teal, grey or jade green, can work wonders in modernising the room.

Before you dive in, though, make sure you know what type of material your cabinets are made of and prep the surface correctly.

Cleaning and sanding might be necessary to get that flawless finish. And why not make it a family project? Kids can help out with sanding or picking colours, making it a perfect weekend activity.

Get new hardware
It’s often the small interior design choices that make all the difference.

Updating your cabinet handles, knobs or taps can have an immediate impact.

Matte finishes are great because they generally hide fingerprints, which is a lifesaver in a busy family kitchen!

Consider a new countertop
If your current countertop is looking a little tired, consider upgrading it to something that complements your cabinets.
For instance, if you’ve got dark-coloured cabinets, a light, bright countertop will create a lovely contrast and help brighten the space.

Think about durability and easy maintenance. Laminate or quartz are great for families because they’re resistant to stains and scratches. Perfect for baking sessions or craft projects with the kids.

Upgrade your sink
If your sink is showing signs of wear, consider investing in a new one.

Ceramic sinks are a fantastic option as they are hard-wearing and stain-resistant, so they can withstand even the busiest kitchens! And a deeper sink can make washing up easier after big family meals. Pair it with a pull-out tap for quick rinsing of bottles, lunchboxes, and all those extra dishes that come with family life.

Whether you’re after a traditional farmhouse sink or a more modern design, this is an easy way to refresh your kitchen.

Install cosy lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of the room, which is particularly important if you plan to dine, relax or entertain in your kitchen.

Layering different types of lighting is an effective way to make the space feel cosy and inviting.

Start with task lighting over work areas, like the hob or sink, then add ambient lighting for a soft glow.

Don’t forget accent lighting, such as under-cabinet lights or feature lighting over a statement piece, like a kitchen island or artwork.

Whether you choose to paint the cabinets or upgrade your sink, these simple updates will make your kitchen a space where family memories are made, without splashing the cash on a full redesign. Which of these ideas will your family love most?





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