You can’t beat perusing a little inspo when it comes to planning a kitchen renovation, and if you’re in need of ideas, Strictly Come Dancing superstar Shirley Ballas recently unveiled her kitchen’s transformation – and it’s proof that you don’t have to rip it out and start again for a stunning transformation.
While best known for her mastery in the ballroom, Shirley’s kitchen renovation has also shown her ability to renovate a kitchen on a budget – and it’s worth looking at if you have a similar kitchen idea planned.
Instead of ripping out your kitchen and starting from scratch, Shirley’s method is far easier and more affordable. Shirley has shown that a fresh lick of paint can make a kitchen look completely different.
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Posting on Instagram, Shirley told followers that she felt it was time to give her home a refresh, and this of course, included her kitchen. Using B&M Specialist Decorators to help with the transformation, Shirley had her kitchen cabinets repainted a fresh and modern shade of white. Paired with her bright kitchen appliances, the end result made for an excellent white kitchen idea.
‘I’m a huge fan of a kitchen that gets a second chance rather than automatically ending up in a skip! If the layout works and the cabinets are fundamentally sound, repainting can completely change the look and feel of a kitchen without the eye-watering cost of replacing everything. Shirley’s is a great example of how a fresh colour can make an existing kitchen feel completely new,’ commented Georgina Burnett, celebrity interior designer, TV presenter and ambassador for DIY Toolshare.
‘The biggest benefit is that you’re changing the look without paying for an entirely new kitchen. Replacing cabinets, worktops and appliances can quickly run into thousands, whereas paint can give you a dramatic transformation for a fraction of the cost. It’s also a much more sustainable approach because you’re keeping perfectly usable cabinetry out of landfill. Sometimes the best kitchen makeover is simply the one you already own! ‘
The main benefit of painting your kitchen cabinets is that you can achieve that renovation transformation at a fraction of the cost. But before you grab the paintbrush, bear in mind that painting cabinets requires a fair amount of prep and may be a job better left to the professionals.
‘Painting a bedroom wall is quite forgiving, but cupboards are touched, wiped and knocked constantly, so preparation is more important,’ says Gareth Davies, design director at Classic Interiors. ‘A professional should know how to clean and degrease the doors properly, sand or prime the existing finish and use a paint that’ll cope with everyday wear. You can absolutely do it yourself if you’re confident and patient, but I wouldn’t treat it as a quick weekend paint job. Most of the work is actually what happens before the colour goes on.’
Is Shirley’s kitchen a good example?
In short, yes. Shirley has breathed new life into her space using a simple yet effective method. If you were ever unsure of the power of paint, let this be a shining example of how to do it well.
‘I think it demonstrates an important point: a kitchen doesn’t have to be ripped out to feel like a completely different space. Before reaching for the sledgehammer, I’d always ask myself what I actually dislike about the room. If it’s the colour, handles, splashback or worktops rather than the layout, there’s enormous potential for a cosmetic makeover. Change those elements and you can get the joy of a ‘new’ kitchen without the new-kitchen price tag,’ says Georgina.
Gareth agrees, pointing out that if your kitchen is in good shape, there really isn’t much reason to rip it out anyway.
‘If you’ve got a kitchen with decent cabinetry and a layout you already like, look at what can be changed cosmetically before assuming you need to spend thousands on a new one. Paint can alter the entire personality of the room while leaving the expensive parts exactly where they are,’ he says.
‘I’d still be realistic about what paint can fix, though. If cupboards are swollen, badly damaged or the layout drives you mad every day, repainting is really just disguising a bigger problem. But if the bones are good and you’re simply bored of the finish, Shirley’s approach is exactly the sort of renovation I’d recommend considering first.’
Other affordable kitchen upgrades
160mm Antique Brass Cabinet Handle
Switching out your cupbaord handles can be an easy way to upgrade your space on a budget. These brass handles look so chic.
Cath Kidston Cream/blue Ceramic Folded Ceiling Pendant – Size One
You lighting is another way to make your kitchen look effortlessly stylish. This ceramic pendant is stunning and will make your kitchen look so expensive.
Joseph Joseph Expanding Cookware Pan & Lid Organiser
Sometimes decluttering and organising your kitchen is enough to make it feel like a new space. This organiser is really handy for keeping pans and lids in check.
When considering a kitchen renovation, it’s easy to get carried away and rip it out. But if you’ve got a functional space, take a leaf out of Shirley’s book and work with what you already have.
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