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How to create a stunning kitchen on a tight budget

Designer Sarah Richardson gives us her recipe for a makeover on a budget.
How to create a stunning kitchen on a tight budget

Stacey Brandford

Sarah Richardson's kitchen notes

Mix and match light and dark cabinets

Modernize your kitchen by choosing two different colours for your cabinets. A darker colour on the lower cabinets grounds the kitchen and hides wear and tear, while a lighter colour up top keeps the space feeling light and airy. u001fSarah's designer trick: Choose a slide-in range over a standard model. It gives a sleek, professional look without breaking the bank.Cabinets, appliances, Ikea. Counters, York Marble. Knobs, Anthropologie. Island Sink, Blanco Canada.

How to create a stunning kitchen on a tight budgetPhoto by Stacey Brandford

Put every nook to work

If you have leu001fftover space in your layout plans, turn it into handy storage. Instead of hiding the space beside the fridge with a filler panel, use it to store cookbooks and other handy knick-knacks.Sarah's designer trick: Create a custom backsplash by combining different materials. It’s the best place to get bang for your buck.Bar sink, Ikea. Faucets, Rubinet. Backsplash, Saltillo Tiles. Canisters, Around the Block.

How to create a stunning kitchen on a tight budgetPhoto by Stacey Brandford

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Build a DIY island with vintage mouldings

Give standard cabinetry a liftu001d by adding antique details. Here, a pair of old panelled doors were used to cover the island (one door covers the ends while the other covers the side), and salvaged decorative corbels help support the counter.Designer details: Black-and-white striped knobs match the colour scheme and unify the room.Doors, pendant lights, corbels, The Door Store. Stools, Crate and Barrel. Floors, Value Wood Floors.

How to create a stunning kitchen on a tight budgetPhoto by Stacey Brandford

Update with a coat of paint

Give your space a new look and feel by painting the walls a bold new colour. It’s much easier (and cheaper!) to change paint colours than cabinets.Chairs, Ikea. Drapery fabric, Kravet. Chair cushion fabric, Quadrille Fabrics. Mirror, Chair Table Lamp.

How to create a stunning kitchen on a tight budgetPhoto by Stacey Brandford

Turn underused space into a den

If you find yourself eating at the island instead of at the dining table, turn that extra space into a comfy lounge area. It’s the perfect spot for enjoying your morning coffee and paper.Loveseat, Sarah Richardson Design. Loveseat fabric, black & white pillow fabric, Designer Fabrics. Coffee table, side table, lamp, tray, Around the Block. Furniture painting, Benjamin Furniture Refinishing, 416-745-2559. Artwork, Of Things Past.

How to create a stunning kitchen on a tight budgetPhoto by Stacey Brandford

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