Home improvements can be a costly business. The kitchen is one of the most frequently used rooms in many houses and also tends to be one of the rooms people find hardest to spruce up. Today, we will introduce 10 easy and cheap things that you can do to help breathe new life into your kitchen, helping to make it look better without having to fork out thousands.

1. New curtains
New curtains or blinds can make a huge difference to the look and feel of your kitchen. If you are feeling creative, try making your own. Experiment with layering curtains, different patterns, colours and textures to help lift the room and add some more personality and life.

2. Declutter
Kitchens often get filled with clutter. Take time out to declutter you kitchen and instantly improve it’s appearance. Throw out any gadgets you no longer use or need; throw out any food or drink which is past it’s best before date. It may be worth investing in storage boxes and plastic Tupperware tubs to help keep your kitchen organized.

3. Paint the Walls
A lick of paint can work wonders on a tired kitchen. Try lighter colours to keep the room feeling light and airy.

4. Plants & Flowers
Plants and flowers brighten and cheer up a kitchen. If you have a garden, cut some flowers and put them in a vase in the kitchen. If you do not have a garden, there are indoor plants such as orchids, or small potted plants, that can happily live in a kitchen. If you are not comfortable with live flowers, consider getting some fake flowers or dried flowers instead.

5. Artwork
If you have room on you walls, consider hanging a piece of art. Buying art can be expensive however you can make your own. You can purchase photographs cheaply, or have a photo of your own blown up and placed in a frame. Alternatively, consider paining something abstract in a coordinating colour and hanging it on your wall. If you are unsure about artwork, there are plenty of pretty calendars for sale which have beautiful photographs and pictures and can be used instead.

6. Accessorise
Accessories are hot in interior design at the moment and this idea can be carried through into the kitchen. Tablecloths, vases, storage pots, fridge magnets and ornaments can all be coordinated and used to add a colour accent to your kitchen.

7. Lighting
Changing the lighting in the kitchen can create a different ambience or feel. Think about changing the light fittings or coverings to change the mood of the kitchen.

8. Decorative Food
Food can make a stunning decoration for the kitchen and help a kitchen look alive and fresh. Experiment with different displays of food – from fresh fruit in a bowl to bottled, flavoured oils. 

9. Display Shelf
A display shelf can help stamp your own personality onto the kitchen by housing some of your favourite ornaments or items. A display shelf can also be a storage place for some of your kitchen gadgets. Make the most of the shelf by either making it blend in with the walls, or by making it stand out.

10. Cherished Items
Leading on from the display shelf, consider displaying some of your cherished items to further stamp your personality on the kitchen. Wedding china, silver sets or your favourite bowls and plates can be used to make beautiful displays.

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