It’s time to toss that torn, badly-stained teatowel or those old placemats and get new ones. Throw out chipped plates or bowls and bent cutlery, and buy a new set. That old mug that you got as a Christmas present at that office party 5 years ago? Donate or store it away and look for one that truly represents you. Simple updates like these can really make a difference!

Change up cabinet door handles or knobs for a sneaky and subtle upgrade. Get them at hardware and electronic stores like Courts or furniture stores like IKEA, but do find out how many you need to get first to make sure you keep within budget.

Turn a boring cabinet door or refrigerator into a family-friendly activity by brushing on some chalkboard paint! Write menus, scribble reminders and even record down family favourite recipes. You can get them from places like Art Friend for less than $10.

Photo: The Kurtz Corner Blog

Here’s an easy way to add colour to your kitchen – with a bowl of healthy fruits. It also reminds you and your family to eat healthy and livens up the space. The only downside to this is that you have to keep replenishing it when it empties – which isn’t really a downside at all!

Who says that wall art is only meant for the living room or hallways? Kitchens are part of the home too, and bringing in some decorative pieces can really add personality to it. Typography posters are a fun way to do this!

Photo: The Turquoise Home/Pinterest

Alternatively, visit a thrift store or the salvation’s army for some cool vintage pieces.

A free and easy way to refresh the kitchen? Simply clear any mess on the countertops, especially around the stove and sink. A clean, organised kitchen can look like a whole new space.

Removable tile stickers are inexpensive and can instantly lift the mood of any kitchen and are sold in a wide variety of colours, designs and themes to suit your taste. Whether you like spanish tiles, geometric ones or simply a strip of colour, have fun and be creative with these easy peasy decals that you can change whenever you get tired of it.

Photo: Etsy

Just as with other parts of the home, bringing the outdoors in is an almost guaranteed way to brighten up the room. However, the kitchen is slightly more tricky as the high heat when you cook coupled with steam and grease can inhibit the growth of plants. One way is to get hardier species like cactus.

If you’re thinking of growing some herbs, Thai basil is an easy one. But make sure you don’t place it too close to the stove!

Instead of keeping tea bags, boxes of cereal or candy, coffee powder and more in their original boxes, try using chic canisters and jars instead. This gives a streamlined effect, and can make your kitchen look totally Instagram-worthy. Label them so you know exactly where to find what you need!

See also: 10 Kitchen Organising Ideas To Save Space And Make Life Easier

For more home decor tips and ideas, read 8 Simple Ways To Update Your Living Room For Less Than $40, Easy Decor Tips For A Resort-Style Bedroom Sanctuary and How To Make Your Home Look Like A Luxury Hotel.

Text: Elizabeth Liew
Main image: Pixabay