How to modify a flat-pack kitchen

A kitchen is the heart of the home, so it is very important to get it right. When you are remodelling your home and you are looking for a way to make your kitchen modern, you have two options. You could either complete your kitchen renovation on a budget or spend a little more and increase the functionality that can be offered by your new flat-pack kitchen. In either case, you would want to have a kitchen which has all elements that not only satisfies your basic culinary needs but also provides you with an environment where you feel comfortable to engage in the art of cooking.

Flat-pack kitchens are quite popular in Australia - they make kitchen renovations convenient and cost effective. While flat-pack kitchens provide good value for money, homeowners think that the cabinets only come in standard sizes and can't be modified or customised. Actually, there are many ways you can modify your flat-pack kitchen by using your existing kitchen design with specific requirements in mind.

If you wish to spend a little extra, here's how you can customise your very own flat-pack kitchen and make it unique.

Custom kitchen benchtop

 

The ideal benchtop can transform your kitchen into a unique space and has a big impact on the overall look of your home.

Flat-pack kitchen benchtops come in standard sizes and widths as they are manufactured to sit on the customised cabinets. While you're choosing your benchtop, look at the ways to give your kitchen a unique look. We recommend customising the benchtop to your own individual needs.

Choose a benchtop that matches your kitchen cabinets and overall décor. You could even mix and match benchtops, for example, install a timber benchtop against your wall and a stone benchtop over your kitchen island.

Benchtops come in several materials - stone, engineered stone, acrylic, timber, stainless or laminate. Make sure you understand the best cleaning methods for different types of kitchen benches when selecting a surface.

One of the best benchtops you could opt for is the classic stone benchtop. An incredibly popular choice with homeowners, the quality that is offered by stone benchtops is unparalleled. They provide a nice surface which can be cleaned very easily with a wiping action. The non-porous surface of the stone resists staining, scratching and requires very little maintenance. 

However, stone benchtops tend to be costly and are not cost effective if you are on a tight budget. In that case, you might opt for a laminated benchtop. Though not as sturdy as a stone benchtop, laminates have a greater range in terms of colour, pattern, style and texture and can also be made to look like expensive materials such as wood and stone.

Choose the right kitchen lighting

 

Lighting can make all the difference between an ordinary kitchen and a designer one!

The right lighting can bring out the best in your flat-pack kitchen, highlighting your cabinets, drawers and countertops. It also helps in the cooking process by creating a more inviting atmosphere. Ambience lighting can also help in making your kitchen appear bigger than it actually is.

For example, instead of installing a single overhead light at the centre, go for a few stylish pendant lights. If you have an island in the kitchen, add spot lights on the ceiling to highlight it. Install spot lights under the cabinets or go for LED strips inside the cabinets. If you need to highlight an area, task lighting would do magic.

All the lighting should be done with the help of a proper and qualified electrician.

Paint your kitchen cupboards

 

Nothing gives your kitchen an instant affordable makeover better than a fresh coat of paint. Flat-pack kitchen cabinets have limited colour options. But that doesn’t mean that you need to stick to those limited colours. Consider getting the flat-pack cabinets painted with elegant colours that can elevate the style and add value to your home. The budget of a quick makeover with paint could be much less than remodelling the whole kitchen.

The most convenient way to make your flat-pack kitchen turn into a modern one is by re-painting the cabinets, drawers and cupboards so that they match the existing décor of your home. If you're up for the challenge and want to save some money, this can be handled as a DIY project. If that is the case, it is important you have some handy DIY skills to guarantee a successful DIY project.

However, if you want to outsource your painting job to a professional painter while maintaining budget limits, Service.com.au will find the expert who's right for you!

Need help improving your flat-pack kitchen? From kitchen renovators, painters to electricians, Service.com.au will find a tradie who's right for you!

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Further reading:
How to choose the best appliances for your home
Should I repaint my kitchen cupboards or replace them?
5 tips and costs for renovating your dining room
10 must-have kitchen design features