Looking for easy kitchen updates? You don't have to spend a fortune on a complete refit to give your kitchen a makeover. Whether it's a weekend decorating project or kitchen accessory refresh, these nifty and inspiring kitchen update ideas will transform the heart of your home without the hard work or huge costs.

If you don't have the time or budget to repaint a whole kitchen go for an area that can be transformed into a focal point. This kitchen island creates a statement, painted a sugary pink. Tie the new hero piece into the kitchen scheme by adding a few choice accessories and a vase of pink roses. 

Want to keep your standard kitchen on trend? Choose affordable yet stylish furniture that can be easily switched as fashions change. These wicker and metal bar stools inject an up-to-date natural tone and stylish texture that is so 'now'!

Creating a colourful paint feature on your walls can really elevate your existing kitchen. Opt for a tonal stripe just above the worktops to disguise any nuisance marks, or go big and bold with a geometric pattern. Use painter's tape to mark out your design to keep lines clean when you paint. 

A handy breakfast bar shelf can add extra workspace in a tiny dining area with relatively little effort. Make use of spots you might not otherwise consider; this small but perfectly formed work surface has been added to what could be an existing larder. Hooks for mugs adds orderly style and decanter dry foods to add to the endearing cook's atmosphere of the space. 

You don't need to rip out a whole kitchen to transform your space. If you're still content with the existing layout, leave the kitchen carcasses as they are and install shiny new cupboard doors. You'll get the look of a brand new refit at a fraction of the cost. Do some research to find the correct fit – you could enlist the original kitchen fitters or go with a door replacement specialist.

The correct window dressings can really make a room. Shutters are smart and practical in the kitchen and are an excellent choice as they take up less room than blinds and keep windowsills clear. When food or water spills onto them they can be easily cleaned to look like new.

If you don't have the time and budget to tile or install a splashback a coat of hardwearing paint can protect vulnerable areas. Paint a band of contrasting colour above worktops to create a splashback effect that can be scrubbed and wiped regularly. Here, a refreshing lemon tone reinvents the look of this classic grey kitchen.

Wall tiles can make a striking statement, especially if you opt for bold designs. But even classic metro tiles can look great if you use a different tile pattern such as a herringbone layout. Luckily there's a tile for every budget; here, three-dimensional tiles add geometric depth to this modern kitchen scheme.

It's the makeover trend taking over our Instagram feed; if replacing cabinetry is too costly, painting your units could be a more frugal alternative.  A lick of paint will totally transform dated but well-made pine doors into a new Shaker-style kitchen. Why not go for an on-trend dark shade? If this project seems daunting, there are kitchen upgrade companies that can transform your units in no time.

For another easy way to revamp tired kitchen cupboards, opt for patterned self-adhesive vinyl or stickers. In this plain white kitchen, pink terrazzo adhesives impart bags of personality in a playful pastel print. For a final flourish, carry the pattern across into your dining area with a matching wall canvas.

Rejuvenate the look of a neutral kitchen with a few luxurious additions. Highlight a kitchen island with a trio of chrome pendant lights that reflect light and finish the deluxe vibe with plush button cushioned seating. 

A sturdy wooden peg rail will make a timeless and practical addition to any kitchen, whether traditional or contemporary. Hang utensils, cookware and storage baskets to instantly boost your kitchen's storage capacity and free up valuable worktop space.

Instead of piling up bottles or cases of wine in the corner, put them out on display in a jazzy wine rack. Whether it's wood, metal or even a crafty upcycle project, a statement wine rack will add interest to your kitchen, as well as making worktops more orderly.

Don’t forget the lighting when making over your kitchen. LED strip lights can work wonders in a dark and dingy space adding practical task lighting. Or, why not hide under open shelving to highlight a hero object?

If you’re not a fan of overly bright or colourful kitchens, keep it simple but add one standout feature to grab all the attention. A vibrant dresser, architectural lamp or enormous plant converts a previously traditional space into an interesting one in a flash. 

Fancy growing your own? Introduce some greenery into your kitchen with an indoor herb garden. Not only will you have fresh herbs on hand to spruce up your dishes, but they'll fragrance your kitchen with their heavenly aromas too. If you don't have green fingers, fear not, some high-tech containers are even self-watering.

Don’t rule out rugs when revamping your kitchen. Adding soft furnishings to your space can really soften an industrial-style interior and create a cosy, homely aesthetic. Choose a colour that complements your cabinets and to avoid any accidents, be sure to buy rug grips to prevent slipping.

Give a busy kitchen streamlined order with coordinated savvy storage units. Tidy cleaning bottles and brushes into a caddy and keep a row of matching seagrass baskets on the worktop for any stray bits and bobs. Bigger versions will look smart above kitchen cupboards to keep larger objects out of sight.

A good quality kitchen dresser is the perfect kitchen storage solution and it needn't cost a fortune. Upcycle a worn-out model with a fresh coat of paint and new handles. If your dresser is fitted with glass doors, make sure you put your best crockery on show.

Bring some interest to a plain wall with an oversized statement clock that matches the style of your kitchen. It'll create a cool focal point and keeping track of time might prove useful when it comes to the cooking too...

It might sound pricey, but replacing your kitchen worktops could be less expensive than you think. Opt for a new laminate, faux marble or wood finish and you’ll be surprised by how much it updates the space.

Instead of shelling out for a completely new kitchen, simply update your cooker hood for a fast makeover. From sleek metallic models to stylish sculptural shapes, there's a whole array of quirky designs out there to choose from. Opt for something with real architectural impact – it'll instantly lift your existing units.

Bring the outside in by decorating your kitchen with an array of plants. You could opt for a small tree in a corner spot, low-maintenance cacti for shelves, potted herbs on the windowsill or a bold orchid on your kitchen island. Mix in a few fauxs for any spots that don't get much sunlight.

You can refresh your cabinets by simply replacing the handles. Novelty designs can be fun, but pick ones you know you'll still love in a year's time. Make sure the new ones you’re buying are the same size as the old hardware for ease of installation. Here, cup handles in black metal create a timeless industrial-style effect.

Minimalism may be on trend, but displaying your prized kitchenware never goes out of style. Leave out some well-selected, beautiful accessories in complementary tones for a sophisticated vibe. Copper pots, pans and mugs mounted on a wall rail will work well when paired with tea towels and plant pots in darker shades.

It’s amazing how different a simple white or grey kitchen can feel once you add a few bright accessories. Toasters, kettles and coffee machines in bold primary colours will add personality to an otherwise muted kitchen. Look out for limited edition pieces for added interest, like this Dolce & Gabbana and Smeg collaboration.

We do love a quick furniture revamp. For an easy DIY idea, consider transforming existing dining chairs with a coat of furniture paint, it'll make the world of difference. For an on-trend look, embrace black, or for a softer feel try a two-tone finish in blush pink and white.

A new floor can spruce up a room no end. Herringbone designs are a stylish way to add refinement and elegance to your space. If you're not lucky enough to have original parquet floors, cheat the effect with lookalike tiles or laminate copies which can easily be laid.

Artwork isn’t just for bedrooms and living rooms, so liven up your kitchen with paintings or prints. Whether you go for black and white photography or perhaps a food-related print in an interesting frame, it'll add a beautiful bohemian feel to your cooking space. Here, vintage pieces add to the heritage feel of this forest green kitchen by deVOL.

Fabric skirts have been used in place of kitchen doors for many years and seem to be making something of a comeback. Whether you choose just one skirt under a butler sink or go for a whole run of material, it can be an affordable way to introduce colour and texture into your kitchen. Plus, if you use fusible webbing, it's an ideal no-sew project.

Give your kitchen an instant modern update with a chalkboard painted wall. This fun feature will make organisation a breeze. You could scribble to-do lists, motivational quotes or simple notes to other members of the family or housemates.

A fresh table setting is a simple trick that can give a kitchen a new lease of life. An easy option is to buy a new tablecloth; a fun and colourful waterproof version is practical and mess-free when little ones are about. Or, for something more sophisticated, lay a textured fabric table runner, add a pretty floral centrepiece and complement the look with homely bench cushions in matching tones.

If you're after extra storage space, buy a kitchen trolley that will fit seamlessly into your scheme. It can even double up as a serving unit for food and drinks, as well as providing an extra workspace for when you're cooking up a storm.

Bring natural textures into your kitchen by displaying simple wooden chopping boards and serving platters. Hang an assortment of grains and sizes from a peg rail for a rustic flourish that keeps the worktops clean and uncluttered.

If you can’t repaint your kitchen, find accessories that will accentuate its existing colour. With a neutral or monochrome colour scheme, add in some bright accessories. You could be extra daring and opt for a canary yellow fridge, or go for gentle splashes of colour across storage jars and artwork. If your kitchen is already bright, accessorise with items in a complementary or constrasting colour combo.

Wow-factor wallpaper might not seem like the natural choice for a kitchen but hear us out. It's a great way to add personality to a room, plus there are lots of hardworking wipeable versions if you're worried about splashes and stains. It can define an open-plan area or be the starting point for a theme, like this whimsical blue coastal motif which is carried throughout the room with nautical accessories and a fisherman-style pendant light. 

A fresh set of tea towels, cloths and perhaps oven gloves is probably the easiest and most budget-friendly way to add a touch of new to a kitchen. Choose shades and patterns that work with the seasons for instance, these aqua tones are suitably uplifting for summer. 

No kitchen would be complete without a great cookbook collection. Arrange them on a picture rail to display each cover individually, stack them on top of each other on the worktop or, as in this example, place them vertically on open shelves.

There’s no need to hide all your fabulous kitchenware behind cupboard doors. Keeping everything in the open allows for easy access to your things and makes your homeware work double-time as décor too. Layer up your shelving to create a cool feature wall with plenty of storage spaces.

Whether you’ve got an amazing view to frame or not, carefully selected curtains or blinds will add an extra decorative element, as well as creating shade and privacy. If you have a neutral kitchen, a patterned textile like this style from Orla Kiely could add a splash of personality, or if your kitchen is already full of colour, a neutral shade will look sleek.

Brighten up your kitchen in more ways than one with well-placed lighting. Opt for three pendant fixtures in metal or glass to give the room a cool industrial feel, as well as introducing balance and extra light into the space.

Keep worktops clutter-free by hanging rails from wall units to hold utensils and condiments thus keeping them within easy reach. Chrome looks chic in an all-white kitchen while a matching plant pot with lush green herbs will add a touch of colour.

Extracting existing wall cupboards will not only give your kitchen a whole new look it will also make the room appear much bigger and brighter. Replace the bulky storage with a single run of open shelving set against country-style wood cladding for a minimalist yet homely look.  

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