Updating the kitchen on a budget

Working self employed from home means that I spend more time staring at my kettle than most.  I also have changed my style in recent years and have embraced more colour into my home decor. I used to step away from colour thinking that I don’t get it right and that things clash. When I buy clothes I often buy a whole range so that it all matches and co-ordinates.  I have adopted the approach in home decor in order to play safe! I recently wrote about seven home improvements that add value to your home but it can be the little home improvements that brighten your day and make you feel better  about your home.

I decided to inject some colour into the kitchen with some new kitchenware and I specifically looked for something with patterns.  I chose Dickins & Jones as the range as I liked their ceramic storage range and it was great value being in the sale.  You all know that I like a sale!  The range is very similar to Orla Keily in colours and shapes which I liked and it went with my mugs!  The smaller pot is just £8.40 in the sale and the two medium jars were £11.20 reduced from £16 each.  Both have a secure wooden lid which keeps everything fresh.

I also opted for the house chopping board which again is part of the same range.  It offers a splash of colour and protects my work surface.  Finally I picked up a kitchen roll holder as mine was just a tatty thing but something I use every single day!

Buying one or two items can transform a kitchen and as I expected it was noticed straight away by my eagle eyed six year old.  Again my husband noticed them straight away, probably as making a cup of tea is the first thing he does when he walks in after work.

Having new pieces also encouraged me to give the kitchen a good clean and it is amazing just what washing down the cupboards can do.  I now just need to sort the insides of the cupboards out as I am terrible for  having a very untidy saucepan and utensils cupboard.

How do you update your kitchen on a budget? I am also lacking storage so enjoyed this post space saving storage ideas from Baby Budgeting.