5 mini-reno ideas to transform your kitchen

So, you’ve been bingeing back episodes of The Block and now you’ve got a bad case of kitchen FOMO. Maybe you’ve twigged that your outmoded fridge is dragging down your aesthetic (and overall kitchen performance). “A full-scale remodel may not be on the cards right now… but luckily, there are quick-and-easy ways to update your kitchen and make you fall in love with it again, without busting out the hammer!” says Kinsman ambassador and interior designer Alisa Fraser.

While you’re dreaming of that kitchen renovation, here’s how to get closer to the kitchen of your dreams with a few clever updates:

#1 Introduce A Statement Fridge

“A fridge is the focal point of any kitchen, so if your current model is getting long in the tooth, consider upgrading to a new model that combines design-forward looks and great lifestyle features to set you up for years to come,” says Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer – Refrigeration.

The latest smart fridges can connect to your smartphone, so you can check your fridge contents from the grocery aisle, get calendar alerts and even watch your favourite TV shows on a touchscreen on the door.

“Modern fridges now also offer exciting exterior alternatives to classic white, such as black glass or stainless steel, to strike a bold note in your kitchen,” says Peter. “Samsung’s new Bespoke Fridge range even has interchangeable door panels in around a dozen shades – from sunrise yellow glass to emerald green steel –  so you can switch colours with the seasons, or to better suit your cabinetry.” 

Yep, you read that right! Simply select one of Samsung’s Bespoke core styles – 3-Door, 4-Door, 4-Door Flex™ or Single column – then add your choice of different colour panels that you can attach easily yourself to the outside of your fridge for a lightning quick kitchen revamp.

“There are quick-and-easy ways to update your kitchen and make you fall in love with it again, without busting out the hammer!” Alisa Fraser, Kinsman ambassador

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Shop Fridges

Customise your personal style with the Samsung Bespoke French Door Refrigerator with Family Hub™ and enjoy the latest and greatest smart fridge perks.  

With an on-trend matte black, glass finish, the Fisher and Paykel 538L Quad Door Refrigerator will headline any kitchen renovation.

Chill out with one of the hottest beverage trends – a Craft Ice™ maker, with the LG 635L InstaView SxS Refrigerator.

#2 Get New ‘Kitchen Jewellery’

Scaling up your kitchen jewels – aka your tapware and the handles for your cabinets and drawers – can make a huge difference to your overall look.

“A well-chosen handle or tap can take you from traditional to contemporary in an instant and take your kitchen revamp to a whole new level,” says Kinsman’s Alisa Fraser. “For the metal of the moment, go for a brass-effect finish. It goes beautifully with natural and organic-inspired surfaces, and injects a jolt of glamour.”

Switch out your sink, too, while you’re at it. Go retro with a classic white farmhouse style or double down on urban luxe with the Oliveri Standard San-Black Bowl Under Mount Sink (to match your epic black glass fridge and black dishwasher!). 

#3 Make A Splash With A Splashback

Give your tired kitchen a Block-inspired glow-up with a jazzy new splashback and benchtop. Want the latest look? Go for durable engineered stone benchtops in quartz, paired with scalloped or subway tiles. “You can even extend your quartz benchtop up to create a seamless splashback with a strong sense of harmony,” suggests Alisa Fraser.

If replacing your benchtop, it makes sense to also upgrade your cooktop. Consider a sleek induction or hybrid cooktop for beautiful modern lines and a universe of creative cooking.

Shop The Latest Cooktops

Enjoy speedier, energy-efficient cooking with the Asko 90cm Bridge Induction Cooktop.

Take five safely with the Miele 62cm Induction Cooktop’s Stop&Go function that lowers the power level of all cooking zones at the press of a button.

The Electrolux 90cm Hybrid Induction Cooktop has a high-powered gas burner for sizzling stir fries and magnetic field-based induction heating for precisely simmering sauces.

#4 Amp Up Lighting

Is your kitchen lighting still in the Dark Ages? New lighting, such as a single statement pendant or track lights over an island bench, adds drama without a massive outlay. “Good kitchen operations need both overhead and task lighting,” says Alisa Fraser. “Adding recessed lights under cabinets is great for task lighting, and for mood lighting, too!” 

#5 Add Big Personality With Small Kitchen Appliances

Inject energy and flair with small kitchen appliances that are big on personality. Think power couple toaster and kettle combos, showstopper stand mixers, or café-worthy coffee machines.

Shop Small Kitchen Appliances

Rise and shine with the Sunbeam Chic Breakfast Pack toaster and kettle combo. 

Add some bench candy with the DeLonghi PrimaDonna Soul coffee machine for pro brews, just the way you like them.

Ignite your kitchen design with the Smeg 50's Style Stand Mixer in feisty red for precision baking at your fingertips.

Already worked your best “make do for now” magic? Talk to the design experts at Kinsman to claim that dream kitchen you’ve had on your Pinterest board forever! Then visit us in store or online for the biggest appliance brands at the best prices.