7 Kitchen Makeover Ideas 

Many new-build property owners have lovely kitchens... but they may not be completely to your taste nor your ‘dream’ kitchen. Whether it’s a cabinet or a colour choice - or the developer has chosen not to finish off the kitchen with details like cornice and pelmet, which give the kitchen a luxurious feel and added ‘height’. It’s difficult to justify a whole new kitchen when the one you have is brand new and perfectly fine! 

We have some tips to ‘upgrade’ to a more ‘finished’ look and feel, without ripping everything out and starting from scratch. Adding subtle decorative elements such as plaster coving can really can make a huge difference to the overall look and feel of a kitchen. Additionally, drawers (rather than cupboards) under the hob can give a more ‘bespoke kitchen’ feel and act as a beautiful design feature.

Here are 7 tips on how to quick and easily transform an existing new build kitchen at a reasonable cost.

Wall Panelling

Wall panelling is a particularly in-demand trend that is refusing to budge - it has become a key fixture in many properties this year. Textured surfaces and walls are ideal for adding instant depth and character to a kitchen, while also adding a modern look.

Plaster Ceiling Roses have a carefully curated selection of panel mouldings. Our website showcases the latest design trends and timeless classics, ensuring that we have something for everyone. Panel mouldings are used to create decorative ceiling or wall panels which add an extra level of character to your kitchen.

Picture Rails

A picture rail has a very specific function and is used for hanging pictures, as the name implies. It is more than just a charming cosmetic moulding. It makes relocating pictures incredibly easy and is a perfect alternative to making holes in the wall. 

You can simply move the hook along the picture rail to shift your hanging frame to the left or right. You can also adjust the chain at the rear of the frame to make it higher or lower. Picture Rails are ideal for higher ceiling kitchens.

We have a range of plaster mouldings ranging from simple and understated (code MR016) to elaborate and ornate (code MR008), allowing homeowners and designers to choose the style that best suits their aesthetic preferences and complements the overall decor of their kitchen. 

Tip... If you want your kitchen ceiling to appear taller taking the wall colour above the picture rail will instantly make your walls appear taller and your ceiling higher. The colour draws the eye further up the wall elevating them to the max.

Coving

One of the most noticeable changes you can make to your kitchen is adding plaster cornice, which will instantly heightened the look of the kitchen and made it feel far more premium and elegant. Introducing detail elements such as these can really add character to a kitchen – which can be important as some new builds can look like a blank canvas to begin with! 

Sophie, (@lifeatsophs) opted to install our Swan neck coving (LPC030) in her lovely new build kitchen. As you can see from the before and after photos, the cornice gives the cabinets a more finished look by providing a smooth transition from the upper cabinets to the ceiling. By filling up any gaps or unevenness between the cabinets and the ceiling, it helps to create a unified and aesthetically pleasant effect in the kitchen.

Our plaster coving & cornice is handmade from the finest gypsum. We have a wide range of sizes to choose from, such as small, medium and large, and they’re available in a plethora of period styles such as Art Deco, Classic, Georgian and Victorian, and decorative styles such as Egg & Dart, Dentil & Modillions to Floral & Ogee coving.

Ceiling Rose

When considering the ceiling rose as a decorative focal point, it’s essential to choose a design that complements the lighting in your kitchen. From classic period styles to contemporary modern designs, there’s a vast array to explore. 

Don’t overlook the impact of painting the ceiling rose in your kitchen; when finished thoughtfully, it can truly change the room and become a striking centerpiece adding that extra touch of personalisation. Featured here is our 'Plain Plaster Ceiling Rose', code SPR008.

Kitchen Worktops

A replacement kitchen worktop will provide a complete new look to your kitchen. One thing is for sure even the most durable worktops may get damaged. 

Quartz worktops are known for their hard-wearing and stain-resistant nature, however, they have limited heat resistance. Granite worktops, on the other hand, are also hard-wearing but, if not sealed they are very easy to stain.

Marble evokes a sense of classical luxury in any home. With marble kitchen worktops, you’ll benefit from a material that arouses cultural tradition and refined taste... and this works extremely well when paired with our gypsum cornice.

Kitchen Sockets

In terms of finishes, you have the opportunity to either blend the sockets subtly into the kitchen’s decor or make them stand out as eye-catching features. For a more understated look, choose finishes that harmonise with your cabinetry or worktops, such as matte white or soft grey. 

Alternatively, to create a bold statement, consider vibrant colours or striking metallic finishes like polished brass or copper. These choices can draw attention and serve as decorative accents, enhancing the overall design while maintaining functionality.

Kitchen Handles

Switching the hardware from the standard range to a more premium brushed brass can transform the look of a kitchen and make the units look more streamline and elegant. There are a huge range of handles on the market... matte black, copper, sleek chrome, the choice can be overwhelming

Handles are usually super easy to replace – simply unscrew your old handle and screw your new one on. Generally speaking, a combination of knobs and handles/pulls work best. Knobs or handles for the doors and handles or pulls for the drawers.

In summary, whether it’s minimalist, farmhouse, modern or traditional – once you have a ‘mood-board’ ready, you can set to work figuring out what changes you need to make to upgrade your new-build kitchen into your dream kitchen!

Unlike other design trends that may come and go, plaster coving retains its appeal and adds value to your home. Coving is a must in our opinion - kitchens look unfinished without it.

Thank you Sophie for your valued custom and for sharing photos of your beautiful home. If you want to see more hop over to her instagram account, @lifeatsophs where you can find more inspiring interior design ideas.