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With the festive season fast approaching, it’s time to get your skates on if you’re planning a stylish kitchen refresh.
Especially if you’re hosting and entertaining family and friends during the holidays – with a focus on seating everyone comfortably and choosing attractive decorations like the tree.
Not to mention getting organized and planning the scenario for all the preparations, ensuring storage for seasonal gifts, and making your space welcoming and loved.
Here, Louise Grossman, founder of The Used Kitchen Company, shares her top tips for stress-free staging…
clean and uncluttered
The simplest changes often make the biggest impact…
As Grossman highlights, most of us hold on to extra mugs, mismatched cutlery and crockery, and appliances gathering dust in the back of the cupboard.
“All this creates unnecessary clutter – and can damage valuable worktop, drawer and cupboard space.”
She says to start by cleaning your countertops. “Remove unused appliances, expired pantry items and anything that no longer serves a purpose.”
“This creates valuable space for holiday baking and decorating, while making food preparation less stressful.”
Of course, there will be things you use only once a year, Grossman said, like a large mixing bowl; Or Christmas essentials like extra large roasting dishes.
But if you’ve been keeping something ‘just in case’, it’s time to get rid of it and make some much-needed space.
She suggests, “Decluttering isn’t just about removing items; it’s about displaying things well.” “There are now beautiful jars available for spices, pasta or grains.”
These can serve as a stylish accessory for your kitchen. “And can be easily dressed up with festive touches like cinnamon sticks, dried oranges or sprigs of greenery for seasonal cheer.”
handle and knob
Grossman says one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update your kitchen and give it a festive look is to change your hardware.
“Beautiful handles and knobs can completely change the look of your space… If your budget isn’t limited to buying new, remove the existing pieces and give them a thorough clean.”
Try polishing with some fine sandpaper, then finish with a metallic or gold spray. “This simple afternoon project can make your entire kitchen look brand new without breaking the bank.”
As she points out, DIY stores often have end-of-range offers, and so do online marketplaces like eBay. Amazon Are excellent source for bargain hardware.
get painting
Repainting kitchen cabinets has become increasingly popular, says Grossman, and with good reason. “Modern cabinet paints are specially formulated for durability and finish.”
She advises that the key to professional results lies in thorough preparation. Kitchen experts recommend cleaning with degreaser and sugar soap, lightly sanding, and properly priming before applying two coats of paint and a quality sealant.
“A fresh coat of paint in classic neutrals like soft white, warm cream and muted sage are timeless choices that work beautifully year-round – and look especially elegant at Christmas.
“The result is a refreshed space that looks professionally updated at a fraction of the cost of a full renovation.”
buy a used kitchen
If you really want a complete kitchen makeover before Christmas, it’s still possible…
As Grossman says: “Buying Used kitchens eliminate manufacturing wait times and long delivery schedules.”
Grossman suggests that with a kitchen fitter and your old kitchen carefully removed (think about selling through a second-hand kitchen company), it should be possible to have a replacement delivered within the same week.
“Buying used can mean savings of up to 70% off the recommended retail price, and it often comes with higher quality appliances and stone countertops,” she explains.
,People Often find that they can get the kitchen of their dreams, which they thought was beyond their budget, simply by purchasing used or pre-owned.
Top Tip: She says to buy a little larger than your space allows. “This gives you additional cabinetry to perfectly customize and fit your layout.
“Make sure you have a great kitchen fitter, and if you need new flooring and tiles, agree these in advance so your fitters aren’t waiting for you to make any decisions.”
home decor fabric accessories
Soft furnishings are your secret weapon for instant holiday ambiance…
Grossman suggests switching out everyday dish towels for a festive plaid or holiday pattern, and adding velvet or tartan chair cushions.
“Layer table runners, placemats and napkins in classic Christmas colors of red, green and gold; all of these will add the finishing touches while bringing a warm, stylish feel to your Christmas table.”
Additionally, if you have an open-plan kitchen and dining space, she says, make sure the theme flows throughout the space. “Bringing the kitchen and dining room together with a mutual color palette.”
celebratory closing touch
Complete your transformation with decorative elements that engage all the senses…
“Hang garland with fairy lights on top of cabinets, display a small Christmas tree over the worktop, and fill glass jars with ornaments or cranberries.
Grossman enthuses, “A wreath above the sink adds traditional charm, while Christmas-scented candles and winter flowers create a cozy, inviting ambiance.”
For natural aroma, she suggests adding orange slices and cinnamon sticks to a pot and simmering it. “A simple touch that fills your kitchen with the scent of the season.”
Grossman highlights, by combining practical improvements with seasonal styling, you create a kitchen that serves you beautifully all year long. “Especially shining during the holidays.
“Plan these updates and decorations thoughtfully, and you’ll have the perfect Christmas kitchen without the cost of a full renovation.”