Create A Cheap But Chic Kitchen

Adapt & Upgrade
What To Avoid & Invest In

Find out from The Home Show expert and architect George Clarke how to create a kitchen that looks fabulous but doesn't cost a fortune.

Mix & Match

'The easiest way to buy and create a kitchen that looks great but doesn't cost a fortune is to be creative,' says George. 'In the past, I've used an Ikea kitchen carcass, then had lacquered mdf doors made up by a carpenter and a stone worktop templated and cut by another company. That way, you get an expensive, hand made look without the cost.'

Kitchen. George Clarke: Create Cheap But Chic Kitchen

Adapt A Cheap Kitchen

'I've also changed the look of an inexpensive kitchen by adding detailing to it. For example, I had cheap unit carcasses installed, then had an extra section added on top to raise the worktop height. In that extra space between the unit doors and worktop, I then had a strip of walnut fitted. I also had a matching strip of walnut put beneath the units at skirting level. So, there were two strips of walnut on show. It changed the look of the kitchen immeasurably. It looked fantastic.'

Upgrade A Standard Kitchen

'With a middle-of-the-road kitchen, it's about finding quality handles and worktops and taking care of the finish. For example, it's worth buying a cheaper kitchen and spending more of your budget on good worktops, such as a granite or Corian ones. Equally, cheap handles look cheap, while inexpensive units can be immediately upgraded by better handles sourced from a specialist company or ironmonger's.'

Another cheat is to go to a middle of the road, high street kitchen shop and pick one of their designer lookalikes (you can't miss them, they're high gloss and colourful). The upside? They really do look the part. The downside? They're not really designer - and they're not really that cheap.

Be Clever

We like this because it's sneaky. You go to a company that sells off second-hand or ex-display designer kitchens and snap up a bargain. Our personal favourite is The Used Kitchen Company, which sells ex-display and quality used kitchens, plus appliances. They have an ever changing range of kitchens to choose from, they'll look out for a particular kitchen for you - or sell your used kitchen for you. Have a quick look - you'll find Schiffini, Mark Wilkinson and Pronorm on there, plus bespoke units, all in good condition and much, much cheaper than you'd pay if they were brand new. Genius, no?