8 ELEGANT KITCHEN UPDATES

While it may be costly to renovate your kitchen in its entirety, it's easier than you may think to make small adjustments that have a big impact, discovers

- Lorna Fairey

1 Start small

If you're content with the look and feel of your kitchen, but merely require a subtle shake-up, consider the more decorative accessories that add a touch of warmth. Al Bruce, founder of bespoke kitchen brand Olive & Barr, recommends beginning with textured details: 'Start small by stacking wooden chopping boards on your work surface, arranging flowers in a vase and replacing tired tea towels with fresh linens.'

Perhaps you have a penchant for vintage kitchenalia, or maybe your cupboards are crowded with antique ceramics experiment with displaying these on shelves to celebrate your collections and bring some personality to your scheme. 'If space is available, consider a reclaimed wooden shelf. This adds a real sense of character and contrasts beautifully against any modern kitchen cabinets,' suggests Al.

2 Refresh your tiling

Whether you decide to cover a small area or an entire wall, one simple way to give your space a refresh is with tiles. Isabel Fernandez of Quorn Stone argues that doing so can give your kitchen a completely new look. 'Create a tiled feature wall or splashback for just a fraction of the price of a full kitchen refurb,' she notes. With so many designs to choose from, it's easy to curate the perfect look for your home: 'The possibilities are endless: from chequerboard and patterned, to natural stone or wood effect,' Isabel says. If you prefer something with a little more heritage, incorporate traditional Dutch Delft - or perhaps intricate Victorian or Edwardian examples - into your decor. You'll find plenty of websites boasting reclaimed tiles that have been painstakingly salvaged and prepared to bring life to a new space.'