Have a clear out and be cutthroat about it
The best way to start any makeover or renovation project is by having a grand old sort through everything you have. Do you really need to keep hold of that non-stick pan that has undoubtedly become a stick pan over the years? Should you keep hold of that tea towel that now better resembles a linen rag? The answer is usually 'no'. Be cutthroat, and try not to overestimate sentimental value or other emotional reasons to keep things that may now be useless. Make sure you give old things to charity or recycle them wherever possible.
It doesn't have to break the bank
Lots of people feel intimidated about starting the challenge of making over a room, especially in a functional space like a kitchen. But one comforting factor that should offer reassurance is that you can achieve a lot without spending a lot. One of the most useful tools in this vein is the wonderful Pinterest which offers amazing ideas for revolutionising everyday objects like old mugs, blocks of wood and even cereal boxes. To see these ideas in action and more, follow me on Pinterest here.
Don't just think about the aesthetics
A kitchen makeover isn't just about redecorating in the traditional sense by painting walls or replacing cupboard fronts - in fact, this might actually be the worst way to makeover your kitchen. Instead, think about investing in some new gadgets and equipment. Undoubtedly, the most importance part of any kitchen is the cooker; after all, this is where all the action happens, and a new one can revolutionise your cooking experience. My favourite find is Britannia Range Cookers, super stylish and available in a myriad of pretty colours.
Little things can make all the difference
Some of the best things in any room of a house are simple and tiny, so don't fret if you can't afford new gadgets and equipment at the moment! The alternative to sprucing up your cooking tools might be to focus on quirky finishing touches. Again, this is an area where Pinterest is very useful indeed. Be creative and shop around both online and in shops. Look for old signs and interesting storage containers. You'll be surprised what a difference these things can make to a room, especially in a kitchen.
Display your food
In Britain, there's a real tendency to tuck our food away into cupboards, hiding it from the world. If you buy a lot of 'value' or 'basics' products, it's understandable that you don't want to display the packaging to the world. But think about things like flour, which whether branded or not can be put into a nice pot, and pasta, which even if the cheapest of cheap will look lovely in a glass jar. Herbs and oils can be left out on countertops instead of being stowed away in hard-to-reach places. Don't be afraid to get downright personal with your food, and share it with all your visitors!
For more lifestyle posts including travel, food, beauty and home, visit Lauren's blog Take on the Roadby clicking here.