Before and after: from dark and dated to light and super-stylish, take a look at this amazing kitchen makeover
Clever planning and practical storage solutions have brought this run-down kitchen in London back to life

The owner bought this Battersea flat at a property auction and knew the interior was dated and run-down. The compact kitchen hadn't been decorated in decades and was in desperate need of some TLC. The cupboards were broken, the floor was worn out and the paintwork was peeling.
In order to create a practical, usable space the owner decided to re-design the kitchen. She chose shaker-style Howdens units and went for space-saving appliances.
An integrated under-counter fridge and freezer meant she could install open shelving above. Thanks to clever designing, the owner even managed to fit in a dishwasher!
Wall cupboards were installed on one side of the kitchen near the cooker hood with an integrated single oven and gas hob below.
The worktop was a big decision - it had to be practical, but the owner didn't want it to feel too stark and modern. She chose a grey oak-finished laminate with a square edge for a smart, contemporary feel and a white ceramic sink to complement the look.
The addition of brick-shaped wall tiles and grey grout added a retro vibe, while the cool grey paint colour was chosen for its contemporary feel.
The grotty old flooring was replaced with a smart ceramic wood-effect grey floor tile.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
A few finishing touches such as the pretty grey-and-yellow blind were chosen to give the space a warm, homely feel. Bold accessories in shades of acid yellow have been used to brighten up the worktops.
Your shopping list:
Units, from £133, Howdens
Sink £162.40, Howdens
Dishwasher £311.70, Howdens
Fridge £222.60, Howdens
Freezer £50, Howdens
Oven, hob & extractor £285.50, Howdens
Floor tiles £24.80 per sq m, Topps Tiles
Wall tiles £38.33 per sq m, Topps Tiles
Worktop, £122 for 3m, Howdens
-
A gamechanger for couples who can't agree – a newly launched mattress allows you to adjust the firmness of each side from your smartphone
Wave goodbye to bedtime quarrels
By Amy Lockwood
-
How to clean a non-stick frying pan – the tricks for removing burnt-on food and greasy residue
Keep your non-stick pans in top condition without relying on the dishwasher
By Amy Hodge
-
Do you need a wok? According to one chef, it's the only pan you do need
Is a wok a kitchen non-negotiable?
By Molly Cleary
-
A £3 IKEA hack helped transform this bedroom into a scandi-inspired retreat
It's the ultimate thrifty makeover
By Laurie Davidson
-
This colourful hallway makeover makes a bold first impression – it’s stunning!
It's a little bit extra and a whole lot of fun
By Laurie Davidson
-
A dull kitchen was given an injection of colour and pattern for less than £250
Eye-popping pastels and gallery walls galore make this scheme pretty unique
By Laurie Davidson
-
A DIY fan has recreated the Friends kitchen for less than £750
So no one told you renovating was gonna be this way...
By Millie Hurst
-
An interiors lover shares her stunning white kitchen makeover
It's now the kind of room you walk into and exhale
By Millie Hurst
-
Mum created an adorable hallway tribute to her children for under £80
All it took was some wall clocks, frames and a bit of self-adhesive vinyl…
By Laurie Davidson
-
A thrifty DIY fan made a kitchen island for free out of an old set of drawers
'It took two days to complete and cost me nothing!'
By Millie Hurst
-
Before and after: A 'boring' neutral living room gets a glam and dramatic makeover
The owners took a risk and banished the beige...
By Amy Cutmore