How to redesign and decorate your kitchen?

The HomeByMe online floor planner helps you to bring your kitchen design ideas to life. Design and decorate your kitchen with our intuitive floor plan generator and then take a virtual tour in 3D.

Are you planning to redesign your kitchen? Are you in need of some kitchen renovation and design inspiration? We can help you to brighten up your kitchen, navigate design and layout issues that often arise and optimize the space for a functional and beautiful kitchen.

Replace your kitchen counter

A simple way to improve your kitchen aesthetic is to replace an old, dated kitchen countertop. While prices range enormously based on your chosen material, there are many economical options, such as laminate, which offers a practical alternative to stone and marble benchtops, as it is low maintenance and easy to clean. A wooden countertop is also a moderately priced and stylish option, however you should be prepared to re-varnish it on an annual basis in order to protect the wood.

Create an open-plan kitchen

If your kitchen and living room are adjacent, consider removing the wall between the two rooms to create an open, American-style kitchen. This style of living space creates a sense of spaciousness and conviviality. Great for entertaining and socializing while you are cooking, you can insert an island where the wall used to be, and add some bar stools to face the kitchen. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine at the bar while you are preparing snacks or your family can eat breakfast at the bar in the mornings. Be sure to have a visit from an architect to confirm that the wall is not load-bearing before starting the demolition. If you wish to reduce the noise and odors that can be generated in the kitchen from reaching the living space, you can add glass window panes between the two rooms in order to continue enjoying the extra light and sense of space.

Update your kitchen accessories

Spruce up your kitchen by replacing tired and overused kitchen accessories, such as kitchen towels, tea towels, oven mitts and chopping boards. Audit your current collection and sort out which ones are still in good condition and which should be relegated to another use, such as shoe-shining. More pricey items, such as kettles, can be cleaned and descaled using a white vinegar solution to give them a second lease on life.

Add functional furniture

Modern apartments and homes are often built with open-plan kitchens to maximize the space in the living area. If your kitchen doesn’t include a built-in island, you can add a rolling kitchen cart to create a mobile island. This is a practical solution to add more counter-top space and storage to your kitchen at an affordable price. Not only will it define the areas of your kitchen and living space but it can be moved out of the way when you host guests.

Renovate your kitchen cupboards

An affordable way to modernize your kitchen is by changing the cabinet handles. Relatively inexpensive and easy to change, modern handles can really update the overall look of your kitchen and bring it into the 21st century. If your kitchen cupboard doors are also looking worn and uninspiring, you can paint them in a bright white or cream to lift the mood and brighten your kitchen. Consider adding some modern accessories such as a metal fruit bowl and flowers as the finishing touch.

Replace your splashback

Outdated tiles or splashbacks can make a kitchen look tired and uninviting. Give your kitchen a second lease on life by replacing the tiles or splashback with a modern design. Don’t be afraid to add a dash of color by choosing a bold tile to really brighten up your kitchen. If you find the idea of renovating your entire kitchen overwhelming, simply update one part of your kitchen; you’ll be surprised at what a big difference it makes.

Install additional lighting

If your kitchen seems a bit gloomy, try installing downlights underneath your overhead cabinets to brighten it up. These are a relatively inexpensive and useful addition, which will help to light up your workspace while you are cooking or washing the dishes. You might also consider hanging a pendant light over your kitchen island or dining table, to create a cosy atmosphere in which to share a meal. A dimmer switch can be installed in order to adjust the strength of the pendant light and set the right mood for the occasion.

Use HomeByMe to create innovative and interesting kitchen designs as seen in the above examples. The intuitive interface of the HomeByMe online floor planner makes it easy to create your dream home design and experience it in 3D.

If you’re having trouble getting started, you can find idées for your site plan in our Inspiration page. Visit industrial-style lofts, farmhouse kitchens, minimalistic scandinavian living rooms, vibrant bohemian bedrooms, and sleek, modern bathrooms to help get your ideas flowing.