It’s all very well and good dreaming of a new kitchen, but if a few thousand pounds of new cabinets and countertops isn’t in your budget, don’t give up hope.
There are plenty of ways you can dress up your existing kitchen with new accessories and appliances. Even the basics, like microwaves and kettles, can breathe new life into a space if you choose an unusual or retro design. It’s all about being inspired by your choices; select products that put a smile on your face whenever you walk into your kitchen - but importantly are practical, too.
We’ve scoured our homeware collections to pick out our 9 must-have kitchen accessories that can help you to transform even the smallest of kitchen spaces into a haven dedicated to cooking. Read on for the best kitchen inspiration.
1. Cook up a storm with cookware
One of the easiest ways to ensure you enjoy cooking in your kitchen is to invest in cookware that’s not only stylish and practical but products that will stand the test of time. There’s a reason that Le Creuset is one of the most popular cookware brands - its dishes are frequently handed down, generation to generation, as much-loved and well-used cooking dishes.
Remember that durable, effective cookware is an investment for the future - you really do get back what you put in.
2. Mix it up with modern microwaves
Ok, ok, so lots of people think that microwaves are cheating. But while you wouldn’t cook your Sunday roast in a microwave, these handy kitchen appliances are incredibly practical, and we’d go so far as to say a must-have kitchen appliance! However, there’s no reason you have to settle for a standard black or metallic microwave. With modern twists and retro designs now readily available, you can keep your kitchen surfaces stylishly by choosing a microwave with flair.
3. Be your own barista
There’s nothing quite like waking up to a freshly made, delicious and hot coffee in the morning. Don’t wait to walk past your favourite coffee shop - instead save money in the long run by investing in your own, at-home barista machine. Choose your favourite bean blend and produce piping hot caffeinated treats whenever you need them most. Time to practise your latte art!
4. Choose cool ceramics
From your tableware to your baking essentials, choosing ceramics that fill you with joy can make a huge difference to how you view your kitchen. For some, minimalist white sets are preferred, but there’s a whole world of quirky, unusual designs out there to encourage your playful side. Mix colours and patterns for a personalised look.
5. Think tasteful toasters
It’s one of those small appliances that you find in every kitchen… yes, there’s nothing exciting about a toaster, right? Wrong! With bold and colourful new designs everywhere, your toaster can now become a feature of your kitchen, rather than something you hide away in a cupboard when you’re not using it. Plus, there are all kinds of exciting new features available to toast different kinds of bread, bagels, muffins etc. so if you choose wisely, you’ll never end up scratching the burned bits off over the sink again.
6. Wonderful wine racks for the win
So it may not be a must-have kitchen appliance per say, but for many of us, a wine rack is one of the first things that make us feel truly grown up. Regardless of whether you prefer a tipple on the regular or you’re an infrequent imbiber, storing a few of your favourite bottles on display can add a sophisticated touch to your kitchen. From modern, geometric shapes to unusual designs inspired by nature, you’re bound to find a wine rack that reflects your personality.
7. Make room for a mixer
Sometimes, we all enjoy unleashing our inner Mary Berry and baking up a storm in the kitchen. Investing in a countertop mixer makes the process so much easier. With accessories for all types of baking and cooking, preparing your favourite dishes has never been simpler - or less messy.
8. Keep your kettle in theme with your kitchen
Unless you have one of those fancy taps which produce boiling water seemingly out of thin air, then you’re going to want a kettle in your kitchen. As with toasters and microwaves, there are plenty of different stylish designs available. So whether your kitchen has a sleek, minimalist feel or a retro vintage vibe, you’ll find the perfect kettle for you on our site. Why not search for ranges which coordinate all of your small kitchen appliances for a streamlined look?
9. The timeless, tangible trolley
It might feel terribly 1950’s, but vintage trolleys are making a big comeback. These practical pieces of furniture are incredibly versatile - you can use them as permanent drinks trolleys, as additional furniture in your kitchen, or to move dishes between your kitchen and dining room when you’re hosting a dinner party. With all kinds of styles on offer, from vintage-inspired designs to contemporary wood-and-metal carts, there’s never a bad time to invest in a trolley.
As we move from summer into autumn, party season is ahead of us, so what better time to think about sprucing up your kitchen ready to host those marvellous autumnal gatherings we all love? Or maybe just to put a smile on your face next time you mosey into your kitchen to brew a cuppa.
If you enjoyed this article, why not head over to our interior influencer hub and see Isabel Matelsky's tips on updating the dining room with our So'Home collection.
