How to Modernise and Upgrade Your Kitchen Without an Expensive Refit

Upgrading your kitchen doesn’t have to mean ripping everything out and starting from scratch. 

In fact, with a few clever updates and a bit of creative thinking, you can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen without spending a fortune. 

Whether you’re looking to boost your home's value or simply want a fresher, more stylish space, here are some savvy ways to modernise your kitchen on a budget.

1. Paint, Paint, Paint

Cabinet Makeover

One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to give your kitchen a facelift is by painting your cabinets. Choose a modern, neutral colour like soft grey, navy, forest green or off-white for a timeless look. If you're feeling bold, a two-tone colour scheme (e.g., darker base units and lighter wall units) can add visual interest and a designer touch.

Walls That Wow

Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Opt for something light and bright to open up the space, or go bold with a feature wall behind open shelving or the dining nook.

2. Update Your Hardware

Swapping out tired old handles and knobs for sleek, modern hardware is an easy upgrade that makes a big impact. Matte black, brass or brushed nickel finishes are on trend and can instantly elevate even the most basic cabinet doors.

3. Refresh the Worktops (Without Replacing Them)

If new countertops are out of budget, consider:

Worktop overlays: These are thin layers that sit on top of your existing counters, offering the look of granite, marble or wood for a fraction of the cost.

Countertop paint kits: Yes, you can paint your worktops! Special kits exist to help you get the look of stone or concrete with just a weekend’s work.

4. Light it Up

Lighting plays a huge role in how your kitchen looks and feels. Replacing old pendant lights or fitting new under-cabinet LED strips can dramatically modernise the space.

Pendant lights: Hang a set over an island or dining table for a focal point.

Under-cabinet lighting: Adds ambience and practicality by brightening up worktops.

5. Rethink Your Backsplash

The backsplash is a small area, which means it’s a great place to splurge a little or get creative.

Peel-and-stick tiles are widely available and easy to install.

Tile paint is a great option if you're happy with the layout but want a colour update.

Metal or glass splashbacks can add a contemporary, glossy look without much expense.

6. Open Shelving or Glass Doors

Replacing a few cabinet doors with open shelving or glass-front panels can instantly make the space feel more modern and airy. Style with a mix of functional and decorative pieces—think stackable dishes, plants, and stylish jars.

7. Bring in Natural Elements

Wooden accents, woven baskets, and even a few houseplants can soften a kitchen and give it that ‘lived-in’ yet modern feel. A wooden chopping board left out on display, or a reclaimed wood shelf, can add warmth and charm.

8. Accessorise Like a Pro

Swap tired tea towels and worktop clutter for:

A statement fruit bowl

Coordinated small appliances (kettles, toasters, etc.)

Stylish containers for tea, coffee and sugar

A rug or runner for added texture and colour (Though do be careful of safety, here.)

9. Modernise Your Taps

If your budget allows for a minor plumbing upgrade, fitting a new tap can have a surprisingly big impact. Go for something with clean lines and a modern finish—black, brushed gold, or even industrial-style stainless steel.

10. Declutter and Organise

Sometimes the best transformation is simply creating a clean, streamlined space. Invest in drawer organisers, pull-out cupboard inserts, and clever storage solutions to make your kitchen work smarter and look neater.

Final Thoughts

Modernising your kitchen doesn’t require a full renovation or a big spend. By mixing smart DIY updates with a few well-chosen upgrades, you can give your kitchen a fresh, stylish look that feels brand new—without knocking down a single wall.

Recipe: Earth Day 'Odds and Ends' Cake

This recipe inspired by the carrot cake, but it's designed really to use up what ingredients you have in the cupboard, alongside the half used vegetable scraps in the fridge. 

This is what my wife describes as a smidgen cake, made from all the smidgens you find in your cupboards, fridge or freezer.

The recipe makes some really forgiving muffin style cakes, and as long as you try and stick to the basic measurements given you can freestyle as much as you need to use things up and reduce waste! 

What's more, the cakes also use spelt flour which is regeneratively farmed so is even better for the planet.

Makes: 12-15 Muffins / Prep time: 30 Minutes / Bake time: 18-22 Minutes

Ingredients

200g Nuts or seeds - use any you like or have in the cupboard

240g Oil - use whichever you have - vegetable, coconut, light olive, or melted butter is fine

190g Roasted vegetable - butternut squash, sweet potatoes, swede, apples, pears all work really well

300g Matthews Light Spelt Flour

260g Grated fresh vegetables - carrots, courgette, beetroot, parsnips, or butternut squash are all good

400g Sugar - brown, muscovado, caster, granulated

4 Eggs

Spices - vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, cloves - think along these lines and measure as much as you like

2tsp Baking powder

1tsp Baking soda

1tsp Salt

Method

Preheat the oven to 180c and line a muffin tray with paper cases.

In the bowl of a large stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add all of the ingredients listed. Set the mixer on a slow speed for 5-6 minutes, until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Scrape the mixer down with a spatula to ensure nothing has settled at the bottom of the bowl.

Use a mechanical ice cream scoop to deposit the cake mix into the liners - filling them just over 2/3rds full.

Once all your liners are full, sprinkle the tops of each muffin with a little granulated sugar and some extra nuts or seeds if you have them left. Bake the muffins for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and well risen. A skewer inserted into the middle of the cake should come out clean.

Let the muffins cool completely in the tins before you remove and enjoy! They will keep for several days but also freeze well for another day!

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Chef Shanker Pandey: 20 Years of Excellence at the Helm of Everest Inn Group

Everest Inn is justifiably proud to celebrate two decades of culinary excellence under the leadership of their Executive Chef Shanker Pandey. 

A renowned figure in the world of Nepali cuisine, Shanker played a pivotal role in shaping the Everest Inn brand and elevating Nepalese cuisine to new heights.

Born and raised in Western Nepal, Shanker's love for cooking was instilled in him at an early age. 

Growing up in a household where food was central to culture, he spent his childhood learning to cook with his mother and grandmother over an open wood stove, sparking his passion for flavour. 

This formative experience laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to perfecting the art of Nepali cuisine.

Shanker's culinary journey has taken him across the globe, where he honed his skills under the mentorship of distinguished chefs such as Andrew Bodmer, Mark Lagos, and Jacqueline Apps. 

In 2005, Shanker joined Everest Inn in Hythe as Executive Chef, bringing a fresh, contemporary twist to traditional Nepalese cuisine. With a focus on blending authentic flavours and techniques with modern methods, he created a menu that resonated with both loyal local patrons and visitors. 

His dedication to his craft and his commitment to quality really have been key to the chain's success, with the restaurant group now a staple in the county of Kent and Blackheath.

Chef Shanker's achievements were further recognised in 2024 when he appeared on Rick Stein's TV show, showcasing Nepalese cuisine and its rich heritage to a national audience.

Shanker has recognised the importance of nurturing talent, implementing several initiatives aimed at mentoring young chefs. 

His philosophy of “We're a family, and we all work together” drives the entire ethos of Everest Inn, creating a warm and collaborative environment for all.

Shanker and his team have had the privilege of cooking for and serving some of the world's most distinguished figures, including Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif, as well as England footballer Sol Campbell. 

They've also catered at some of the UK's most prestigious venues, such as City Hall, No. 10 Downing Street, the House of Lords, and the UK Parliament, including the Embassies at the Kensington Palace Garden.

As Everest Inn celebrates its 20th anniversary, Chef Shanker's legacy continues to thrive. His unwavering dedication to authenticity, innovation, and community has been integral to the restaurant group's success, and he remains a driving force behind its future growth.

Everest Inn is located in Blackheath, on Montpelier Vale, where it stands proudly among a variety of restaurants and cafes overlooking the Heath. Led by award-winning Executive Chef Shanker Pandey, along with Yadav Bhandari and Head Chef Ram B. Bhandari, this family-run establishment is the oldest in a line of successful and well-recognised Nepalese restaurants in the UK.

The line of family-run restaurants includes The Everest Inn in Ashford and Hythe in Kent. Since opening on the Heath in 2005, Everest Inn has combined traditional Nepalese flavours with Indian fusion, offering a unique dining experience to its loyal customers. Their determination and commitment to serving delicious food have earned them a collection of prestigious awards, including the Asian Curry Awards and London Curry Awards, among others. They are proudly one of the longest-standing restaurants in Blackheath and a favourite among the surrounding community, known for supporting charities and hosting regular events.

Everest Inn also offers a versatile takeaway and delivery menu featuring a selection of classic dishes, available to order via their website. The restaurant also provides private dining opportunities and outdoor catering for events and weddings.

And don't forget! You can join them on Monday, 14th April for an extra special Nepali New Year celebration! An evening of flavour, fun, and coming together.

To learn more visit https://everestinn.co.uk.

Peter Jukes Fellowship Award for St Ermin's Hotel Executive Chef

There's fantastic news for John Kouphou, the Executive Chef at the St Ermin's Hotel in Westminster. 

Because John was one of just two chefs who were given the Peter Jukes Fellowship Award for education at the annual dinner.

“It's truly humbling to be recognised by such a prestigious organisation that celebrates excellence in our industry,” said Kouphou,” huge thanks to my peers, mentors, and the incredible teams I've worked with along the way—this is a shared achievement.”

For more information please visit www.autographhotels.com.

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room to Redefining Cocktail Experiences

room two has established itself as London's premier cocktail events company, blending backgrounds in film, music, and interior design to reimagine what cocktails can be. 

While the world of bars and cocktail culture continues to evolve, event drinks have often stayed in safer territory. room two is now changing that landscape. 

Their mission is to blur the lines between bar, set, and experience, bringing cocktails back to the forefront of luxury events across the whole United Kingdom.

At its core, room two is about translating feelings into flavours. Whether it's a track that hits at 2am on a late-night dancefloor, the colour of a room at golden hour, or a film scene that lingers long after it ends, these moments are the starting point for every drink the team creates. 

The company's distinctive approach integrates taste, texture, music, energy, and design, creating multi-sensory experiences that resonate deeply with guests.

The brand regularly releases short films to share its world, leaning into the surreal and the strange, "because that's where we think the best ideas tend to live."

"Having worked in luxury events for over 14 years, while also being a lifelong fan of late-night dancefloors, I saw a real opportunity to bring the intimacy, energy and togetherness found in those spaces into the world of luxury events," states Max McCormick, co-Founder of room two.

room two's methodology distinguishes them in the UK cocktail events industry. Recently, they were invited to Goa to design a series of drinks for a spirit not yet properly introduced to the UK market. room two was tasked with helping it break through, making it feel modern, drinkable, and relevant to a UK audience.

Their creative process is rooted in storytelling. Rather than leading with a spirit or ingredient, the team begins with a feeling, developing drink concepts around music, moodboards, moments and stories—establishing them as innovators in the British beverage experience sector.

room two has partnered with distinguished brands across fashion, beauty, and hospitality sectors. Their impressive client portfolio includes Prada, Huntsman, The American Embassy, Space NK, Singleton whisky, and Henry Holland Studio.

Actress Sienna Miller praised the company: "room two made the night truly special, every drink was like a little work of art." Huntsman (saville row) stated: "Quite possibly the best martini we've ever been served."

For a recent event with Space NK, room two created four bespoke cocktails inspired by the retailer's top-selling fragrances. The standout creation, "Rose Whip," featured a cherry and rose sour finished with a homemade leather-infused spray, designed to mirror the base notes of the featured perfume. The result was unusual, beautifully layered, and utterly delicious—showcasing their exceptional creativity in the UK cocktail scene.

room two regularly collaborates with acclaimed food stylist Kirthana on projects including a multi-sensory supper with Singleton whisky and Henry Holland Studio. These events blur the line between fashion, food, and drinks, designed for guests who crave experiences that feel unique from start to finish.

Music is a key ingredient in the room two process. Playlists are created to complement drinks. Soundtracks are built into supper clubs. Everything is mood-driven. The team's most immersive concept to date is "Dancing on the Bar," a pop-up that blends a high-fidelity listening lounge with a backgammon bar and cocktail menu. Guests sip room two drinks, eat bar snacks curated by guest chefs, and play games while listening to carefully selected records on an audiophile-grade sound system.

This season, room two is launching the first "Dancing on the Bar" pop-up in London. Think after-hours salon meets high-concept speakeasy. Part listening room, part cocktail lab, part intimate hangout. Designed for people who care about detail, from the drinks to the vinyl.

The team is currently inviting expressions of interest from aligned brands, venues, and collaborators interested in supporting or partnering on the launch.

Beyond pop-ups, room two runs a supper club series called "təˈɡeð.ər," with designer ‘Anissa Kermiche’ , a space where interesting people are brought together over food, drinks, and conversation, often in support of causes chosen by the host. Previous dinners have supported mental health initiatives, environmental causes, and LGBTQIA+ charities. Each one is co-curated, with every detail considered: from scent and lighting to the records playing in the background.

room two is committed to doing better for the planet, without shouting about it unnecessarily. Where possible, the team uses local and seasonal produce, often foraging ingredients. They work closely with East London distillers like 58 and Co, known for their thoughtful spirits, and have begun collaborating with catering teams to collect and reuse food waste, turning discarded fruit into garnishes, syrups, and shrubs.

It's not perfect, but it's part of a conscious and consistent effort to reduce waste and rethink what sustainable drinking could look like.

About room two: room two is a leading London-based cocktail events company specializing in creating immersive, multi-sensory drink experiences for luxury brands and high-profile events. Founded by industry veterans with backgrounds spanning film, music, and design, room two has established itself as a pioneer in innovative cocktail experiences throughout the United Kingdom.

Contact Information: For media inquiries or collaboration opportunities, please contact: Website: www.roomtwo.london Instagram: @roomtwo.cocktails

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