Latest Interiors looks at ways to modernise and brighten up your kitchen

Kitchens are getting slicker, sleeker and altogether cleverer. If yours is looking a little tired, it might be time to drag it into the 21st century. You could opt for a total kitchen makeover, but think before you splash all the cash – new units, lights or worktops could be all the sprucing up you need to inject some sense of colour. From simple makeover to full facelift, allow Latest Interiors to help you cook something up.

The full monty
This year, we want open spaces and no clutter. Although quirky, free-standing farmhouse-style kitchens remain popular, more and more of us are opting for a modern, sleek look that makes the most of available space. Open-plan kitchen and living remains the contemporary ideal – many new builds incorporate an open-plan cook/eat/living area. If you’re stuck with a bad design or need a total rebuild, then the choice of kitchen styles and forms is yours. In older properties, the trend is to combine kitchen and dining areas or knock through between front and back rooms to create space. If you’re going for a totally new kitchen, we wouldn’t be surprised if you chose gloss-finished units in a single, bold colour (red, black, ivory, purple and grey are all popular), with composite stone chunky worktops, a glass splashback, and sleek back-lighting.

Unit values
If you don’t need a full re-model, then simply replacing tired and broken old units with new, smart storage – and some shiny new doors – will give your kitchen a much needed face and space-lift. Modern units don’t just expand your storage capacity – they can provide you with some pretty specialist functions, too. Simple pull-out corner and larder units could double your space. But if you’re prepared to spend a bit, you could add some pretty cool functionality to your kitchen: Integrated waste and recycling units, built-in steam oven, cooling and warming drawers, water softeners (very handy round here, where sediment from hard water will mark darker granite and stone worktops), integrated weighing scales and wine coolers. It’s all pretty cool stuff, actually and new doors will make it all look great.

Wonderful work tops
Tatty worktops are easy to replace, and there’s a huge range of finishes. Chunky natural stone, concrete and Corian (composite stone) worktops in simple black, grey or white look great, and remain a key trend. Corian and stone are also hard-wearing, and should give many long years of service. Corian and other composites can be moulded to seamless, custom shapes, including integrated sink bowls and drainers. Cast concrete also combines good looks and versatility. Glass, stainless steel and laminate worktops give a cool, modern finish. However, wood is making a comeback, and hardwood worktops add light and warmth to cool, modern kitchen spaces. Combine your shiny (or hardwood) new worktop with a chic glass or stainless steel splashback and some clever lighting for maximum effect.

Science appliances
Integrated appliances give the sleekest finish, but they (and their unit doors) will cost a little more. If you’re on a budget, choose from an increasing number of coloured and stainless steel appliances, and lots of clever tricks – automatic off switches and energy monitors, refrigerators with integrated iPod docks, and flip-down TV screens. All these marvellous gadgets mean that you really won’t mind when it’s your turn to cook. again.