Tips and tricks

6 easy ways to upcycle your kitchen with Lick and Plank Hardware

20 September 2024· Lick
6 easy ways to upcycle your kitchen with Lick and Plank Hardware

Is your kitchen feeling a little tired and in need of a glow-up? It’s the room in your house that a lot of people ‘live’ in, especially if you have an open plan space or use it as an office too. Updating your kitchen can feel daunting but it’s easier than you think (and budget friendly too). We’ve teamed up with fellow B Corp decorating brand, Plank Hardware to show you how you can refresh your kitchen’s appearance without a full kitchen remodel.

1. Update your cabinet handles and knobs

Swap existing handles or knobs with Plank Hardware’s quality hardware solutions for cabinets and storage units of every kind. An easy way to create a cohesive space is to choose your dominant paint colour and then choose your new hardware to match.

If you go for a warm colour like Teal 01 or Blue 08, or a neutral like White 03 or Beige 01, Tash, Director of Interior Design at Lick recommends equally warm hardware in brass or gold. If you opt for cooler paint colours, like White 04, Blue 06 or Green 04, opt for stainless steel or silver to complement the grey and blue undertones.

Kitchen cupboards before using Lick and Plank

Kitchen cupboards after using Lick and Plank

Brass bobble handle, Green 05, Red 06, White 05, Blue 15

Antique brass handle bar, Pink 01, Green 02, Green 06, Orange 02

Green handle, White 03, Beige 01, Pink 04, Teal 01

2. Paint your woodwork

When it comes to painting kitchen woodwork, we always recommend opting for eggshell paint as it can withstand whatever life throws at it. Whether you’re going for a neutral look or all-out maximalism, painting your kitchen cabinets will inevitably transform your space.

Decorating tip: Before painting, prep your surface. That means giving them a light sand with a 120 grit sandpaper and adding a coat of water-based primer. This will ensure you get the best coverage and durability when painting for long-lasting results. 

Kitchen cabinets with Lick pink samples on

Kitchen in Lick and Plank

Related reading

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3. Add character by updating touchpoints

Update your countertops (and walls!) by replacing existing touchpoints with all new switches and sockets. Try and match the undertone of your kitchen walls or cabinets to hardware to help the space feel cohesive.

Antique brass dimmer switch, Teal 03, Green 02, Beige 02, Greige 01

Brass plug socket, White 06, Beige 01, Taupe 03, Red 03

Antique brass plug socket, Purple 03, Brown 02, Blue 02, Red 01

4. Change up your lighting

The right lighting is essential in any room. But, in the kitchen, in what can sometimes be quite a stark space, something as simple as changing your lights to a warmer bulb can work wonders—especially if you've got spotlights or your kitchen doesn't get much natural light. We also love a pendant light above kitchen islands to change the look of your room, or wall lights to create a cosier feel.

5. Paint the island in your kitchen (if you have one!)

Painting your kitchen island in a different colour to the rest of your cabinets is a good way to create contrast. Great if you're after a bit of visual interest, whatever your kitchen decor style.

Kitchen island in Lick paint

Kitchen decorated with Lick Green 08 paint shade

6. What difference a new tap can make…

Don’t underestimate the power of investing in a beautiful tap that pairs perfectly with your colour scheme and hardware. Pair brass with colours such as grey and blue or antique brass tones with darker colours and pinks.

Kitchen with plank hardware

Kitchen in Lick Grey 08

Brass tap, Grey 08, Brown 02, White 06, Beige 01

Antique brass tap, Black 02, Blue 04, Pink 08, Green 06