If you want to give your kitchen a facelift but don’t have ample cash or time to perform a major transformation, relief is at hand.

A senior interior designer believes you can improve the look of this focal point of the home without spending a fortune.

Boutique Homes senior interior designer Mitra Whittle has a number of “quick kitchen fixes” which can invigorate “a tired interior”.

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Firstly, Ms Whittle suggests installing a pendant light over the island bench to create mood and atmosphere.

“If the current layout of your kitchen works well, just replace the doors and end panels,’’ she says.

“Laminate benchtops can be re-skinned with stone veneer which is a very cost effective way of upgrading your kitchen.”

Another way of improving the kitchen is to install “new and more power-efficient appliances for a quick and functional lift as well as cost savings in the long term”.

The designer adds that the householder can improve the aesthetics of the cooking zone by concealing small appliances and eliminating clutter.

Installing colourful fruit and flowers is another simple and cost effective way of adding a touch of style in the cooking zone.

“By displaying fresh fruit and colourful flowers you can effectively boost the look and feel of the kitchen,” she says.

A tiled splashback makeover is another way to create a fresh look.

“If you have a dated tiled splash back with patterns that reminds you of the golden days, you can consider tile paint,” Ms Whittle says.

“It’s a very effective way of upgrading a tired look. Lighter paint colours add a more clean look.”

Ms Whittle says for a small amount of money the homeowner can purchase “gorgeous storage jars and other useful kitchen accessories”.

“These will enhance your benchtop with very little outlay of cash.”