'I transformed my dreary kitchen for £150 - it looks brand new'
Natalie Stainthorpe completely transformed her kitchen on a budget after being told it would cost £3,000 for professionals to do the work
Natalie Stainthorpe transformed her kitchen on a £150 budget
(Image: Jam Press/@everythingnatalie_)
A woman has shared how she completely transformed her "dark and gloomy" kitchen for just £150. Natalie Stainthorpe, from Middlesbrough, said she was quoted around £3,000 for a new kitchen - and decided to do the work herself instead.
The 34 year old dental nurse, who recently moved into a new property, was not pleased with the dark kitchen that barely received any light due to an extension on the house. She turned to TikTok tutorials and set a budget of £250 for the makeover, but managed to save even more, spending £100 less than planned.
She told What's The Jam: "I just couldn't stand how dark and gloomy it felt – I wanted a fresh, light space where I'd actually enjoy cooking and spending time with my family. The kitchen before was in good condition, but needed a little bit of TLC and I had a vision for the room."
She also discussed the cost of a professional renovation: "We did a rough estimate of how much it would cost to completely replace the kitchen from a family friend and we were looking at quite a lot of money - around £2,000 to £3,000 - which was money we didn't have. I decided that I was going to do a budget-friendly makeover instead."
To achieve the transformation, Natalie opted for affordable alternatives such as paint and vinyl instead of expensive new units. With the help of her partner and sister, she refreshed the cupboards, wrapped the worktops, and revitalised the handles, reports the Daily Record.
Natalie's kitchen before the makeover.
(Image: Jam Press/@everythingnatalie_)
She found cupboard paint for less than £15 per tin, sourced cost-effective vinyl from B&Q, and purchased all her decorating supplies from B&M to maintain a low budget. The makeover took around a month, squeezed in between shifts and weekends, but the results speak for themselves – the once gloomy kitchen now bright, airy and looking brand new.
Natalie added: "Our original budget was £250 – I didn't want to spend more than that, so to come so far under budget was amazing. It was quite a dark room – dark floors, worktops and cupboards and I really wanted to lighten the space up as because of the extension on the back we don't get that much natural light.
"We found the vinyl easy on the straight parts of the worktops, around the sink was a bit fiddly, we watched a few tutorials on YouTube on how to do it around the sink to try and minimise any mistakes. My partner Chris actually did most of the sink area as I ran out of patience with it. We repurposed the handles that were already on the units as to replace 14 handles in matte black was quite expensive.
Natalie Stainthorpe transformed her kitchen on a budget
(Image: Jam Press/@everythingnatalie_)
"We gave them a light sand and then we sprayed them with Rust-Oleum black matte spray paint and then sealed with a matte sealant spray. We got all our painting supplies from B&M to keep the costs down and budget-friendly – they sell such an amazing range of painting and decorating tools to help with projects like this.
"I spent some time researching how to vinyl worktops watching videos on YouTube and TikTok. I also got lots of tips from my friend who has done lots of vinyling to change up her rental home."
Natalie documented the transformation on TikTok and revealed the entire project spanned roughly three to four weeks as she tackled it during her free time and weekends.
She said: "It definitely wasn't a quick transformation but that was fine with us, we loved seeing it slowly come together. The hardest part for me was probably the vinyling, simply because it took more brain power than the rest, and a lot of patience - something I'm known to not have a lot of.
Article continues below
"We didn't encounter any mistakes, we just took our time with the project - apart from when I spilt paint on my hob. If I was to start this project again, I wouldn't change anything – I love how we took our time and worked together to get our final look in here. Rome wasn't built in a day and sometimes time and money restrict a quick transformation.
"I'm all for realistic budget makeovers and those take time. The difference it's made is amazing, it's now light and airy, it's really brightened up the room, I'm still obsessed with it now two months down the line. We've had such an amazing reaction to our makeover, my friends and family said it looks like a brand new kitchen and it's had such a good response both on my Instagram and TikTok.
"My advice would be to take your time, it's okay if you don't get a transformation like this done in a day like you can sometimes see on social media. My second piece of advice to make sure the longevity of your makeover is prep, prep, prep. Spend time prepping your units and surfaces for painting, you'll thank yourself later. It just goes to show, you don't always need a big budget – sometimes a bit of patience and a few clever tricks can completely change your home."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
UK households warned that one mark in home could be sign of serious infestation
An expert has shared one significant sign to look out for when it comes to rats being in your home amid the worrying and growing rodent population across the UK There are growing concerns about an escalating rat population in the UK and following the discovery of a potentially record-sized rodent. Now, a health and safety expert has revealed the signs we need to look out for that these pests could be present in our homes, including one telltale mark. Recently, a pest controller in North Yorkshire captured a staggering 22-inch rat, sparking speculation that it could be the largest in the nation. Residents of Normanby in Redcar and Cleveland are pointing fingers at reduced pest control services for the increase in sightings. The frequency of rat encounters is on the rise in both suburban and city areas across the UK, and according to one health and safety specialist, many individuals may not notice the signs until they're facing a significant infestation. It comes after Brits are told to never put one banned item in garden bins as you could face punishment. Derek Hales, with years of expertise from the SMSTS Course and a background in high-risk pest environments, has shared his insights. He warned: "Rats don't knock – they sneak in. And by the time you see one, you're likely dealing with several. "But in homes and businesses, it's often the small, strange signs that people overlook." One unexpected sign that Derek encourages everyone to be aware of is greasy smudge marks on skirting boards. This is because rats repeatedly traverse the same paths, and their fur leaves behind greasy marks along walls, reports the Daily Record. Another sign to look out for is chewed cables in the loft or underfloor voids. Highlighting a common concern, Derek remarked: "This is a big one we see on construction sites and homes alike – it's not just a nuisance, it's a fire risk." Hollow-sounding plasterboard can also be a sign of a rat infestation. The pests have the unnerving ability to burrow through internal walls, and their tunnelling antics can alter the sound of walls or floors when tapped. Derek also warned against dismissing your pets' sudden fascination with a particular spot on the wall or floor. "If your dog or cat is suddenly obsessed with a spot in the wall or floor, don't ignore it," he cautioned. "They often notice things before we do." The recent surge in sightings of 'cat-sized' rats has been causing quite a stir, but according to Hales, these reports are not far-fetched. "We're seeing rats regularly exceeding 40cm from nose to tail," Derek confessed. "They're well-fed, well-sheltered, and becoming bolder." He pointed out that certain modern lifestyle habits are fuelling the growth of these oversized rodents. One significant factor is our approach to food waste and littering. Derek explained: "Bins overflowing with food scraps or poorly stored takeaways give rats an endless buffet. The more food available, the bigger they grow." Even compost heaps and bird feeders can inadvertently become rat magnets. He remarked: "These attract rats even in rural gardens. Bird seed and kitchen scraps are high-calorie fuel." Furthermore, the milder winters the UK has been experiencing play a role in their proliferation. Derek noted: "Climate shifts mean fewer rats are dying off in cold months, allowing larger ones to survive and breed." He highlighted the concerning fact that the larger the rat, the greater the potential for havoc, especially when it comes to insulation, wiring, and internal structures. Contrary to popular belief, rats don't just sneak in through open doors or bins; they have more surprising ways of infiltrating our homes. Drain pipes and toilet systems can be a rat's gateway into your home, as these critters are adept swimmers. "Rats are excellent swimmers. If there's a break in your pipework or your toilet isn't sealed properly, they can come up the pipes," he added. Air bricks and broken vents are also vulnerable points, with rats needing only a thumb-sized gap to wriggle through. Even new-build homes aren't immune, with gaps under kitchen units often providing an ideal nesting spot for these rodents. However, you can take proactive steps to keep them at bay. One effective measure is to cover any external openings with wire mesh, particularly around vents and pipe outlets. The garden also requires attention, as overgrown vegetation, compost heaps, and bird tables can all attract rats. In the event of a rat problem, Derek cautioned against sole reliance on poison. He warned: "If you're seeing droppings or hearing noises, get professional advice. Laying poison might kill one – but it doesn't stop them getting in."
Daily Record
5 hours ago
- Daily Record
The 4 lesser-known signs you could have a rat infestation in your home
After the discovery of a supersized rat in the UK, there's signs to watch out for that could indicate you have unwanted houseguests With fears of a rising rat population and the discovery of a potentially r ecord-breaking sized rodent in the UK this week, one health and safety expert has shared four signs that you may have the creatures in your home. A rat measuring 22 inches from nose to tail was found in a property in North Yorkshire by a pest controller. It's thought to be the biggest in the country and locals in the Normanby area of Redcar and Cleveland have blamed cuts to pest control services. There are more sightings of rats across both suburban and urban areas of the UK than before and one health and safety expert is warning that many people won't spot signs of them until it's already a serious problem. Derek Hales from SMSTS Course has decades of experience of working on-site where pest risks are higher. He said: "Rats don't knock – they sneak in. And by the time you see one, you're likely dealing with several. "But in homes and businesses, it's often the small, strange signs that people overlook.' He has highlighted four of the lesser-known signs that you may have a rodent problem. 1. Greasy smudge marks on skirting boards Rats tend to run the same routes over and over – their fur leaves oily trails along walls. 2. Chewed cables in lofts or underfloor voids Derek said: 'This is a big one we see on construction sites and homes alike – it's not just a nuisance, it's a fire risk." 3. Hollow-sounding plasterboard Rats can burrow through internal walls, and their tunnelling can make walls or floors sound different when knocked. 4. Unusual pet behaviour 'If your dog or cat is suddenly obsessed with a spot in the wall or floor, don't ignore it,' says Derek. 'They often notice things before we do.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. In recent years, sightings of 'cat-sized' rats have made headlines – and Hales says it's not an exaggeration. 'We're seeing rats regularly exceeding 40cm from nose to tail,' he admitted. 'They're well-fed, well-sheltered, and becoming bolder.' According to Hales, several modern lifestyle habits are contributing to their size. Food waste and littering is one factor. Derek said: "Bins overflowing with food scraps or poorly stored takeaways give rats an endless buffet. The more food available, the bigger they grow.." Compost heaps and bird feeders are another attraction for them. He said: "These attract rats even in rural gardens. Bird seed and kitchen scraps are high-calorie fuel." And milder winters experienced in the UK is another reason. Derek added: "Climate shifts mean fewer rats are dying off in cold months, allowing larger ones to survive and breed." He warns that the bigger the rat, the more damage it can do – particularly to insulation, wiring and internal structures. While many assume rats only enter through open doors or bins, the most common entry points are more surprising: Drain pipes and toilet systems: 'Rats are excellent swimmers. If there's a break in your pipework or your toilet isn't sealed properly, they can come up the pipes.' Air bricks and broken vents: Rats only need a gap the size of a thumb to squeeze through. Gaps under kitchen units: Even new-builds can have unfinished spaces behind cupboards that rats love to nest in. There are several things you can do to prevent them entering your home, however. Firstly use wire mesh on any external openings, especially around vents and pipe outlets. Check your garden as overgrown plants, compost piles and bird tables and feeders can be a draw to rats. If you do find you have a rat issue, Derek advises against relying on poison alone. He said: "If you're seeing droppings or hearing noises, get professional advice. Laying poison might kill one – but it doesn't stop them getting in."
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
People are finally realising what the ‘toothy claws' on kitchen scissors are for as they brand tips ‘life-changing'
EVER wondered what the 'toothy claws' are for in the handles of your kitchen scissors? You are not alone. A recent debate was sparked online as to what you can use the serrated section for - as often they don't quite come close enough for cutting stuff. TikTok user @suhmanthuaaa recently uploaded a video which prompted the big discussion. She shared: 'POV: You're years into adulthood and still don't know what these random claw things on scissors do. 'I've paid taxes, bought cars, signed leases, had kids and still don't know what these scissor claws are for.' Over 70,000 people have liked her video, with many rushing to the comments to share their opinion. One said: 'Chop my finger off apparently. (We were molding clay and my friend jokingly closed the scissors whilst my finger was between those claws).' Another joked: 'For when your man cheats.' Meanwhile one shared: 'These are garden scissors that cut hard stuff e.g. tree branches and twigs.' So what is the answer? It turns out that this particular type of scissors is known as 'kitchen shears', and the jagged or serrated "claw" serves a variety of purposes. While some may use it simply as a bottle opener, its primary functions are often more robust and kitchen-specific. The cable-tie-scissor trick plumbers swear by to get hair clogs out of your drain & it's WAY better than pricey liquids 2 The serrated grip and leverage from the handles make it ideal for cracking open hard-shelled items like walnuts, pecans, lobster claws, and crab legs. The feature is also particularly useful when preparing poultry. The notch provides a sturdy grip to snap or cut through small bones, such as those in chicken or fish, to break down a carcass or make stock. The jagged part can be used to get a better grip on a tough-to-open jar lid or to remove a bottle cap. And the strong grip can also be helpful for tasks like holding a slippery item or even stripping the leaves from tough herb stems. After finding out some of the uses, people have been hailing the feature as "life-changing". 5 cleaning hacks Say goodbye to ironing Don't have time to smooth out the wrinkles of a shirt with an iron? Lenor 's Crease Releaser makes wrinkles vanish - simply hang up creased items, give them a quick spritz and smooth against a hard surface. Teabags for trainers When trainers smell a little squiffy, pop a used (and still moist) tea bag inside and leave for about an hour. The tannins will seep into the sole of the shoe to fight nasty-smelling odours. Remove limescale without scrubbing When bathroom taps start looking a little grimy with limescale, slice a lemon in half and sprinkle on baking soda. Rub the fruit over the taps and with a gentle clean they will come up sparkling. Use a toothbrush to get in all the nooks and crannies. Streak-free mirrors and windows White vinegar is a handy secret weapon when it comes to keeping mirrors and windows streak-free. Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle. Squirt then wipe with a microfibre cloth and voilà, clean glass in an instant. Make your home smell amazing For dust-free skirting boards, pour some fabric softener onto a cloth and give them a quick wipe. It will stop dirt collecting so quickly and, as an added bonus, make your home smell amazing.
