Shirlie Ballas’ DIY Cupboards Look Insanely Expensive
How Shirley Ballas Transformed Her Kitchen on a Budget (And How You Can Too!)
TL;DR: Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas gave her kitchen a stunning makeover without ripping it out—just by painting the cabinets white. Experts say this is a smart, budget-friendly, and eco-friendly way to refresh your kitchen if the layout and cabinets are still in good shape.
Why This Kitchen Makeover Matters
When we think "kitchen renovation," we often imagine:
- Sledgehammers
- Skip bins
- Weeks of chaos
- Thousands of pounds
But Shirley Ballas proved there’s another way. Her secret? A fresh coat of paint.
What Shirley Did (Step by Step)
- Assessed the existing kitchen – The layout worked, and the cabinets were solid.
- Hired professionals – She used B&M Specialist Decorators to repaint the cabinets.
- Chose a modern white shade – Bright, clean, and timeless.
- Let the appliances shine – Her colorful appliances popped against the white cabinets.
- Enjoyed a "new" kitchen – All for a fraction of the cost of a full replacement.
Important Callout:
Painting cabinets ≠ painting a wall. Cabinets get touched, wiped, and bumped daily. The prep work (cleaning, degreasing, sanding, priming) is 90% of the job. If you’re not confident, hire a pro.
What the Experts Say
Georgina Burnett
Celebrity Interior Designer & TV Presenter
“I’m a huge fan of a kitchen that gets a second chance rather than automatically ending up in a skip! If the layout works and the cabinets are fundamentally sound, repainting can completely change the look and feel of a kitchen without the eye-watering cost of replacing everything.”
Key takeaways from Georgina:
- Saves thousands vs. new cabinets, worktops, appliances
- Sustainable – keeps usable cabinetry out of landfill
- Cosmetic fixes (color, handles, splashback, worktops) can feel like a whole new kitchen
Gareth Davies
Design Director, Classic Interiors
“Painting a bedroom wall is forgiving. Cupboards are not. A pro knows how to clean, degrease, sand, prime, and use paint that survives daily wear. DIY is possible if you’re patient and thorough—but don’t treat it as a quick weekend job.”
Gareth’s reality check:
- Paint can’t fix: Swollen, badly damaged cabinets or a layout you hate
- Paint IS perfect for: Good bones + boredom with the finish
Other Budget-Friendly Kitchen Upgrades
You don’t need a full reno to fall in love with your kitchen again. Try these:
| Upgrade | Why It Works | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Swap cabinet handles | Instant style update; like jewelry for your kitchen | £5–£20 each |
| Update lighting | A statement pendant makes the room feel expensive | £50–£150+ |
| Declutter & organize | Clear counters = bigger, calmer space | £0–£30 |
| Add a splashback | Peel-and-stick tiles = weekend project | £20–£100 |
| Refresh worktops | Paint or vinyl wrap for a modern look | £50–£200 |
Quick Picks from the Article:
- Brass cabinet handles (B&Q, ~£6.35) – chic, warm, easy to fit
- Cath Kidston ceramic pendant (Next, £99) – adds personality instantly
- Joseph Joseph pan organizer (John Lewis, £26) – tidy pans = tidy mind
Before You Start: A Quick Checklist
Use this to decide if painting your cabinets is right for you:
- [ ] My kitchen layout works for me
- [ ] Cabinets are structurally sound (no swelling, rot, major damage)
- [ ] I’m unhappy with the color/finish, not the function
- [ ] I’m willing to invest in proper prep (or hire a pro)
- [ ] I want a dramatic change without the drama of a full reno
If you ticked most boxes → Painting is a great option!
If not → Consider targeted fixes or saving for a full reno.
Summary
- Shirley Ballas refreshed her kitchen by repainting cabinets white—no demolition needed.
- Experts agree: If the layout and cabinets are good, paint = high impact, low cost, low waste.
- Prep is everything – cleaning, sanding, priming. DIY is doable but not a quick job.
- Supplement with small upgrades: handles, lighting, organization for extra wow factor.
- Sustainable + budget-smart = win-win.
FAQ
1. Can I paint my kitchen cabinets myself?
Yes! But it’s not like painting a wall. You must thoroughly clean, degrease, sand, prime, and use durable paint (like specialist cabinet paint). If you’re short on time or patience, hire a pro.
2. How much does professional cabinet painting cost?
Typically £800–£2,500+ depending on kitchen size, cabinet condition, and finish. Still far cheaper than £10k+ for a new kitchen.
3. What paint should I use on kitchen cabinets?
Use a water-based acrylic or hybrid enamel labeled for cabinets/furniture (e.g., Frenchic, Dulux Cupboard Paint, Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell). Avoid standard wall emulsion—it won’t withstand daily wear.
4. Will painting cabinets last?
With proper prep and quality paint, 5–10+ years. Key factors: degreasing, sanding, priming, and using a durable topcoat.
5. What if my cabinets are damaged or I hate the layout?
Paint won’t fix structural issues or a dysfunctional layout. In that case, targeted repairs or a full renovation may be better investments.
Final Thought:
Sometimes the best kitchen makeover is the one you already own.
— Georgina Burnett
Ready to give your kitchen a second chance? Grab a paint chart—or a pro’s number—and start planning your budget-friendly transformation today!