THANKS to the celebrity chefs and cookery programmes that have found favour on the TV, cooking has become one of the nation's most popular pastimes.

If you've been inspired by Ainsley Harriot or 'Ready Steady Cook' you'll need the perfect kitchen to create those culinary masterpieces. Best of all, you don't have to spend lots of money to keep up with the 'Olivers' - if your budget doesn't stretch to a complete overhaul, simply add a few new fixtures for a unique look or invest in some modern units to quickly update your kitchen.

Improvements to the kitchen can be simple or more extensive depending on your budget and with B&Q's innovative "it" kitchen range you can mix and match from a range of doors, cabinets, handles and all the accessories.

Many people don't realise that kitchen renovations provide the best return on investment of all home-improvement projects so any modifications will not only add to your enjoyment of your home but increase its value as well!

A splash of colour

Choosing the right colour can really add to the atmosphere of your kitchen.

Think about what you want to achieve, whether a contemporary or traditional look and go for it! Green is a great colour for the kitchen as it creates a peaceful place to digest your food and enjoy the company of your friends.

Mixing colours and materials and experimenting with painting techniques like sponging (dabbing colour onto walls with a sponge to give a lived-in look) can add new depth to your room's decor. Complement your paint colour with accessories like decorative towels, copper pots and pans hung over a workspace and fun place mats for the table.

Refresh your cabinets

A key focal point in any kitchen is the cabinets. Older homes often have dark wood cabinets that don't always sit well with today's lighter, more contemporary design schemes. You may not have the budget for a completely new set of cupboards but don't worry - just invest in a new set of doors - an Ivory shaker door coupled with a modern wide bow handle in aluminium will look fantastic in any kitchen. Or if you want to be even more economical you can simply sand down the existing cabinets and re-stain them in a new shade! Stencilling can also add a unique, personal touch without breaking the bank!

Another idea to update original cabinets is to fit decorative legs in place of a traditional plinth for a free-standing look. Try reeded aluminium finish legs for a contemporary finish. Small but significant touches such as adding or changing handles to cupboard doors can also complement your design scheme.

Update work tops

If your budget doesn't stretch to renovating your entire kitchen, another option is to replace your work surfaces and add stylish and practical accessories. Top it off in style with a wood, slate or marble finish that is extremely durable and designed to stand up to the demands of a busy family. To complement a green wall colour, why not try a bottle glass gloss style or for a modern look steel or slate style worktops will fit the bill perfectly. To complete the look add a solid beech chopping block and a new ceramic sink. As part of the "it" kitchens range B&Q sell individually hand crafted ceramic sinks which are finished in glazed fireclay. Smooth and cool to the touch, the contemporary design are perfect in any kitchen. You never know you may end up enjoying the washing up!

Flooring options

Laminate flooring is great as it is easy to clean and resistant against fading, stains and scratches. Best of all LOC Laminate flooring is now available which simply 'locs' together, so no adhesive is required. This makes it quick and easy to install and can be re-laid up to six times. B&Q's LOC Laminate flooring is 'FSC' certified which means that the wood has been approved by the Forest Stewardship Council and has come from well managed forests so your floor is environmentally sound too! The Floormaster Character Loc Genoa Apple Effect (RRP £25.74) is a great choice for the kitchen or the new 1600 Floormaster LOC in Tile Effects is an excellent alternative, as the floor sections resemble real tiles but don't make your feet cold!

A range of free DIY demonstrations are held every week at your local B&Q Warehouse to help build confidence for every level of DIYer. Popular demonstrations include Women's Clubs, Gardening Clubs and even Kids Clubs that aim to help develop children's DIY knowledge in a fun way whilst making shopping easier for parents. For times and details of this weeks DIY demonstrations please contact your local B&Q Warehouse - details on www.diy.com.

If you need additional advice before you begin work, you can ask one of B&Q' s staff at your local store. Alternatively visit the B&Q website:www.diy.com where you can get further information on gardening, DIY projects and product information.

B&Q DIY Adviser