We've moved into an old house that we plan to renovate. In the meantime, we have to live with a worn and unattractive kitchen with an orange-and-brown tiled splashback. How can we make it bearable?

Replacing cabinet door fronts and handles makes a big difference. Paint always freshens up a space, and this can be extended to the splashback by using White Knight Tile & Laminate Primer and Tile Paint. If the tiles are sound, you can cover them with a new surface, such as the Metaline range from Laminex. "Metaline is an aluminium-composite panel that has the look and feel of glass," says Jared Dinneen, Laminex Marketing Manager. "It's easy to install and can be cut and fitted by a cabinetmaker in a few hours." Laminex; 132 136.