Kitchen design work does not need to be expensive and homeowners can undertake a number of small tasks to improve their existing fixtures and fittings.This is the view of luxury furniture maker Derek Yorke who has suggested that restoration and renovation of cupboards can improve overall kitchen design.In the economic climate, it is important to keep prices affordable and our restoration skills are coming into their own, he said in an interview with the Birmingham Post.He is currently using his furniture-making skills to offer a kitchen design service, stripping back and modernising existing cupboards and work surfaces.Where once customers wouldnt think twice at spending upwards of 30,000 on a new kitchen, now they are looking more at make do and mend, Mr Yorke explained.Were stripping down and completely refinishing a solid oak, fitted kitchen which, once completed, will look like a new one at a fraction of the cost.Homeowners looking for other ways to improve the look of their kitchen could consider undermount sinks or new kitchen taps.