There is nothing like sleek modern appliances to set the tone in the kitchen and nothing worse then a battered fridge, old-fashioned dishwasher and shabby washing machine to make your kitchen look dreary.

But if you're planning on selling your home with kitchen appliances included, the last thing you're going to do is fork out for new ones just for the sales campaign.

Consider a quick kitchen revamp by giving your appliances a new look with a great product called International Fridge Paint. It costs 10.99 for a 250ml aerosol can at Homebase (01 2983197). It is also available in traditional paint.

Chose between crisp white or cool contemporary chrome to give your kitchen appliances a new look; even the most novice DIYers will be able to pull it off.

Hammerite makes a similar product called appliance-white enamel paint. This means that freezers, washing machines and dishwashers can all be given a complete new look at a fraction of the cost of replacing them.

Remember to prime your appliance first. Try International's wipe-on multi-surface primer. Price 11.99 for 500ml.

A couple of coats of paint at two-minute intervals and drying time of 24 hours means the appliances can be rejuvenated quickly - and the finish is hard wearing and tough.

Apart from that, don't forget to give your appliances a serious clean before the sales campaign to get rid of all those nasty lurking food and cooking odours.

And remember, while fridge magnets and postcards from Florida may look cute and homely to you, they can really give a cluttered look to a kitchen, which above all else must look clean and tidy. Best to get rid of them for the few weeks of the sales campaign.