Choosing new kitchen units

A kitchen should be a clean, spacious, functional but above all a comfortable place to prepare food. So don’t settle for less and see how you can get the best out of the space you’ve got.

Plan your kitchen design carefully

If you’ve decided it’s the perfect time to start refurbishing your kitchen there are plenty of things to get thinking about. As the hub of your dinner parties, or the centre of a hectic family life after work and school, you need to be sure that the final choices you make won’t keep it from being the comfortable and welcoming environment that it needs to be. Whatever kitchen design you pick you should be sure it is suited to your own personal tastes and your family’s lifestyle habits, providing a clean and hygienic space to store, prepare and cook (and perhaps serve) your three meals a day. To help you find that precarious balance between form and function, here are a few top tips to getting the perfect new kitchen:

Should you replace your appliances?

Your kitchen will be designed around the room’s main (and vital) appliances; that is, the cooker and hob, fridge-freezer, sink and any other large, immovable items using a water or electric supply (e.g. washing machine, dishwasher etc). You should therefore be absolutely certain that the size, shape, location and style of each appliance you already have is exactly how you want it to be, as this will be more difficult to change later. This can be expensive if you’re on a strict budget but sometimes the smallest touches can make all the difference. If you’re anticipating a growing family, for instance, will a six-counter hob be preferable to a four-piece one? And would you rather cook by gas or electric? What about adding a fan to improve ventilation and reduce the chance of unnecessarily triggering that irritable and noisy smoke alarm? Perhaps you could convert the old seating area into a modern and trendy breakfast bar. Remember, you don’t have to go for a complete overhaul; just opting for small improvements that can be completed professionally will cost less and still get you started on the right track.

Choosing your kitchen worktops

Remember, your cupboards and worktops should blend neatly into the overall décor of the room, so decide beforehand what look you’re going for; a modern, metallic design, perhaps; something more colourful and vibrant? Or a traditional, homely wooden effect?

• Marble / granite worktops – the benefits of choosing a stone based unit combination is that you’ll be getting a sleek and unique design on every surface. They are also heat, stain and scratch resistant and naturally anti-bacterial. The only downside is the expense.
• Wooden worktops – wood surfaces come in a variety of shades and forms, from dark, cool mahogany to light and pleasant oak. Although they offer a traditional look for your kitchen and are generally strong and durable, wood worktops are hard to maintain and prone to water damage. They may require polish and/or waxing a number of times a year.
• Laminate worktops – laminate is light, cheap, easy to clean and requires minimal or no maintenance. Plus it comes in a vast number of different colours, patterns and shades that can be tailored to suit your new kitchen’s overall design. You will, however, have to watch out for hot pans and trays, as they may burn through the material and leave a permanent mark on your worktop.
• Stainless steel worktops – for the more professional and modern look in your kitchen, stainless steel offers a practical place to handle and prepare food; it’s easy to clean and blends easily with your chosen design. The only drawbacks are that it can make your kitchen look a little cold and can get scratched a little easier than the more expensive stone.

Choosing lighting and flooring for your kitchen

Consider lighting and flooring when designing
your kitchen

Once again, it’s important to make sure your chosen flooring and lighting options compliment the style you’re aiming for, otherwise you might end up with a garish and unsightly kitchen that doesn’t quite match.

There are a number of types of lighting you can consider, from your basic bulbs to internal halogen lights or even colour and optical effects. Don’t be scared to be adventurous and try something new – nowadays you can even put lights on the exterior of cupboard doors and perhaps install a dimmer for social occasions – whatever takes your fancy, as long as you think it’s suitable.

Flooring is more of a basic requirement but there are still various materials you should consider:

• Lino / UPVC flooring – lino is clean, durable and waterproof and like laminate sideboards offers a vast range of colours and designs to pick from, allowing you to mix and match as you please.
• Wood floors – again, wood offers that traditional and rustic feel you can’t quite get from a laminate replica and is also extremely durable; unfortunately it’s expensive and highly prone to water damage, so may need to be professionally sealed on a regular basis.
• Stone flooring – whether you opt for marble, slate, granite or limestone, stone always creates a sleek and stylish finish to your kitchen. It’s also long-lasting and very easy to clean. The only drawback is that it may get cold to walk over in the winter months – but if your hearts set on it, this can be overcome by installing underfloor heating.

Kitchen refurbishment cost

The cost of your new kitchen will depend on a range of factors, from its size, the number of worktops, the materials used as well as the extent of your heating and lighting options. The average household kitchen should, however, come somewhere between £7,000 and £15,000, but may reach £20,000 depending on how extravagant you are willing to go. Just be sure to check the references and portfolios of your contractor beforehand. Once you’ve chosen your contractor, your new kitchen should be with you in a matter of weeks, leaving you to cook and dine in the comfort and luxury you desire.