Kitchens Today – the very best in
Kitchen Design and Planning @ bedrooms-kitchens.co.uk
 A new kitchen is a
significant purchase – not only in financial outlay but also in the
unavoidable upheaval involved in its installation. Two very good reasons
for ensuring you get it right first time!
Initially, the choice seems overwhelming but
with realistic expectations and careful planning you can quickly narrow
down the options. Then it’s full steam ahead for the kitchen of your
dreams!
The following step-by-step guide highlights
the stages involved in planning your new kitchen and gives pointers to
help you make the right decisions.
Kitchens - Back to
basics
The first decision to make is how you will be
using your kitchen. Is it to be a ‘heart of the home’ room where the
family congregates to cook, eat, chat, do homework and generally
socialise. Or will it serve more as a ‘control tower’ from which culinary
operations can be carried out swiftly and efficiently?
Once you have decided on its function you can
decide what equipment you will need. A large fridge and separate freezer
or a combined appliance? Storage for fresh fruit and vegetables plus
cupboards for long-life groceries or a small space for tins, microwaveable
meals and wine? Will you need a washing machine and dishwasher? Worktop
space for a breadmaker, food mixer or coffee percolator?
The
answers to these questions will help you plan the layout. Do you want to
move the sink and re-site the washing machine? Add power points or install
new lighting? If so, call in a plumber and electrician to estimate costs
and confirm feasibility.
Next, decide if you want fitted or free-standing units. A fitted
design will maximise the available space, with any awkward nooks and
crannies concealed and used as storage space. Fitted units come as
flat-packs, rigid or custom-built – the choice will depend on your
requirements and your budget. The advantage of free-standing furniture is
that it is more flexible and can be moved around if required as your needs
change.
Kitchens - What goes where?
The layout will, to some degree, be dictated by the size and shaper
of the room but the traditional ‘kitchen triangle’ of sink, cooker and
fridge is generally acknowledged as the most efficient core layout.
However, if your kitchen is to be the hub of family life with several
people sharing the chores it might be more effective to create different
working zones, making each accessible from the main kitchen
door.
 The washing machine and dishwasher should be sited
near the sink and away from the cooking area. And make sure that cooking
appliances are not next to doors or passageways to avoid the possibility
of accidents caused by people squeezing past a lighted hob or a hot oven
door.
Once you have decided on the positioning of
your basic units and appliances you can design the remaining units around
them to fit the space available.
Kitchens - Spoilt for
choice?
When it comes to the units – doors
and worktops – your choice will be dictated to some degree by your budget.
However small that may be, though, you don’t have to sacrifice style –
there is a vast range of practical, good-looking finishes to suit all
pockets.
Remember that you
will be living with this kitchen for many years so choose a style
accordingly. Stainless steel is cool and contemporary but will it date?
And will you find the extra effort involved in keeping it spick and span
an unwelcome drain on your time?
Wood is warm and ageless – with the added
advantage that you can change its appearance by painting it if you feel
like a change. Veneer is a cheaper alternative and gives more uniformity
of appearance.
Laminate has almost limitless possibilities
in colour and texture. It is easy to clean and works well in both
contemporary and classic kitchens.
The worktop takes the brunt
of the wear and tear in the kitchen – from everything from hot pans and
sharp knives to water and dirt. Therefore, choose the most durable
material you can afford and protect it as much as possible by using
trivets and chopping boards.
Granite is the most expensive and the most
durable material; it doesn’t scratch or burn, it keeps its colour and
undoubtedly adds a touch of class to any kitchen.
Stainless steel has the advantage of being
able to be formed into any shape you require. For example, the sink and
the splashback can be made from the same piece of steel, eliminating joins
that could jeopardise hygiene.
Laminate is equally popular for worktops as
for unit doors. Like wood, though, laminate is susceptible to damage from
scratching and cutting. Wood does have an advantage over laminate,
however, because if oiled regularly to protect it from stains, it becomes
more beautiful over the years.
Worktops are also available in glass, acrylic
and various man-made materials – your choice is restricted only by budget
and taste.
Kitchens - Measuring
up
Many showrooms offer a free planning service
which involves a designer visiting your home to measure up and discuss
your requirements. It’s a good idea to get designs from several showrooms
before making a decision.
 The high street companies expect you to measure your kitchen and
take the measurements to the store where computer-generated designs of
potential layouts will be produced. This keeps overheads down so
consequently the units tend to be cheaper but it does put the onus on you
to get the measurements right. It is important, therefore, to measure
accurately, showing the position of doors and windows and including any
alcoves, recesses or other features that will affect the design.
Kitchens - Taking the
plunge
So, you have done all your homework, studied
the brochures and now you know what you want and where to find it, how
much you’re prepared to spend and what you are expecting for your
money.
Before you make the final decision, check out
showroom displays and inspect areas of the units that receive the heaviest
wear, such as around the edges, hinges and seams, to spot any possible
signs of weakness in the materials. Fully-fitted showroom kitchens also
enable you to check the aesthetics of particular materials, colours and
door handles.
It’s important to get a fully itemised
quotation, in writing, before you commit yourself. Remember that the cost
of fitting can sometimes be as much as the price of the units.
Do not be pressured into signing a credit
agreement even if the salesman tries to tempt you with a special price for
signing up on the spot. Always take the information home to read carefully
at your leisure before making any decisions. If you plan to pay in
instalments, calculate the total repayment amount and find out the
financial implications of falling behind with payments or paying off the
balance early. Consider other options such as a bank loan or a mortgage
extension.
If you plan to pay outright, never pay the
full amount when you place your order. Half up front and half on
satisfactory completion is a fair deal.
Check whether the company offers a full
after-sales service and inspection when fitting is completed so that any
queries can be answered and concerns addressed.
Enjoy!
Buying a kitchen is a major investment but
follow these guidelines and you’ll be reaping the rewards for many years.
And remember, if you ever feel like a change you don’t necessarily have to
go through the whole ritual again – you can always update your units
inexpensively with a coat of paint and/or new
handles!
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