Fitted Kitchens

Kitchens

For some, a new kitchen is simply a case of updating kitchen units and equipment, but for others it’s an opportunity to completely change the layout of the room. Many opt to increase the size by building an extension or knocking down internal walls.

Take some time to think about how you will use the room and decide the layout that’s best for your lifestyle. Are you going to be eating there; if the room is used as family gathering space, do you need an informal seating area? Are you a keen cook who needs lots of work top space or a quick and ready cook that needs central stage for your microwave?

Where are your drains?

The available drains and outside walls will almost always determine the layout of the kitchen. If you start moving drains about to accommodate your layout this can prove expensive and will require Building Regulations approval.

The eternal triangle

Remember the working triangle theory linking the oven/hob, fridge and sink. Make sure they are close enough together to avoid lots of walking. Think about flooring, can you overlay your chosen material on to your existing floor?

During construction think about how you are going to cope without a kitchen. The hot water and cooking facilities will inevitably need moving or replacing at some point, so get your contingency plan in place. When Wanda Blake was planning her kitchen it was important that it blended in with her house, as it is entirely open plan.

Wanda had spotted a design she liked but it came in at £20,000. She asked a kitchen designer to produce a similar design within a much smaller budget. If your kitchen is part of a large living area, bear in mind that appliances can be very noisy.Wanda really did her research on this and discovered some appliances which were not only very quiet but not too expensive. “Low noise was a real priority for us and I’ve been very impressed with them.”

Overall Wanda advises taking your time with colour schemes and letting the kitchen evolve around you to suit your needs.