There’s one place in the home that is subject to harsh heat and hard use, the kitchen. Often the hub of the home, where culinary magic occurs and where people tend to congregate and talk about the day. Because it’s so well used, your kitchen can start to look a little jaded after a while. So, if you’re thinking about revamping this area and want to spruce things up, here are few quick tips for getting it right.
Mirror Mirror on the Wall
What’s Your Budget?
New interior design choices generally boil down to how much you have to spend. If you’re on a tight budget, then there’s still plenty you can do to give your kitchen a fresh, new feel. For instance you could keep the cupboard carcasses and simply replace the doors for a more modern design. On the other hand, if you have the budget and want to transform your kitchen completely, the options are almost endless.
Brand New or Smart Update?
Particularly when you have a small space available, there’s going to be a limit to what you can achieve irrespective of your budget. In most kitchens, installations like cabinets and work surfaces are standard sizes, but it is worth checking measurements before you dive in.
Smart Update: Old doors are easy to unscrew and replace. Work surfaces are also relatively simple to install. You may experience some difficulty around the sink area which will need to be cut to shape. Buying new appliances and accessories can change the way your kitchen looks, so why not upgrade to the latest cooker or go for a bright new kettle, toaster and microwave. Even swapping your old flooring for something different can bring about a surprising transformation.
There’s certainly a lot you can achieve by changing the surface look of your kitchen, from installing new taps to replacing plug socket covers. Adding shelving or taking it away can also create a different look. Many of these alterations are easily done if you have a moderate amount of DIY skill or know someone who does.
Brand New: For those that are lucky to have a relatively large area and want to go for a full kitchen revamp, the key is all in designing the space. Perhaps you have a chimney area that you want to hollow out and use as the cooking area. Maybe you want to take out all those old pantry style cupboards and worktops and start all over again. The cost of a brand-new kitchen can be anything from £3,000 upwards depending on what you want to achieve.
Tips for Redesigning Your Kitchen
When contemplating a brand new kitchen, the first thing to do is check online for different trends or visit showrooms and see what appeals to you and what fits within the space available. If you are working with a builder, you will have to factor in not only the cost of the materials, new cupboards and appliances, but how much it’s going to cost in labour. Builders normally charge by the day, so the price can start to rise if problems are encountered. Issues tend to decrease substantially with the right planning.
Getting your plan right from the outset will save you a lot of time and money. Top DIY stores like B&Q do offer design services but it can be more beneficial to go for a company that specialises in this area, especially if you are looking to create something really unique. Our big tip is to get as many quotes as possible and do your homework beforehand. Whether you want a new rustic, country style kitchen or something that looks ultramodern and sleek, you will want to make sure that you get full value for your money as well as a space that looks fantastic.
