Kitchens are one of the most important rooms in any home and they play an integral role in how we live our lives. A well-designed, modern kitchen is not only functional but also adds value to your property. It’s no surprise then that kitchens can be quite expensive – there are many factors that need to be considered before you make the decision to buy or sell your current kitchen.
If you have been thinking about upgrading your kitchen and want to know more about what it takes to get a good deal on a new kitchen, read these 6 tips.
1. Do Your Research
Before making any big decisions, do your research. You may already have a good idea of what kind of kitchen you would like to purchase. If so, great! Now you just need to find out if this is something that will suit your lifestyle and budget.
You can start by looking at different models or designs online. Websites such as https://www.idealhome.co.uk/kitchens offer resources for finding inspiration, or to give you ideas. When you are ready to look at actual examples, visit your local showroom. Showrooms are often stocked with sample kitchens from various manufacturers, which means you can see all the features and options available. They also provide expert advice on design and installation, as well as product information.
2. Consider Space
The size of your kitchen is another key factor to take into consideration. There are two main types of kitchens: open plan and island. Open-plan kitchens feature large expanses of space, while island kitchens are usually smaller than their counterparts.
This makes them easier to fit into small spaces. However, the downside is that they don’t allow enough room for storage. If you have limited space, think carefully about whether an open plan or island kitchen is right for you.
3. Think About Functionality
Functional kitchen designs aim to maximise efficiency and minimise the amount of time spent cooking. In order to achieve this, they need to be equipped with everything you need.
This includes appliances, work surfaces and storage solutions. Look for a kitchen that has plenty of cupboard and drawer space, as well as a range of drawers and shelves.
4. Choose The Right Appliances
When hiring professional kitchen fitters, choosing kitchen appliances, remember that they are now designed to last longer and perform better than ever before.
Make sure you choose products that meet the latest standards. For example, a microwave oven built after 2005 offers far superior performance compared to older microwaves.
5. Don't Forget Storage Solutions
Storage is essential for keeping things organised and neat. Kitchen cabinets are generally fitted with pull-out shelves, which are ideal for storing pots, pans and other items. Look for a kitchen cabinet that has adjustable shelves and drawers. This allows you to easily adjust the height of the shelf according to where you keep each item.
6. Get Professional Advice
Storage is essential for keeping things organised and neat. Kitchen cabinets are generally fitted with pull-out shelves, which are ideal for storing pots, pans and other items. Look for a kitchen cabinet that has adjustable shelves and drawers. This allows you to easily adjust the height of the shelf according to where you keep each item.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many factors to take into account when searching for a new kitchen. It’s important to know exactly what you want in terms of style, function and price before embarking on your search. Once you’ve found the perfect kitchen, make sure it suits your lifestyle and budget, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common kitchen appliances include an oven, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, stovetop, sink, toaster, kettle, rubbish/recycling bins and cupboards.
Depending on your preferences and budget, you may also want to consider appliances such as coffee machines, blenders, slow cooking pots, worktop grills, air fryers or water filters.
There are really three main types of countertops that you could choose from – stone, laminate, and wood. Each one has its own pros and cons, but ultimately it’s up to you what best suits your home and lifestyle. Stone worktops are durable, scratch-resistant and easy to clean, however, they can be expensive to install. Laminate and wooden worktops are cheaper alternatives, but they won’t stand up to heavy usage as stone worktops would.
Wooden Worktops
Wood worktops are a common worktop and are great for kitchens because they are generally cheaper, well durable, easy to clean and look beautiful. However, they can usually be prone to markings, scratches or discolouration over time.
Stone/Granite Worktops
Granite worktops for the kitchen are one of the best choices when it comes to kitchen countertops. They are durable, resistant to scratches, stains, heat, and moisture. However, they need to be sealed regularly to protect them from staining and discolouration. One of the only disadvantages to installing stone or granite worktops in your kitchen is that they are usually much more expensive and require professionals to install, as mistakes can be extremely costly. If you want to install a granite countertop in your kitchen, then you should consider hiring professional installation services.
Laminate
Laminate worktops are great because they are easy to clean and maintain, and they look like real wood. However, laminate worktops are not as durable as solid surface countertops, and they do not last as long. If you want to save money, choose laminate worktops.
The price range for a new kitchen in 2022 is between £2,500 right up to £40,000 and in some cases, even more. This figure includes appliances, cabinets, flooring, countertops, lightings, paint, plumbing and other items. On average, a new kitchen costs about £10,000 to install.
