A new kitchen can add up to 6%* onto the value of your home but it’s important to do it right. Even just new worktops, doors, or handles can make a difference and can make your kitchen more desirable to new buyers if you’re looking to sell. And even if you’re not looking to move anytime soon, a new kitchen can give your living space a new lease of life for you to enjoy!
It can be hard to know where to start but we’ve offered some handy tips below to get your new kitchen project off the ground. Before you start, make sure you have a budget & timeframe in mind to help keep you on track – add a buffer in case of emergencies!
Find your inspo
We’re always looking for inspiration on Instagram and there are so many envious home accounts to scroll through. Have a look at the #kitchensofinsta tag for instant inspiration. You can also look for specific decor ideas like #whiteworktops, #kitchenisland, or #navybluekitchen to match your specific tastes.
Make a list… or two!
Everyone has a few niggles with their current kitchen – not enough worktop space, too dark, nowhere to eat or entertain… whatever your frustrations are, write them down! And ask your family too because they might have some of their own. Once you’ve done that, make a list of what you love about your kitchen – what do you want to keep? Finally, our favourite part, make a wishlist of what you want. Maybe a hot water tap, or a breakfast bar, possibly a wine rack or even a self-cleaning oven. Go wild! You can always whittle your list down later on.
Lay down your layout
Heard of the kitchen work triangle? The kitchen work triangle is based on three invisible points between the hob, sink, and fridge – the three most used items in any kitchen. By joining these points together, you create a triangle and when these three things are near each other (but not too close!) the idea is that the kitchen will be easy and efficient to use.
According to experts, the distance between these kitchen staples is essential – here are some more triangle tips:
- No leg of the triangle should be less than 4 feet (1.2 m) or more than 9 feet (2.7 m).
- The sum of all three sides of the triangle should be between 13 feet (4.0 m) and 26 feet (7.9 m).
- Cabinets or other obstacles should not intersect any leg of the triangle by more than 12 inches (30 cm).
- If possible, there should be no major traffic flow through the triangle.
- A full-height obstacle, such as a tall cabinet, should not come between any two points of the triangle.
Once you’ve mastered the kitchen work triangle, it’s time to think about the rest of your layout. Where will your cupboards go? Do you want any tall units? What about an island? Take a look at #kitchenstorage for ideas!
Head to the high street
Choosing a kitchen studio to manage your project can be tough but the best thing to do is pick a few and see what they’re about. There’s no point making your life difficult by choosing a designer who you don’t have a rapport with or who doesn’t understand your vision. If you don’t want to visit in person, a lot of showrooms are now offering virtual appointments so it’s worth asking them if this is what you’d prefer. Make sure you take any inspiration you’ve gathered to show the studio how you’d like things to look so they have a clear idea of your tastes. A lot of studios are happy to organise electricians, plumbers and builders to make your life as easy as possible so it’s worth checking if your chosen studio will do this.
Don’t rush into choosing a studio – do your research, look at their social media, and read reviews. If you can, speak to people who have used them before to get a sense of how they work. We’re also happy to recommend ones we know and trust.
Finishing touches
Once your layout and decor are sorted, you can now start to add the appliances – the fun part! Shop around for the cheapest deal and search for voucher codes before clicking “buy”. Some kitchen studios have partnership deals with appliance makers so you may be able to get a discount through them. They can also help you choose lighting, handles, and other bits & pieces that will make your kitchen stand out.
You can also choose your worktops which is where we come in! We have over 800 colours to choose from and can also create splashbacks and upstands and add integrated sinks to complete the overall look. We’ll happily send out free samples or you can take a look around our showroom to make sure you’re completely happy with your choice of colour and material.
Once you feel ready, the last thing to do is book the work and start the project. You’ll have a timescale to work towards so you’ll always be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel through the building chaos. And once it’s complete, you’ll be able to enjoy the kitchen of your dreams…
* Based on the average cost of a new kitchen (£8000).