Fitting a new kitchen might seem simple – just scroll a DIY website, find a cooker and add some cupboards and slap them in your shopping basket. Card details are the same as the delivery address.... purchase. Job done. In reality it's not that easy, the kitchen is the heart of a home and it’s vital to consider the layout of this family hub.
There’s long been a principle called the “golden triangle”, where the kitchen is arranged around the cooking area, fridge and sink. That is pretty much set in stone, it's not going to change, but the latest trend in family or friendly co-habiting is that we've moved away from separate cooking and social spaces. Combining these functions in an open-plan scheme can be as simple as knocking down an internal wall – and often cheaper than people might think.
Of course it's not always that simple, other solutions, such as extensions, may need structural work and therefore cost more. A kitchen needs to be a place full of light, and where permitting a set of bi-fold doors that bring the kitchen and garden together are very popular, opening up the space with views, and the allowing movement of light to pass through the space as the day and seasons change.
Explore unbranded alternatives, these allow you to invest more in good worktops and door fronts and high class finish to the room
Andrew Brown - owner and founder of our kitchen partner @kcakitchensltd - says "It's essential to ensure you have the correct sized kitchen footprint in your home, the kitchen needs to house all your culinary requirements, but it also needs to be a space for community and entertainment."
If space permits then islands are a must have. Allow at least a metre between worktops and islands for circulation. And with appliances, you don’t have to default to expensive brand names. Explore unbranded alternatives, these allow you to invest more in good worktops and door fronts and high class finish to the room. I’d always recommend built-in appliances: they’re cleaner and more sophisticated. But expect to leave them behind if you move on from your property."
During the last 18 months UK families have spent far more time at home due to the COVID pandemic. That feeling of containment and the unwanted gathering of clutter has lead to kitchen and house design becoming a lot more sleek and functional. It seems that nowadays householders prefer simple, glossy kitchens that are easy to keep clean and that they allow space for internal gatherings as housing bubbles spend more time together.
A good worktop can make or break a kitchen. laminate offers many colour options & being easy to maintain it suits most budgets - if budget allows, you can’t look past solid surface worktops such as granite or quartz - but check it’s potential for staining.
Less obvious than worktop and door choices is lighting, and it deserves proper consideration - it’s a high-impact way to transform a kitchen, both practically and for atmosphere.
Finally, if you’re intending to sell in the short term, don’t go overboard. Layout is the key factor and kitchen tastes are very subjective; an incredible looking kitchen that doesn’t appeal to someone else is not a great investment.
If you would like further advice on kitchen design please visit www.kcakitchens.co.uk
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