The kitchen is arguably the most important room of your house.
Not only do you want the pleasure of cooking, but it is also a big selling plus when you decide to sell.
So what constitutes a great kitchen and when should you invest?
1. Research the market
Before you start looking for kitchens to buy, research the market on the internet to get a feel for styles, designs and features a great kitchen can provide.
You can finds loads of kitchen sites and home improvement resources to spark your imagination.
Make a note of anything you find appealing so that you can mark it against cost later in the process.
For now, you just want to get an idea of what is available so look out for fashion trends to see what is new on the market that will provide benefits.
2. Decide what you will use your kitchen for
Not everybody has the luxury a large kitchen can provide and if space is limited decide what you most do in the kitchen.
If you have a washing machine in the conservatory or under the stairs, you don’t need cupboard space for a washer/dryer.
Consider things like storage space and where will it be convenient to store items you need for cooking.
3. Make best use of the centre space you have
To consider space, think what your kitchen will be used for.
Do you eat in the kitchen, do you enter your house through your kitchen.
If any of these relate to you, then you have to choose where the table will go so people do not have to walk round it and whether or not you can install a central feature like a sink.
Maybe you should consider a breakfast bar. Alternative options may also keep the cost down.
4. Design features
To give your kitchen an edge you need a centre-piece.
In your initial research you will have made a note of all the design features you like.
Now you have to choose which are practical and meet your budget.
If it comes down to it, and you can only afford one, go with your preferred choice.
Tiles are also a design consideration, both for walls and floors.
Don’t forget tiles bump up the cost so you will need to know the size of the area that you plan to cover.
Your tiles should also match your cabinets, so select your tiles after you choose your kitchen as there is more choice of tile colours and patterns.
5. Cabinets
Kitchens are loved or hated if one of the three core values is not to your liking, and cabinets top that list.
The front of your kitchen has to be aesthetically pleasing of course, but with so many great designs available, you shouldn’t have any problem on that score.
What is important that your cupboards provide sufficient space, are conveniently positioned, open and close properly, and match your preferred colour décor and kitchen appliances.
6. Work tops
Space also should be taken into consideration when choosing a worktop.
Size is a key issue.
If you have a lot of appliances, a deep worktop is better, whereas a narrow worktop is best suited for long, narrow kitchens.
Your worktop should also be compatible with the worktop, which is something you can work out in the showroom.
7. Alternative storage facilities
If you are short on cabinet space, consider alternative storage facilities such as hooks to hang pans and utensil.
You may also want to consider round end on your row of cupboards to store things like herbs and spices or to add ornamental decoration to your kitchen.
8. Check the credentials of the company fitting your kitchen
It goes without saying that when you are making the investment it takes to fit a kitchen, you want to be assured the company you are purchasing from is reliable and produce a good quality service.
There is no harm running a background check on a company to find out what their credentials are.
Are they registered with the right trade authority and have they won any awards.
Check their website and social media pages to see what feedback and engagement they are getting from customers.
9. Collaborate with the designer
By the time you have given your kitchen design some serious thought, you probably have a pretty clear vision of how you want your kitchen to look.
Now you have to take that image and explain it to a designer that can bring it to life.
Not always easy!
Don’t rely on a designer to take your suggestions and preferences and come up with the same design you thought of.
Fair enough, their design might be better, but before you buy a kitchen you want to see what you are getting in print – or screen.
Reputable kitchen service providers should be using design software to that both you and the fitters know what the end-product should look like.
Make sure the company you choose to design your kitchen provides this service.
10. Stylish utensils
Once your kitchen is installed, all that is required are the finishing touches, and stylish utensils can make all the difference.
A stylish knife block is a cool and convenient feature and if you take the option to hang your pots from the ceiling, they want to be eye-catching.
When you go to the expense of fitting a kitchen, you do not want be disappointed with the end product.
But installing a great kitchen does not mean you have to bust your budget to be happy with your choice either.
There are plenty of options and with sufficient planning you will find a kitchen you love and a kitchen fitting company that provides an excellent service.
