How Often Do People Replace Their Kitchen?
Industry statistics show that most people replace their kitchen every 10 to 15 years, although some will replace much more frequently. Kitchens are expensive, and often the reason that people are replacing the kitchen within a few years is because they have made choices which just don’t work for the way they live, or because they’ve chosen elements which were the height of fashion at the time but which quickly date and look old-fashioned. So what can you do to ensure that your kitchen is still working for you at least ten years into the future?
Spend Time Over the Design
Kitchen designers in the large showrooms are there to design your kitchen but mainly to convince you to buy the products the company offers. It’s easy to say, but try not to be pressured into making a snap decision because the salesperson is offering discounts or telling you that a promotion is about to be withdrawn. Committing to a poor design which doesn’t work for you and which needs to be replaced in a few years is going to cost much more in the long run. Don’t be afraid to ask the designers to alter their designs to accommodate your preferences.
Colour and Finish of Cabinets
Currently dark green and navy blue kitchens are all over the glossy magazines, but could these be the avocado bathroom suite of the future? Of course there’s always the option of replacing the doors or having an out of fashion kitchen painted at a later date, but it’s perhaps a better choice to steer away from the trendy choices and stick to something more timeless. White never goes out of fashion, or if you want a bit of colour, stick to the paler blues or greys. If you’re desperate for a bit of colour in your kitchen then consider getting this by choosing accessories. Alternatively something like a glass splashback can give a contemporary feel and is easier to change than a whole kitchen.
Shaker Style
Shaker-style cabinets with cut out central square panels have been around for centuries and never really go out of style. Opting for this style of kitchen ensures it’s not going to go out of fashion any time soon. If you want to inject a bit more personality, then look at unusual handles or accessories, which are easy to change for something different if your tastes change in the years to come. Another similar option is to choose something like a deep Belfast sink, which has been a standard of kitchen design for decades.
Flooring for a Timeless Kitchen
Wooden flooring is the one choice which never dates in a kitchen but solid hardwood flooring can be pricey. It is however possible to achieve the same look using laminate planks or vinyl tiles which are both cheaper to buy and easier to fit. It’s worth paying a bit more for a higher quality flooring as the kitchen is often one of the most used areas of the home, and you want a flooring which won’t scuff or scratch.
