Thinking about buying a new kitchen?
As the heart of the home, finding your dream kitchen is a challenging task. There’s certainly a lot of things to think about, from considering all of the stylistic elements and appliances to making sure your new kitchen is within your budget. Making the right decisions is important to ensure that your project doesn’t prove costly in the long-run or mean that your new kitchen doesn’t end up quite as you imagined.
To give you a clearer idea of the kitchen buying process, we’ve put together a list of essential tips for you to consider…
Know your budget
Before you can pick your favourite designs, you need to sit down and set a budget for your new kitchen project. A good starting point is to think about what you’ll be predominately using your kitchen for.
Are you planning on entertaining guests regularly? Do you need to incorporate a breakfast bar or kitchen island where people can eat? Have you got limited space?
Once you know the answers to these questions, you can start to list your ideal components. Of course, everyone’s budgets vary. Here at Kitchen InStyle, we create kitchens for a range of budgets. We also offer exclusive finance options – you can contact us today and a member of our team will be happy to talk you through these.
Remember the fitting costs
When you think about getting a new kitchen, it pays to consider the fitting costs. Having a complete overhaul of the room can result in unwanted labour costs. For instance, if your old kitchen needs ripping out, you’ll need the fitter to do that for you.
Similarly, removing appliances may require a plumber or electrician, while fresh skirting can set you back a few hundred pounds as well. Some kitchen retailers offer these services, others don’t. If you do require such services, make sure you find a retailer that offers them and be sure to take this into account.
Ample storage is integral to the design
One of the most commonly overlooked points people forget about is storage. Failing to include enough cupboards and drawers will force you to clutter worktop space – therefore, ruining the overall aesthetic of your new kitchen.
Make use of every corner of the room by including innovative corner storage and built-in recycling bins. Pantries are another way of adding real character to your kitchen design and provide you with lots of extra space. Don’t be afraid to incorporate shelves and turn some of your most attractive crockery into a feature.
Don’t compromise on worktop quality
It’s easy to choose a cheaper worktop, but if you want your kitchen to last, investing in quality from the start is worthwhile.
A granite worktop is durable and can withstand heat, cuts and scratching – making it ideal for busy cooks. With plenty of colours and patterns to pick from, you can create a real luxury and rustic feel. Alternatively, veneer and oak wood also make the same striking impact, adding an element of warmth to the room.
Opt for timeless over current
When buying a new kitchen, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest fad or think short term. But what happens one year down the line when there’s a new craze doing the rounds?
The key is to think about both what you like now and what you’re going to like in a the years to come. Shaker kitchens are beautiful in design and stand the test of time. The minimalist, elegant style have made them extremely popular choices for a very long time, and for good reason.
German kitchen designs are another great timeless option, thanks to their handleless and futuristic appearance. Modern and sleek in equal measure, this style will stand the test of time.
You pay for what you get
Whilst a lot of larger companies across the UK offer seemingly unbelievable prices and offers on their kitchens which may look and sound great on the television, they generally aren’t great value for money.
The price you see will usually only include around 8 units and often won’t include installation. So, unless you have a very small kitchen area and you’re going to find your own kitchen fitter, you’ll end up spending a lot more than you first anticipated. Furthermore, the quality is often questionable to say the least.
It really does pay to choose a bespoke, independent kitchen provider. Here at Kitchens InStyle, we’ll work around your budget, requirements and style preferences to design your dream new kitchen from scratch. No hidden costs, just a service that’s personal to your needs. All out cabinets are designed and manufactured to uncompromising standards and no detail in overlooked so you can rest assured that your new kitchen will surpass your expectations in every way possible
To book a free design consultation, simply get in touch and let us know when you’re free to pop into our beautiful showroom in Cadnam near Southampton.
Or if you’d like some more inspiration for your new kitchen design, download our free brochure today.