Kitchen
Before you buy a new kitchen- Top Tips
Knowing which kitchen you want is one thing, but being able to buy the kitchen you need is another story. There are a lot of things you have to think about when buying a new kitchen. We will try to give you the best advise possible to make your decision a bit easier.
First it will be important to determine how your kitchen is going to be fitted. Will it be a flat pack, a rigid construction, a custom-built or a non-fitted kitchen? Look for companies that are specialised in the construction you choose. If you choose for flat pack units, check if the company offers a fitting service.
When you have found your company, check if it is a member of a trade body such as the Kitchen Specialist Association (KSA). This will give you the guarantee that the business has been checked and approved. If you do decide to go through with purchasing your kitchen, make sure that you get a fully itemised costing, so that you know exactly what your buying. Never pay the full payment for your kitchen when you place your order. Purchase from someone that offers reasonable payment terms and make sure you know the terms and conditions.
Another thing to check when you buy a kitchen, is whether the company offers a full after sales service and inspection when fitting is completed. If any questions would arise then they can be answered on the spot and maybe immediately dealt with.
Just before you decide on buying your dream kitchen, look at showroom cabinets and inspect areas that receive the heaviest wear, such as around the edges, hinges and seams, to spot any possible signs of weakness in the materials. Fully fitted showroom kitchens also give you a good idea about whether you will like certain finishes and gives you the possibility to look for different door handles, colours and materials.
So now you have been able to plan and design your kitchen, and maybe you even have decided to buy one. Good luck with the fitting, whether you do it yourself or have it fitted by experts, and enjoy!
Just to remind you:-
1.
Look for companies that are specialised in the construction you choose, whether it’s flat pack, rigid construction, custom-built or non-fitted.
2.
If you choose for flat pack units, check if the company offers a fitting service.
3.
Check if your kitchen supplier is a member of a trade body such as the Kitchen Specialist Association (KSA).
4.
Check whether the company offers a full after sales service and inspection when fitting is completed.
5.
Make sure that you get a fully itemised costing.
6.
Make sure you know the terms and conditions and when you have to make final payments.
7.
Check the showroom kitchens for possible weaknesses in areas that will receive the most wear and tear.
Kitchen Planning Basics
The most important part of buying a new kitchen is the planning. What shape will the kitchen have, how big is the family that will use the kitchen and how often will the kitchen be used? In this part we will take you through all the steps of planning your kitchen so that you can make the best decisions when buying your new kitchen.
First it is important to choose whether you want a fitted kitchen or a freestanding kitchen. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you choose for a fitted kitchen, you will make the most of your space, as all the difficult corners can be hidden and used for storage. You can choose flat pack, rigid or custom built to suit your needs and budget. A fitted kitchen will also add value to your home, but you can’t take it with you when you move.
A freestanding or non-fitted kitchen however, gives that individual and informal look you may want to give to your kitchen. You can use all kinds of furniture to create the ambiance you prefer. When you move, you can take your furniture with you without a problem and use it again. You have to choose your furniture wisely to create as much storage space as in a fitted kitchen.
We will mostly take the fitted kitchen as a starting point, but a lot of our storage and design tips will be equally as useful for a freestanding kitchen. And the planning of your new kitchen is of course important whichever style you prefer, you are going to live with it for a very long time!
Who will use your kitchen?
Different people have different lifestyles and since the kitchen is the heart of the home, where the food will be prepared, lifestyle is the key to planning a kitchen that works for you. It is obvious that a single person or a couple will have different expectations from their kitchen than families with growing up children. For example, if you’re a single person that eats out a lot, your kitchen will look completely different from a family that takes their evening meals together. Assess your kitchen area accordingly. Plan how much storage space you need for your groceries, cutlery and crockery, which equipment you will use (oven, grill, hob and time saving electrical appliances) and how much seating area you need.
In a small kitchen it is obvious that a large seating area is out of the question, but a small breakfast table might just fit in. In a big kitchen, the seating area will take a big part of the space. Decide which part of the kitchen area you want to commit to seating and work your kitchen around it.
Kitchen Shapes
The shape of the kitchen is an important feature in the planning of your kitchen. It narrows down the possibilities considerably, which will make it easier for you to plan your kitchen. The most important thing to remember is, whichever shape your kitchen will have, try to plan your kitchen as efficient as possible. This means that food preparation; sink and cooking must not be too far apart. A rule of thumb is that there must be a piece of worktop between sink and hob, where the food can be prepared.
The place of your fridge in your kitchen is very important as well. Place your fridge between the main entrance and the main cooking area. This way the other members of the house have easy access to the fridge and you can get rid of your shopping as soon as you enter the kitchen. Try however to avoid placing the fridge next to the hob as the difference in temperature will make both appliances work less efficient.
There are four main shapes a kitchen can have. These are galley kitchens, two-way galley kitchens, L-shape kitchens and U-shape kitchens. Here, they will be explained and also the pros and cons of each shape will be discussed.
Galley kitchens
Galley kitchens are kitchens in which all the important areas are next to each other. One of the biggest problems in this type of kitchens is storage space. There will not be a lot of below-worktop storage space, so perhaps it is an idea to have a big storage cupboard or a high refrigerator at the end of the galley.
Another point in galley kitchens is the walking distance between the main work areas. Try to minimise this distance, but keep in mind that you need worktop between the sink and the hob.
Two-way galley kitchens
Two-way galley kitchens provide a lot more storage space below the worktop and will usually also have a better layout than a single galley kitchen. Whereas in a single galley kitchen the distances between cupboards are reasonably big, in a two-way galley they’re just behind you, so you have to walk less. This will save time and effort.
The shape of a two-way galley makes that the layout of your kitchen becomes more compact. Very important with this type of kitchen is to have enough space between the two galleys. There has to be enough space for example to look into your oven without bumping into the galley behind you. If this space between the two galleys will turn out to be too narrow, then maybe you should think about re-shaping your kitchen.
galley
L-shaped kitchens
The L-shaped kitchen will give a lot of workspace and storage space below the worktop will not be a problem. Also the walking distance between the main zones in your kitchen will be minimised. Another big advantage of the L-shaped kitchen is that one of the corners of your kitchen will be free to use as a dining area. The problem area in an L-shaped kitchen is often the space under the worktop in the corner - however there are many innovative solutions to over come this.
L-shape
U-shaped kitchens
A U-shaped kitchen will give you a lot of work and storage space. It can, however, become a bit of an enclosing space if the wall cupboards run all around the room. Also the floor area will be a lot less than in any other shape of kitchen. Consider this when choosing this shape of kitchen. If this type of kitchen is used in a bigger room, then one of the legs of the U can be used as a breakfast bar.
U-shape
Bespoke kitchens - Introduction
When you commission a contemporary bespoke kitchen, the crisp lines of modern designs will be arranged exactly as you want them.
Consider bespoke kitchens and the first image that comes to mind is the traditional solid-wood, country-style affair with twirling pilasters and intricate mouldings. But increasingly, bespoke is branching out into the modern arena and designers are embracing the clean lines of contemporary minimalism.
The desired look is simple but not stark. Bright laminates, wood veneers, solid hardwoods, mellow aluminium and streamlined runs of extra-wide pan drawers are all trademarks of the modern tailor-made kitchen. Absolutely the best thing about bespoke, though, is that the options are limitless.
Individuality and Flexibility
Put quite simply, buying bespoke means that you will have the pleasure of furniture designed specifically for you. But the term is much abused in the kitchen industry. Some companies attach it to ranges that consist of an impressive variety of shapes, sizes and colours, but are nonetheless far from one-off designs. You do, however, get a high degree of individuality and flexibility with these systems.
Most bespoke designers specialise in a particular style, so it makes sense to avoid a company renowned for its rustic ranges if you are seeking a sleek, contemporary design. But a genuine bespoke designer will be able to create a unique kitchen. A good way to check whether you are getting something absolutely bespoke - rather than an existing range that has merely been tailored to fit your home - is to ask for something that’s not in the brochure. If they can’t accommodate, then they don’t do bespoke.
Bespoke - pros and cons
The bespoke kitchen is the haute couture of the kitchen world and, as such, you should expect to pay more for the privilege. But that’s not to say that there aren’t reasonably priced options out there. The key is to make sure you work out a budget before you start and find a designer that truly understands your needs.
The advantages of bespoke far outweigh any price premium. The problems of awkward corners, curved walls and unusual window positions can all be eliminated with the help of a good bespoke designer.
One downside to bespoke is the time involved. So ask for a realistic ‘guesstimate’ from your designer, but don’t be surprised if the work takes a little longer - you’re paying for quality craftsmanship and it shouldn’t be rushed.
Modern materials
In minimalist kitchens the choice of colour is crucial because, unlike traditional kitchens where accessories and fabrics enhance the palette, the contemporary kitchen acts alone. The big news in interiors is transparency. White is back, and the illusion of furniture floating in space is achieved using block colours for walls, furniture, floors and worktops. Some more adventurous designs use primary colours that make a bold statement. But if you yearn for a completely professional look, brushed stainless steel or aluminium is a good choice and is also easy to clean.
In terms of materials, veneers, laminates, book matched panels and vinyl-wrapped MDF are increasingly popular, and technological advances within adhesion and materials mean that past concerns about durability are no longer valid. Factory-applied lacquers are also recognised for their hard-wearing advantages and have a shiny finish that is both easy to clean and light-reflective.
Though often equated with traditional styles, solid wood is also effective in the modern bespoke kitchen. The lighter species such as maple and birch work very well but so, conversely, do dark wenges, walnut and deep cherry.
Glass is becoming more prevalent in the modern kitchen. Work surfaces and opaque glass doors with integrated lighting brighten the whole area and add to the contemporary feel - particularly useful in smaller rooms.
Craftsmanship
People often think that modern kitchens are technically inferior to their traditional predecessors, but this is simply not the case. Modern materials such as veneers and composites are rigorously tested to very high standards and are now accepted by the most well regarded designers.
The good news for those who harbour nostalgia for traditional craftsmanship but who want a modern design is that bespoke is probably the best option. Many companys still use traditional methods such as mortice and tenon and dovetail joints, and they mainly work with solid wood. The clean, unhampered lines that make a contemporary kitchen serve to highlight both craftsmanship and materials used. Consequently, the highest quality of design and furniture is paramount, which is where bespoke really comes into its own.
Money matters
When you have finally decided to go ahead with your kitchen purchase, remember one thing. Keep a cool head when it comes to money matters. Don’t accept the first price you are quoted. Get at least two - three estimates if you have the time. Research all of the alternatives in terms of product and style. Rarely will the lowest price be the best for you in the long run. When comparing ‘like-with-like’, also take into account how long the company has been established and the quality of their guarantees. You may find two suppliers using the same faucets and appliances. However if one supplier happens to be doing private work at the weekends then please realise that their so-called guarantee may be of less value than another from a more established company with a supporting infrastructure.
Most companies will require a deposit with an order. Try and make the deposit as low a percentage as possible - generally speaking 10% is normal. Avoid paying larger deposits than this unless your work is particularly unique. It’s likely in these circumstances that suppliers will require higher holding deposits. You should also make sure that a fair percentage is withheld until such times as the work is completed to your entire satisfaction.
