COOK UP A DESIGN STORM IN YOUR KITCHEN

For many people, the kitchen is the pride and joy of their property.

It’s not only the space where they display their culinary talents but also – potentially – where family and friends get together for a sociable evening meal.

But, however much you love your kitchen space, now and again there is a burning desire to make a change and freshen up the environment.

It may be a major transformation or minor tinkering but, either way, here are five tips to help you on your way.

• Get the planning right

The first job when planning a kitchen makeover is to assess what you already have and picture what you want to achieve.

Important considerations include the size and space of your kitchen, the positioning of doors, windows and sockets and where you want your largest appliances to sit.

Turn your hopes and aspirations into a sketch.

Do you want a breakfast bar or a sizeable table? What storage options are you considering?

Take your time to picture your dream kitchen before embarking on any work.

• Kitchen Triangle

The cooker, the refrigerator and the stove are the three pillars of most kitchens. After all, it’s where the vast majority of the work is carried out.

An old adage of kitchen design is to keep those three appliances in – or very roughly in – the shape of a tringle and in relatively close proximity.

Guidance suggests the “journey” through the triangle should be no less than 13 feet – but no more than 26.

• Worktops

If you are operating on a tight budget, consider replacing kitchen unit doors and worktops rather than purchasing an entire new kitchen.

As long as there is a consistency with your existing design and style, this is an effective way to bring a fresh look to your kitchen without breaking the bank.

• A fresh coat

Another relatively low-cost but eye-catching way of sprucing up your kitchen is a fresh coat of paint

Whether it’s the walls or the doors, a few hours of painting can completely transform the look.

As it’s a busy part of the home, we would recommend a satin or semi-gloss finish to offer maximum protection from day-to-day kitchen life. Satin is a semi-gloss. There are some good scrubbable Matt paints out there also such as Dulux Trade Diamond Matt, Leyland Trade Hardwearing Matt and All Clean Matt by Zinsser.

• Consider open shelving

An increasingly popular feature of kitchens is open shelving. Doorless cabinets are all the rage and ideal for showcasing your best ceramics, glassware and accessories to offer a modern feel. Don’t be afraid to leave items which have traditionally been hidden away out on public view.

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