How to buy a new kitchen

By Dave Nemeth

Whether you are moving into a new home or have been in your home for a while, at some stage you are likely to change your kitchen.This is always a costly exercise, and alot needs to be taken into consideration when going about this major overhaul.

The first and most important thing to establish is the design style you will settle for, as these vary significantly from bold and modern to simple and contemporary. A big trend at the moment is industrial styling, which will include elements such as concrete, brick and brass, while, on the other end of the spectrum, there is still a huge following for country-style kitchens. You should take the style of the rest of the house into consideration, so that the home doesn’t become disjointed.

The two most important functional aspects of the kitchen will be the amount of storage you are able to have, and the amount of open workspace you will end up with. Not every interior will have space for a central island, so you need to have as much uncluttered counter space available as possible. For this reason, you may want to consider storage above the counter for appliances such as microwaves, toasters and kettles. In smaller spaces, it advisable to take the cupboards right up to the ceilings.

Lighting is also a key factor, as the wrong lighting will make the kitchen feel dark and dingy. Where possible, allow for as much natural light as possible. The main price fluctuations will be based on the finishes that are chosen, and while solid timber for cabinets is both long-lasting and beautiful, it is exceptionally expensive.

Stone, granite and marble countertops are highly recommended, as they are resistant to moisture and very easy to clean. As the kitchen is a high-moisture area, MDF tops will have a very limited lifespan. In addition, cabinets should be raised off the ground on feet, to allow for cleaning underneath the units and to eradicate rotting from moisture.

It is always important to go to a reputable design company, where you will be able to see all of the various finishes. And insist on a 3D rendering; this way you’ll have a clear idea of what your kitchen will look like before it is even built.