It is no exaggeration to say that the kitchen is the hub of our homes. In truth, our everyday lives revolve around this room. This is not only a place where we prepare food but also where we spend time with our family, gather our friends to socialize, drink our morning coffee or relax with a glass of wine in the evenings. The kitchen is a connecting area for your home that brings your loved ones together. Therefore, this room should be fully equipped, functional and of course cosy and comfortable.
In this article, we are going to take you through the renovations of this special room in your home - the kitchen. We are going to describe the whole process starting from the very beginning all the way to the very end. Before you start the work, however, you need to have an exact idea of what you want to achieve. This is why we've written this guide on how to revamp your kitchen cheaply. If you've got the ideas set, feel free to read on!
Make a plan
If you are looking to do a kitchen makeover for the first time you are probably very excited but also overwhelmed. Creating an action plan is very important and should be the first step of your kitchen renovation project. Having a clear purpose, vision and goal will definitely save you a lot of time, headaches and money. It will help you move forward in a well-organized way and follow the budgets and timelines that were agreed upon.
The questions that you may want to ask yourself when you are planning kitchen renovation are:
- What is your goal?
- Would you like to refresh your current kitchen or completely renovate it?
- How much are you willing to spend?
- How much time do you plan to spend on the renovation?
- What kitchen appliances do you use?
- How you are going to use the space? Do you use the kitchen for other activities besides cooking?
- What is your plan for the layout of your kitchen?
- Do you want to implement certain styles or colours in your kitchen?
Taking time for planning pays off. The more precisely you can describe your needs and wants, the easier it will be to have kitchen designers and contractors follow exactly what you desire.
Determine your remodelling budget
Set a budget for the whole project, including kitchen units, worktops, appliances, installation and any building work. A cosmetic refresh and a full refurbishment involve different costs, so a single average price may not be a useful guide for your home.
List the items you want to keep and those you need to replace. Then separate the kitchen supplier's costs from the fitter's quotation. Check whether removal of the old kitchen, plumbing alterations, electrical work, plastering, flooring and decorating are included.
For a smaller refresh, replacement doors, handles or selected finishes may be worth discussing with your supplier if the existing units are suitable. For a larger renovation, agree the layout and specification before ordering. Our guide to renovating a kitchen on a budget offers more ideas.
You may be interested in reading our remodelling vs renovation post.
Think about the layout of the kitchen
Planning the layout is one of the most important parts of your kitchen remodelling project. There are some key points that you need to consider here - the kitchen ergonomics and the kitchen layout type. So what does kitchen ergonomics mean? It is the science of designing the space in a way that fit your needs. It is based on a rule called the work triangle which states that you should have enough space between the three most used areas in the kitchen. These are a storage area, a washing area and a cooking area. You should be able to move quickly and efficiently between the refrigerator, the stove and the sink. There should be no obstacles and the distance between the three most used places should be optimal. There is a lot of information on the Internet about the specific principles of the kitchen work triangle so we won’t go into details here.
In terms of the kitchen layout types you may choose between different models :
- One-wall kitchen. This option is suitable for homes or flats with smaller square footage or in case you want to keep new kitchen cost to a lower end. The one wall kitchen does not take up too much space so that you could place the dining room next to it. The biggest disadvantage of this layout type is that the storage space is limited.
- Galley kitchen. It is a floor plan where all kitchen components are positioned on two opposite walls. This method of furnishing is one of the most effective in terms of household activities, so it is among the most common in professional restaurants. The galley kitchen provides immediate access to any appliance, sink or countertop.
- L-shaped kitchen. It is a really convenient type as it enables to build a kitchen and dining room in the same room. If you want you can implement a kitchen island that can be used as an extra countertop or place to eat.
- U-shaped kitchen. This layout requires a more spacious area but allows for a smoothly functional workflow. In addition, a U-shaped layout is a great way to implement more storage and counter space in your kitchen. However, this type of kitchen may significantly increase the material and labour costs.
Here are just the basic kitchen layout types. You can always be more creative and go for something unique.
Browse some kitchen style ideas
Consider what style of kitchen you want to have. Do you want a traditional, contemporary or maybe modern kitchen design? Choose something that really suits you and also match the rest of your home style.
Modern, traditional and farmhouse designs are options to consider. Compare finishes and practical storage features rather than choosing a style only because it is fashionable.
Modern style kitchen usually has a big multifunctional island, flat panel cabinet doors, hidden door handles and built-in appliances. Laminate flooring is also a popular choice for modern style kitchens.
Traditional kitchens are more enclosed and smaller and they usually have raised panel cabinets. Decorations and ornaments are also commonly found in traditional kitchens
Farmhouse kitchens are very popular nowadays. They tend to use a lot of natural finishings like wood countertops. Their big signature is the farmhouse sink and open shelving.
Collect examples of the colours, finishes and layouts you like, then discuss which would suit your room and budget.
Choose your kitchen cabinets
Choose cabinets that fit your layout, storage needs and budget. Standard-size units and bespoke cabinets can both be suitable; their quality depends on the materials, construction, hardware and installation.
Ask your supplier about cabinet dimensions, door finishes, hinges, drawer runners and warranty terms. Check corners, appliance spaces, fillers and access before approving the design. Bespoke cabinets can help with unusual spaces, while standard units may suit a straightforward layout.
Look for quality kitchen worktops
High-quality countertops are something worth investing in. The kitchen countertop should be resistant to heat, water, scratches, stains and other damages. Moreover, you need to pick worktops that match the rest of the kitchen.
There are different types of kitchen countertops to choose from. Here are some of the most popular options.
- Marble. It is among the most beautiful countertops and is often seen in high-end kitchens. Its advantages are that it really looks and feels luxurious, it is heat-resistant and durable. However, a marble worktop might be not the best choice for a busy family kitchen, because it is vulnerable to staining and scratching.
- Quartz. Quartz has become an increasingly popular choice over recent years. This type of countertop is not only beautiful but also extremely resistant to staining and scratching. On the other hand, it tends to be less resistant to heat and more expensive.
- Granite. This countertop has been popular for many years as it is luxurious, stylish and beautiful. Granite worktops are water-resistant, heat-resistant and durable. However, their price is higher.
- Solid wood. It is commonly used in traditional and modern kitchen designs. It is not too expensive and makes the room feel warm and cosy. Some of the downsides of the solid wood countertop are that it is not resistant to stains and scratches.
As we said, there are a lot of types and there are more options coming out every year. Check several kitchen suppliers to find the right countertop that suits your needs and taste.
Bring in kitchen renovation specialists
The kitchen remodel is a big and not easy project. While you might be able to paint the walls in the bedroom yourself, kitchen installation and design definitely require professional help.
In order to have a functional and comfortable kitchen, it is essential to trust professionals to design and create your dream kitchen.
Experts in professional kitchen remodelling primarily fall into two categories - a kitchen designer and a general contractor.
The kitchen designer is the one who will make your kitchen remodeling project. The designer can help you create a space that is functional and efficient. They will also advise you on how you can optimize your kitchen renovation costs. They intend to fully understand your needs and wants. Following that, they turn those goals into a functional, attractive, and effective kitchen project.
The kitchen designer's plans are built and installed by the general contractor. It is a team of renovators and kitchen fitters who make the renovation process smoother and easier. They help you in every step of the way - from planning, plumbing and wiring to installing cabinets, worktops and appliances. They also know what planning permission you may need and how to get it, which is highly important. For DYI enthusiast, read our guide on how to fit a kitchen in a few easy steps.
It best to research and connect with kitchen companies and fitters in your area. Look up pros near you, research their previous work, look up any reviews they may have and check their labour costs.
Are you looking for a kitchen renovation company in Surrey?
IGD Building Services carries out kitchen fitting and renovations in Coulsdon and Surrey. We can review your kitchen supplier's plans during a site visit and quote for the installation and agreed building and finishing work. Removal and disposal of waste generated by our agreed works is included.
See our kitchen installation in Coulsdon and browse our kitchen renovation projects for examples of our work.
We work in Coulsdon and surrounding areas, including Purley, Kenley, Banstead, Redhill, Merstham, Leatherhead, Oxshott, Caterham, Limpsfield and West Wickham. Arrange a site visit and request a kitchen quotation, or call 07706 446161.