When it comes to home improvements, research shows that kitchens are the most popular home renovation project undertaken in the UK. ‘It has changed from a utilitarian place to the multi-functional “heart of the home”, a favourite hub for family life. You’re just as likely to find the space in a modern kitchen being used to complete homework, browse on the computer or shine a pair of shoes, as you are to find someone actually getting on and doing some cooking,’ says Phil. If you are considering renovating your kitchen, careful planning and preparation is essential to ensure each and every aspect of this largescale home improvement suits your property.
All In The Details
When you begin, measure everything to make sure that it fits perfectly into the space you have—this includes doors, windows, units and the height and distance of each from the floor, ceiling and edges of the room. Take note of any particular architectural features of the room, including unusual angles, ventilation and radiators.
The Cooking Zone
Anyone who has ever prepared a meal at home will know about the importance of the work triangle—the invisible lines between the sink, the fridge and the hob. When you are planning the layout of your new kitchen, experts recommend that the points of your work triangle should not exceed three metres in total. It can also be helpful to think of your kitchen in terms of zones—a storage zone, a washing zone and a cooking zone. Considering these factors early on will ensure that you end up with a practical kitchen that can cope with the demands of day-to-day use.
A Surface That Suits
When it comes to preparing your meals, the worktop is the most important part of the kitchen. Selecting a high quality surface for your worktop is vital, as it will need to stand up to the heat from hot pans, scratches from sharp knives and battering from your rolling pin. According to Richard Jackson, owner and sales & marketing director at McCarron & Co, a bespoke furniture company that specialise in designing fitted kitchens, the worktop surface often depends on the property. ‘In a country kitchen, wooden surfaces are still a popular choice for many kitchens. Maple is very popular because it is harder than oak or walnut,’ he says. ‘Quartz surfaces go down well in our kitchens, and concrete surfaces are also becoming a lot more popular, but of course, it all depends on the property in question.’
See also: A Checklist for Designing Your Kitchen
