Let’s Talk Kitchens…

With our busy lives, kitchens are increasingly the focal point of our homes. The demands we place on them mean they have to offer the ultimate in functionality whilst at the same time being homely and aesthetically pleasing. A tall order, but with careful planning and research, you can create the right kitchen for you and your family.

The traditional kitchen plan has always been a simple work triangle between the fridge, cooker and sink. While this still holds true, we have so many more demands on our kitchens today. Numerous recycling boxes clutter the floor, an increasing number of gadgets such as coffee machines and bread makers take up our precious work surfaces, while the eating area has to double as a dining room, office and homework zone.

The FMB advises careful planning to understand the options before getting a builder in to quote for the work. “Save project time and money by research through magazines, exhibitions, websites and other peoples’ homes. Make sure you cook a meal and sit down to eat it, then start a list of problems you have encountered and encourage family members to add to it,” says the FMB’s Robin Hood-Leeder. “This will throw up larger problems such as layout and lighting, as well as smaller problems such as a lack of sockets, storage limitations and insufficient space for the fridge. Don’t be constrained by the location of water, drains, gas or electricity, as these can be moved,” he added.

Considerations when creating a kitchen that works for you:

Seating – Start with where you want to sit your starting point. Ideally, the main work area should face the seating area. Installing an island enables you to have a hob on one side so you can talk to people as you cook and a breakfast bar with storage underneath on the other.

Sinks – Sinks are becoming a distinguishing feature and many people are opting for a double sink.

Storage – Make sure that you not only have sufficient storage for recycling boxes, pots and pans and gadgets, but also for food. Standalone pantries are regaining popularity.

Units – You can source good value kitchen units from DIY stores, John Lewis or IKEA. Pay a little more for soft close drawers, touch open cupboards or LED lighting if you want a quality feel.

Lighting – A mix of lighting is important to make sure your kitchen works well. Pendants are gaining popularity over recessed lighting.

Work surfaces – Make sure you have enough work surfaces. People are now using a mix of materials, ranging from wood, marble, Corian, granite, stainless steel, slate or even concrete. If you only have one material, make sure it is as heat, water, and knife resistant as possible.

Colour scheme – You can always add a splash of colour by painting the walls.

Floors – Kitchens get a lot of traffic, so it’s worth having hardwearing linoleum, vinyl or wood floors. Stone and tile can be more prone to chipping and breaking.

Looking for kitchen improvement ideas? Look no further than The Essential Guide to Home Improvement.

The Essential Guide is full of real life examples of different ways you can improve your home.

Be inspired by the beautiful homes and enjoy practical tips from industry experts on a variety of building projects.

Download the Guide from www.fmb.org.uk/guide.

News Stories supplied by The Federation of Master Builders, for more information please visit www.fmb.org.uk