A kitchen renovation is the ideal solution if it’s in need of a make-over but you can’t justify the expense of a brand new kitchen which is often the case if you’ve recently moved into a new house that has a perfectly functioning kitchen, yet isn’t to your taste.
Work with what you’ve got and tap into the 2017 trends and you’ll be surprised at just how different you can make that 80’s style kitchen or how you can inject new life into the kitchen you loved less than a decade ago but is now simply a little shabby (without the chic!).
Repainting the units is the most effective way of restoring your tired kitchen to its former glory. It makes perfect sense if you (or the previous owner) have invested in solid wood cupboards that are still functioning well. At Planet we are often asked to return to repaint a kitchen that we fitted some years ago. The carcasses (insides of the cupboards) can be in tip-top condition but it’s the doors and worktops that suffer from wear and tear. A new colour – sometimes two if you really want to be on trend! And a new set of handles and your kitchen can look completely different. If you’re unsure about colour consider how the natural light affects the room and if you’re a trend follower greys and strong blues continue to top the colour charts whilst soft pinks are starting to make an appearance. If your kitchen boasts an island make it a statement piece by choosing a darker shade here with a lighter shade on the outer cabinets.
Tired tiles can sometimes dominate the ‘look’ of a kitchen, especially behind a range cooker, where they tend to collect hard-to-remove grease. Try replacing with an up-to-the-minute glass or mirrored splashback (don’t forget to get that cooker professionally cleaned – especially after the Christmas cook!).
Replacing handles and hinges is an easy fix. Look at bronze, copper or brass for a contemporary yet traditional finish.
Remember, whilst this may be a refurbishment project rather than a new kitchen investment, it’s still worth investing in professional assistance to get the job done properly. The kitchen is the heart of the home and worthy of the very best care you can afford.
The abridged version of this blog is published this month in Hertfordshire Life.
