Replace or upgrade your kitchen

What is new on the market

Is your kitchen due for an update? Some people can completely replace their old existing kitchen with a new one, but what can you do if you can’t a¬fford to do that. There are a few changes that you can make that will make such a di¬fference and can also add value to your home.

Be prepared and organised

Having a new kitchen installed or simply giving your kitchen a facelift, you will need to be organised and do your homework. This doesn’t happen overnight, and you do need to have a good look around to what is available out there. Visit some kitchen suppliers, show homes and even friends who have recently built!

The scrap book vs the spreadsheet

Whether you are doing a complete renovation or just a modernisation, a scrap book is handy to show your builder or architect and a spreadsheet is a good starting point when working out costs. This way you can show your builder that you want this tapware, these knobs, this pattern on the drawers, walls and tiles this colour, butler sinks this shape, and granite benchtops. By keeping a spreadsheet, you can work out an idea of costs for appliances and the like.

I can’t afford a new kitchen

Changes can be made to give it a fresh appearance, plus make it work better in terms of layout and cleanliness. Replace cupboard fronts, this is worth looking into and can instantly change the look of your kitchen. Bench and tapware replacements are good ideas. New tiles, adding a splash back, new appliances, flooring and changing wall colours all can be done in steps. Modern, brighter lighting can make a huge improvement. Another idea is to add some clever space saving cupboard fittings. Maybe you have room for an island to be added, shelves on walls, a more modern range hood and a fresh modern colour palette throughout will add the finishing touch. Look out for appliance sales and add some colour to your bench with some new modern ones.

Choices

Think carefully about your choices and will they work with how you live. For instance, flooring that may have looked gorgeous in the showroom, but may not stand the harsh punishment given to it by your dog. All decisions need to be carefully thought out, so take your time, do your homework and the result will be your dream kitchen . . . or something close to it!