Whatever your tastes and requirements, you will find there are plenty of kitchens out there that meet your needs. From sleek, modern units with no handles to kitchen designs with a country cottage feel, you will find the ideal style for you.
One of the most popular kitchen designs at present is contemporary units which don’t require handles. This provides a minimalist look to the space, with cupboards and draws simply opened when pressure is applied to them.
Kitchen units that are handleless certainly look modern, and if this is the type of design you are after, make sure you choose finishes that reflect this. Stainless steel is perhaps one of the most popular materials for modern kitchens, providing a sleek and seamless finish.
While certainly hygienic – which is why most kitchen sinks are made from the metal – it can be difficult to clean on a large scale and prone to scratches, so is perhaps not best suited for large families or those without the time to keep on top of maintaining their units.
Vinyl and laminate finishes are some of the most affordable options, with the latter wrapping right around cupboards, meaning this looks better if you want a contemporary kitchen design.
Solid wood kitchen units are perfect if you prefer a homely or country cottage feel. Whether you choose a white-painted finish, or would like to simply gloss the timber, traditional kitchens have experienced something of a revival in recent times.
Once you have decided on modern or traditional units, the next step is to pick which material you would like for the worktops. Of course, you might decide to continue with the same one you used for the units, but is it quite common go for something that is more suitable for food preparation.
Granite will not get damaged if a hot pan is placed on it, while Corian is one of the most popular worktop materials you will find. Easy to clean and hardwearing, Corian is ideal for busy parents and kitchens, where there is little time for worktop maintenance.
A feature that works well in both modern and traditional kitchen designs is an island. These are fantastic for creating extra preparation space and work well in kitchens where there is not much room for a dining table and chairs.
Smaller families will be able to dine around the island with the simple addition of barstools, which can be stored out of the way under the worktop when preparing meals.
Washing machines and dryers can also be hidden under kitchen islands to truly maximise the available space. For a farmhouse look, why not install a pots and pans holder above the island and hang up all your cooking equipment?
Before deciding which style is for you, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is where your windows, doors, power points and pipes are. To avoid costly plumbing jobs, it is best to keep your sink where it is, which is likely to be under the window.
While it is fine to play around with the location of units, make sure there is a plug socket nearby for your appliances. Kitchen designers believe the most efficient layouts are where the fridge, sink and cooker form a triangle, so this is something you might want to consider.
After you have weighed up all of your options, you can soon be on your way to having the kitchen of your dreams.
