When it comes to designing your dream kitchen, there are many different factors to consider. From color schemes and layouts to lighting and storage, the choices can feel overwhelming. However, by keeping an eye on the latest design trends, you can create a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional. Here are some of the top design trends to watch for in 2023:

1. The ‘Hygge’ Kitchen: The Danish concept of “hygge” is all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, and this is something that’s starting to be seen in kitchens as well. Expect to see a lot of warm, natural colors and materials, such as wood cabinetry and stone countertops, as well as soft lighting to create a cozy and comfortable space.

• The ‘Green’ Kitchen: As concerns about the environment continue to grow, more and more homeowners are looking for ways to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly kitchen. Expect to see a lot of natural materials, such as reclaimed wood and bamboo, as well as energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting.

• The ‘Smart’ Kitchen: With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), more and more kitchens are becoming connected. From refrigerators that can be controlled remotely to ovens that can preheat using voice commands, expect to see a lot of smart home technology making its way into the kitchen.

• The ‘Minimalist’ Kitchen: Minimalism is back in a big way, and this is definitely true when it comes to kitchen design. Expect to see a lot of clean lines, simple color schemes, and a focus on functionality over frills.

• The ‘Open Concept’ Kitchen: As people continue to spend more time at home, the demand for open-concept kitchens is on the rise. Expect to see more kitchens that flow seamlessly into other living areas, such as the living room or dining room, creating a more spacious and connected feel.

• The ‘Multifunctional’ Kitchen: With the rise of home offices and remote working, more and more people are looking for ways to create a versatile and flexible kitchen. Expect to see a lot of built-in desks, pull-out tables, and other multifunctional elements that can be easily repurposed to suit different needs.

• The ‘Rustic’ Kitchen: The rustic look is a timeless design style, and it’s showing no signs of going away. Expect to see a lot of natural materials, such as reclaimed wood and stone, as well as distressed finishes and vintage-inspired hardware.

• The ‘Industrial’ Kitchen: The industrial look is another kitchen style that continues to be popular. Expect to see a lot of raw materials, such as exposed brick and metal, as well as a focus on functionality over form.

These are some of the design trends you can look forward to in 2023, whether you’re planning a complete kitchen remodel or just looking to refresh your existing space. Remember, the most important thing is that your kitchen reflects your own personal style and meets the needs of your family. So, take these trends as an inspiration and use them in a way that makes sense for you.

Once you are inspired, be sure to come and see us at Ascot Bespoke Kitchens. We can help you to achieve any of these styles with your own Bespoke Dream Kitchen.

 

 

Kitchen trends 2022 – 16 latest looks and innovations

From cool colours to clever cabinetry, these latest kitchen trends are all bang on trend – but achievable, too.

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We talked to the trend experts to find out which kitchen trends will be big in 2021.

With cool new kitchen brands popping up and lots of innovative design ideas and clever twists on old appliance designs on display in kitchen showrooms across the country, there are plenty of on-trend looks and state-of-the-art appliances to pick from.

Below, we look at the biggest new looks for kitchens in 2021 – you can find more kitchen ideas on our dedicated page, too.  

1. MARBLE

It’s the time of strongly veined marble, the busier the better for unmissable luxury and next-level style. If there’s one thing that’s storming the style charts and shaking up interiors, it’s the return of marble.

 

2. WOOD FINISHES

Out of fashion for a while, wood is now enjoying a bit of a revival. Use subtle-grained ash, paler than oak or walnut, to pick out the warm tones in manmade stone.

3. DARK DRAMA

Often overlooked as purely an ‘accent’ colour, black walls, cabinetry and work surfaces are having something of a moment. Black becomes liveable, luxe and inviting, with textured woods adding rustic, homely charm.

4. COLOR POPS

Throw the rulebook out of the window in favor of unexpected paint-color pairings. Kitchens are rife with color opportunities, from appliances and flooring, to window treatments and cabinets.

Start by deciding how much of a permanent commitment you are willing to make. One of the easiest and least expensive options is to paint a wall that can be easily updated should you tire of it. Choosing color is such a personal experience – in fact, no one knows for sure whether we all even see the myriad shades in the same way.

Mark Wilkinson, the founder of Mark Wilkinson Furniture, believes that the colors we choose automatically are naturally influenced by current fashions. ‘The color in a kitchen – be it on walls or fittings – should last for at least five years, minimum, so try to look beyond immediate trends and choose a color that will keep you feeling good long term,’ he advises.

5. DOUBLE ISLANDS

With the move toward larger kitchens, in open-plan spaces, the kitchen island has become an essential kitchen feature. A pair of island units has become the last work in luxury, an expansive addition for when space is no object.

6. HANDLELESS DESIGN

The latest contemporary designs are all about multi-tasking, free-flowing design with a paired-back look. Technological advances in push-open and close doors mean that it has become possible to dispense with handles in both wall and base cabinets. If you prefer not to have push-open cupboards, then recessed handles provide the same sleek look and can be lined with contrasting colours and materials to add interest.

‘Handleless kitchen cabinets are one of the biggest trends for 2021 for a more pared-back, streamlined look. It’s all about simplicity and a focus on cabinetry details,’ explains Busola Evans, Kitchen and Bathroom Supplement Editor.

7. PANTRIES

Pantry cupboards have been kitchen staples for centuries and, in the last few years, have established themselves as one of the must-have items in modern

‘Having a pantry makes perfect sense. All the food goods are in one place and not scattered around in numerous wall cupboards, meaning people can be more organized when doing their food shopping.

‘The other great advantage of a larder and its storage capacity is that a kitchen no longer needs to be full of wall cupboards. It frees up entire walls to either be left free or have an attractive piece of artwork in the kitchen which in turn helps it feel less like a kitchen and instead more of a relaxed environment, perfect for open plan living areas,’ says Leisha Norman, Designer, Harvey Jones.

8. LARDERS FOR SMALL KITCHENS – THAT CAN DOUBLE UP AS HOME OFFICES

‘The trend for clever storage continues to be a key design choice due to the practicality it offers,’ says Paul Jenkinson, Founder and Managing Director of British kitchen brand LochAnna Kitchens. ‘From bi-fold dressers to tower and corner larders, storage can be both a design and practical trend.

‘Storage is, and will continue to be, a big part of the kitchen space. For those with smaller kitchens, the need for clever storage in this space is crucial in terms of efficiently utilizing the room you have.

‘In bigger, minimalist kitchens, clever storage allows for clutter to be easily tidied away. Many homeowners are adding more storage solutions into their kitchens as a way of storing their office supplies as they adapt to working from home indefinitely.’

9. WALNUT CABINETRY

We have recently seen a rise in walnut cabinetry. Its rich, dark color, fine grain, and natural warmth are prized by makers for its feeling of instant luxury.

10. GOLD FINISHES

Now that taps are available in a wide choice of colors and finishes, sinks are following, too. Aesthetics have made an impact in wet areas just as they have in furniture and appliance design, with color, shape, size, and material heavily influenced by the overall look of the room.

‘Sinks have moved up on the scale of importance in kitchen design,’ says Joan Fraser, product development and training manager for Smeg. ‘Models are introduced to meet customers’ demands for a sink which, in addition to being purely functional, also makes a definitive style statement.’

11. THE CURATED KITCHEN

As pride in interior styling takes centre stage, we have witnessed an increase in sales of glazed cupboards and opening shelving, following a growing demand for kitchens designed for a ‘curated’ look. Thoughtfully designed, these visual spaces are carefully styled with artworks, decorative ceramics, cookery books, and other curiosities, to achieve an instant lived-in look – adding personality and resulting in a space that feels homely.

‘In an age of uncertainty and with busy digital lives, people are increasingly nostalgic for a space to slow down and surround themselves with the comfort and security of tactile items and personal treasures. We are moving away from hiding everything away in cupboards, instead of drawing inspiration from displays of china and silverware in glazed cabinets and on shelving, racks, and dressers of grand houses – the end result sitting between the maximalist and minimalist styles,’ says Merlin Wright, Design Director at British Standard and Plain English.

12. APPLIANCES IN DRAWERS

This isn’t so much a new innovation – Fisher & Paykel introduced its first DishDrawer™ 20 years ago. However, as we become more interested in the ergonomics of our kitchens – and more of us suffer back problems – these innovative appliances will become more popular.

Fisher & Paykel’s DishDrawer™ and CoolDrawer™ provide an array of functions that make life easier. When placed at bench height, the need to bend down is significantly reduced and there is no longer a need for you to get on your knees to fill the salt, rinse aid, or detergent – it is as easy to open as a normal drawer.

13. ‘BROKEN-PLAN’ LIVING

Set to define the next decade, zoning will replace open-plan in a phenomenon being referred to as ‘broken-plan’. Retaining the spacious feel of an open plan design, the trend employs the use of screens, freestanding furniture, cabinetry, and house plants to create distinct zones and nest-like nooks intended for cooking, relaxing, and entertaining.

14. UTILITY ROOMS AND BOOT ROOMS

Ancillary spaces – we mean a functional but thoughtfully considered utility, pantry, larder, and boot room – provide the perfect space in which to house everyday essentials away from the main kitchen. Ancillary spaces and larder cupboards have become the ultimate status symbol and are fast becoming number one on kitchen wish lists.

‘Having a utility room has become a status symbol. Coupled with the current trend for neat and tidy spaces and zealous cleaning, it provides a much-needed dedicated housekeeping area,’ says Design Director at British Standard and Plain English, Merlin Wright.

15. PAINTED KITCHENS

The year 2021 sees the revival of hand-painted kitchens. ‘They wear well, age even better, and continue to be repairable in ways that a factory-applied laminate cannot match,’ says Ledbury Studio, founder Charlie Smallbone. ‘From this point of view, hand painting is also more ecologically sound.’

One of the most appealing and varied finishes for kitchen cabinetry, paint lends itself to both the classic looks of the traditional kitchen and to crisply modern linear designs.

The advantage is in its almost limitless choice of colors, allowing you free rein to express yourself, whether your home is period or contemporary, country or urban. And you can always re-paint if you want a change or update in the future.

16. PENDANT LIGHTING

Our feature on Instagram kitchen trends looked into what was trending on Insta for kitchens. Kitchen islands came out tops, but the next searched term was ‘pendant lights.

More than just a practical addition, kitchen pendant lighting is a decorative feature over worktop spaces, too.

‘Lighting is key to any kitchen design scheme,’ comments Sarah Davies of Floella Interiors. ‘My advice would be to be open to exploring the use of a pendant light in different ways; for example, grouping multiple pendants to add drama to the kitchen.’

 

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

BY JENNIFER EBERT

Kitchen wall tile ideas – bring colour, pattern and style to vertical surfaces

Be inspired by these kitchen wall tile ideas and transform backsplashes, walls and even islands

LARA SARGENT

Kitchen wall tile ideas are full of potential. Whether they create a backsplash or cover a wall they can make a striking impression or add subtle pattern, texture, shine or colour to the room.

Your kitchen tile ideas might encompass both walls and floors, or you could combine kitchen wall tiles with wood or other floorings for a room that’s both practical and elegant.

Our selection includes kitchen wall tiles to suit all styles ready to update existing rooms or plan into a new design.

 KITCHEN WALL TILE IDEAS

‘Tiles really help to finish off a room,’ says Hamish Smith, creative director at Ca’ Pietra, ‘plus from a practical viewpoint, kitchen backsplash ideas are great if you find you’re a messy cook!

Often when it comes to using tiles in a kitchen, we find that it allows customers to really elevate their design – whether it’s a chic marble subway tile to complement their Shaker-style kitchen or a penny mosaic that really pops.’

Complete a room with these kitchen wall tile ideas.

1. BRING ON THE BLING

 

Make your kitchen wall tile ideas the star of the show by introducing a flash of metallic. Silver, bronze, gold and copper tiles will add a touch of luxe to any kitchen but work best when cabinets and paint colour are kept neutral and pared back.

‘This metallic tile has a funny story behind it,’ says Ashton Joseph, senior interior designer at Texas-based By Design Interiors. ‘I actually saw a similar, shimmery backsplash in Kris Kardashian’s kitchen when flipping through a magazine. It was perfect! I showed my client and she loved it. She loves bling and sparkles and happened to be a big Kardashian fan too so it really was the perfect tile for her kitchen so I’d say the design is “celebrity-inspired”.’

The result was nearly an exact match, a stainless-steel brick mosaic with a matte finish from Thorntree.

‘The homeowner’s style is very chic, transitional with a love of clean lines, shine and bling,’ adds the designer. ‘For the kitchen, I wanted to keep a sleek and open concept to allow for the larger family and social gatherings. Its open-facing floor plan definitely allows the shimmery backsplash to be the star of the room.’

2. INTRODUCE SUBTLE PATTERN

If you’re looking for white kitchen backsplash ideas to keep the room feeling as bright and spacious as possible, or want to team darker cabinets and countertops with pale kitchen wall tile ideas, why not opt for a white tile decorated with a subtle pattern or texture?

These large format wall tiles feature an ultra-fine geo print that is almost feminine in form, creating a soft design that won’t overpower your space.

 

 

3. TILE THE ENTIRE WALL

(Image credit: deVOL)

Why stop at installing a backsplash? Tiles are an amazingly practical surface for kitchens, so consider covering entire walls with your favourite tile, not just around the sink and cooking area. Wall tiles are easy to maintain, hygienic and can create a serious style statement when used in statement block colours. These handmade ceramic tiles in Emerald Green (part of a kitchen in the Lower East Side of Manhattan in New York) add a fresh and spirited backdrop against the deep pink and navy blue cupboards.

‘Tiles, like wallpaper, are a great way to add texture, colour and pattern to large areas of a room,’ says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL. ‘We love to expand the tiled areas and extend them away from just the cooking area and make feature walls. Tiling up to the ceiling and down to the floor, and even behind glazed cupboards, has much more impact. It’s always good to try to avoid having an area of tiles that just stops short of a corner – the sides of tiles can be difficult to obscure in an attractive way so covering whole walls avoids this problem.’

 

4. SCALE DOWN WITH A BACKSPLASH 

(Image credit: Future/Jake Curtis)

The size of a backsplash can allow the use of a more expensive design because of its modest size, keeping kitchen tile costs within budget.

Hamish Smith agrees. ‘If you’re in search of the tiniest bit of your home to tile, a backsplash is a sure-fire bet. They take little time to lay, little cost to source, and still have real stage presence.’

This backsplash adds character to a rustic kitchen scheme through its use of charming Delft-stye blue patterns.

 

 

5. MATCH TILES TO THE WORKTOP

(Image credit: Lundhs)

Stone countertops are often on top of a homeowner’s Wishlist, so why not continue the look with kitchen wall tiles made from the same material? Tiles made from 100 per cent natural stone are heatproof and easy to maintain so spot-on for backsplashes and hardworking zones of the kitchen. A slab stone splashback is pared back and simple but these brick-shaped tiles – made from larvikite, a black igneous rock with shimmering crystals – are laid in a herringbone pattern to create sophisticated drama that won’t date.

‘The natural stone is completely resistant to water, stains, scratches and UV,’ says Hege Lundh, marketing and business development director at Lundhs. ‘They are also extremely durable and easy to clean, just needing a simple wipe with a damp cloth – so perfect for kitchen surfaces.’

 

6. WRAP THE ROOM IN SUBWAY TILE

(Image credit: Future/Brent Darby)

Subway (or metro) tile is a super-smart option if you’re looking for subtle kitchen wall decor ideas. Easy and affordable, it lends an air of no-nonsense to a space, while retaining a truly classic look.

Hang subway kitchen wall tiles on a backsplash or a feature wall, or tile the entire kitchen in simple white subway tiles for an elegant yet traditional vibe.

‘My top tip is coloured grout,’ suggests Rodrigo Moeno Masey, director at Moreno Masey. ‘Pair your tiles with a dark grout, or even a bold colour – not only is this much more resistant to staining, but it adds a splash of uniqueness and fun.’

 

7. OPT FOR CLASHING KITCHEN WALL TILE PATTERNS

(Image credit: CTD Tiles)

Patterned tiles will add masses of character to a simple kitchen design. Don’t be afraid to use two different patterns in the same room but stick to the same palette of colours to tie the look together. In this kitchen, detailed floral floor tiles are offset by a striking backsplash in modern geometrics with a 3D effect. By using the same black, white and grey tonal colour palette, the kitchen remains cool and classic rather than overly fussy.

‘Whether chosen to create an eye-catching backsplash or a focal feature floor, pattern is finding its place in the kitchen,’ says Amanda Telford of CTD Tiles. ‘Opt for muted monochrome palettes to contrast darker cabinetry and walls.’

8. ADD WARMTH WITH COLOR

(Image credit: Atlas Ceramics)

If you have white or neutral coloured kitchen cabinet ideas in mind, you can afford to be a little more adventurous than usual with your kitchen wall tile ideas.

Choose a rich pink shade to add instant warmth to a neutral scheme. If you’re not keen on tiling the entire wall, go halfway up instead – like an extended backsplash – using simple plain tiles to allow the rich colour to dominate.

 

 

9. FALL FOR SUNNY YELLOW KITCHEN WALL TILES

(Image credit: Fired Earth)

Bring the holiday mood back home with a sunshine yellow tile that won’t fail to cheer up the kitchen. These tiles are inspired by vibrant wall tiles often seen in the bars and cafés of Spain and Mexico and have a rippled edge with a gently undulating surface to create the look of a handmade product. There is a subtle crazing to the glazed surface which needs sealing before use.

‘Sunshine yellow tiles, such as our Carnival Oro tiles, are perfect for kitchens, injecting fresh and uplifting colour,’ says Colin Roby-Welford, Fired Earth’s creative director. ‘Yellows look clean and vibrant as a backdrop to appliances and they work really well with a wide palette of colours – from blues, greens and greys to shades of wood and stone – so they’re exceptionally versatile, too. opt for a bright white grout to enhance the fresh and zesty feel that yellow brings to the kitchen.

10. EXPERIMENT WITH SHAPE AND TONE

(Image credit: Future/Davide Lovatti)

Don’t forget, not all tiles are square or rectangular. Expand your search to include hexagons, pentagons, mosaics and so on. Once hung, an unusually-shaped tile creates a beautiful pattern just on its own.

You can create a more detailed pattern by selection a range of tiles in a selection of varied shades – natural stone is a great choice here.

 

 

 

11. SWAP MATTE FOR SUBTLE SHIMMER

(Image credit: Tile Club)

For smaller kitchens, sticking to a neutral colour palette might help enhance natural light and create the illusion of more space. To prevent the design from looking too sterile, play around with textures and introduce wall tiles with a subtle shine or gloss.

These mother of pearl hexagon tiles are made from real seashell and give off a delicate, iridescent glow while maintaining the fresh, uplifting colour scheme.

 

 

12. BRING DRAMA TO THE SPACE WITH A FEATURE WALL

(Image credit: Ca’Pietra)

Love a colourful or boldly patterned tile but worried it may overpower the space?

Treat tiles as you would wallpaper – if you’re concerned that your choice of tile might be too much, try it in a small section with extra height that covers half of the wall above the countertop, or using the tile on a section of wall, much like a feature wall.

‘As well as being ultra-practical and easy to clean, a tiled feature area brings colour, pattern and even unusual shapes to these hardworking zones,’ explains Hamish from Ca’Pietra.

As this green kitchen tiled wall is beside the window, the natural light ensures the deep colour remains vivid thanks to the daylight shining in through the window, which reflects on the glossy surface of the tiles.

13. PAIR WITH A PRETTY WALLPAPER

 

(Image credit: Divine Savages)

If you thought wallpaper wasn’t for the kitchen, think again. The key is to offset with wall tiles in well-used areas so the wallpaper is protected from water, steam, grease and grime. This flamboyant tropical pattern, in chalky pink and charcoal, is packed with personality that will elevate an ordinary kitchen into something special.

‘We sourced these pink marshmallow tiles for our own “kitchen”, then designed the Coral Crane Fonda wallpaper especially for them,’ explains Jamie Watkins, co-founder of wallpaper brand Divine Savages. ‘Restricting the wallpaper to a two-tone colour palette helps to keep the design understated; at the same time the bold design adds both pattern and personality.’

 14. SOFTEN DEEP SHADES

(Image credit: Fired Earth)

Black and white kitchens are proving to be a popular new trend right now, yet it can be tricky to get the balance of colour right in the space without it looking too harsh or funerial.

Here, the large format slate tile provides a practical backsplash, which then continues down the wall either side of the cabinetry to act as a visual buffer for the jet black painted walls and matching furniture.

15. TILE THE SIDE OF AN ISLAND

(Image credit: Bert & May/Cathy Emmins/Chris Snook)

Tiling vertical surfaces in the kitchen doesn’t have to be restricted to walls and backsplashes. Cladding the sides of islands and peninsulas will elevate this part of the kitchen into a real design feature. Patterned tiles work particularly well – use a tonal palette that harmonizes with the cabinets and countertops. Here, a reclaimed tile with a swirled pattern and weathered finish has been used to upgrade a plain peninsula and ties in with the other natural materials (brick, metal, leather, etc).

‘Interior designer, Cathy Emmins, used our reclaimed tiles on the kitchen island, rather than a wall or flooring, to create a focal point and add some wow factor to the room,’ explains Ruth Webber, Bert & May’s creative director. ‘The vintage feel of the tiles worked well with the rest of the property, creating something that felt authentic, rather than manufactured.’

16. REVAMP EXISTING TILES WITH PAINT

(Image credit: Future/Jon Day)

If you need a temporary fix, want to save, or can’t find the tiles you love, why not try painting your existing kitchen tiles? Depending on what material they’re made from, they can be easily painted in a colour (or colours) of your choice.

The majority of paint companies carry a specially formulated primer that you can use on a variety of materials, which you can then follow up with a paint colour of your choosing.

‘Our all-surface primer, called Intelligent ASP, allows you to use our finishes on a number of surfaces, including ceramic tiles, for an instant refresh,’ explains Ruth Mottershead, creative director of Little Greene. ‘It provides the perfect surface on just about all walls, tiles and glass for an instant update.’

17. INTRODUCE CURVES

(Image credit: Tile Giant)

Soft curves, rounded edges and circular motifs are big interior news. Bring the look into the kitchen with a statement backsplash of teardrop or fish-scale tiles.

‘Using coloured or patterned tiles on a single wall in the kitchen will bring personality to the heart of the home,’ says Kamila Swiatecka of Tile Giant. ‘Make the style distinctive and playful by using different shaped tiles such as hexagons or teardrops to create a beautiful, mosaic-like feature.’

‘Kitchens tend to have strong horizontal and vertical lines created by cabinets, countertops, shelving and appliances, so tiles can be a great way of accentuating that linear feel or introducing a geometric contrast,’ says Colin Roby-Welford. ‘For example, tiles such as hexagonal, triangular or penny round mosaics will really stand out against classic lines.

18. CREATE A DIFFERENT LAYOUT

(Image credit: Original Style)

A subway tile doesn’t necessarily have to be hung horizontally. Try experimenting with a variety of different layouts in your kitchen wall tile ideas to create a whole new look.

‘You could look at brick-bond, vertical stacking or herringbone,’ suggest Ca’Pietra’s creative director, Hamish Smith.

‘While picking the tile is important, it’s also really important to consider the other elements too so that it all comes together beautifully,’ he adds.

 

19. BE SUSTAINABLE

(Image credit: Stone & Ceramic Warehouse)

Make a sustainable choice for kitchen wall tiles. These recycled glass mosaics in a pale rose shade are restful and striking and, importantly, will encourage a more circular economy by not using up the earth’s natural resources.

 

 

 

 

20. TRY A TEENY, TINY TILE

(Image credit: Ca’Pietra)

Mosaics offer a far more delicate touch when decorating a wall, creating simple repetitive patterns around their small individual shapes.

Best reserved for more compact areas like a backsplash, they tend to create a subtle, yet confident look in your kitchen.

Give us a call if we can help you with anything. 01332 204064

 

 

As a kitchen designer I get asked all the time, how do I start planning for my new kitchen? To answer this, I’ve broken the process down into six steps: research, budget, design, ordering, building work, and kitchen installation.

Thinking about and taking action on each step will help guide you through the process of planning a new kitchen.

Whether you are updating your existing kitchen or having a whole new extension and creating a lovely big open plan kitchen living area, there are a lot of moving parts, and trying to think about everything all at once when planning a new kitchen can be a little overwhelming.

In this post, I’m going to talk about the steps to take when tackling a project like this and give some tips, tricks, and factors to consider when planning a new kitchen. Hopefully making the process a little less stressful and a little more enjoyable for you.

1. Research

So you want a new kitchen, that’s great, but what exactly do you want?

There’s so much choice these days in style and colours – you need to start thinking about what it is that you like or will be most appropriate for the property or lifestyle you have.

The first thing I ask my clients is if they want a contemporary/modern kitchen or a more traditional looking kitchen. So, gloss/matt slab doors, maybe handle-less with clean lines for the modern kitchen.

Or, wooden / painted timber shaker style door, a more classic look and accent it with some lovely handles for your more traditional looking kitchen. This instantly cuts things in half and helps to begin to focus on finding what you love.

Great tools for this are things like Pinterest or Instagram as they are very visual platforms and can be great for inspiration and figuring out what you do and don’t like the look of.

In addition to what you like the look of, it’s also worth considering what your property type is and what look may lend itself best. For instance, if you have a Victorian terrace house with a lot of original features, you may want to keep that style and opt for a more traditional painted shaker style kitchen, something that has a more timeless look to it.

You can add personality with the colours you pick for not just the cabinets but splash-back or small kitchen appliances if you want to. On the other hand, if for instance you have a more modern flat or are having a new extension built, a more contemporary kitchen could be the way to go, especially if you want to keep things clean, simple and light.

If you are thinking of a modern kitchen, remember there are more options than just glossy white. Soft matt cabinet doors are becoming more popular, as is mixing colours and textures within the same space.

Lastly, consider your lifestyle. If you are a busy family with small children, you might not want that clean modern kitchen, as it will be a nightmare to maintain. Glossy doors are notorious for showing fingerprints and, although easy to wipe down, you may end up doing a lot of wiping.

A timber door, on the other hand, doesn’t show marks as much and if it does get chipped at all most manufacturers supply a touch-up pen to simply paint in the chip.

Please don’t think I’m saying families can’t have a modern kitchen, not at all. I just think it’s important to consider your lifestyle as one of the factors, you know yourself the best.

How do you intend to use this space? If you want it to be a more social environment think about trying to incorporate some seating. This could be a breakfast bar on and an island or the back of a peninsula.

Having seating as part of the kitchen itself is a great way to make the area social for dinner parties or more family-friendly by having the kids sat doing homework while you are cooking.

If you have a separate dining room or table in the kitchen, you may not want this and so you could have extra storage or worktop space by forgoing a breakfast bar.

Speaking of cooking, start to think about what types of appliances you would like and that fit well into your lifestyle. An appliance that I always see divide opinions is the hob.

Are you more of a traditionalist ‘proper cook’ and prefer a gas hob, or are you moving with the times and adopting the sleeker and safer induction hob?

Do you need the maximum fridge and freezer space and have to have an American style fridge freezer, or would you prefer to hide the appliance away and have an integrated fridge freezer? Or even a separate full-height fridge and build under freezer? Something I’m seeing much more of these days.

Start to think about what is most practical as well as most aesthetically pleasing. The goal here is to strike the perfect balance of the two. Step 1 of How to start planning a new kitchen done, moving on!

2. Budget

So you know the type of kitchen you would like, how much have you got to spend on it?

This can be difficult to figure out and will depend on what exactly your project involves. When I talk about the kitchen budget I like to break it down into four sections.

• Cabinets
• Worktops
• Appliances
• Installation(kitchen fit only. No building work, tiling, decorating etc.)

                           What is your overall budget that will cover these four sections?

Obviously, there is no right or wrong answer; it will depend on the size and specifications you have. For instance, if you have a small kitchen and want laminate worktops and are happy with lower-end brand cabinets and budget-friendly appliances and have a good local tradesperson to install, you could be looking at £5k – £15k.

And of course, there is the middle ground too. Usually smaller independent kitchen showrooms or less expensive brands, you could get good quality cabinets, middle of the range stone worktop, some good quality appliances such as Bosch / Neff / AEG / Siemens and have their in house fitter/team install it for you for around the £20k-50k range.

Look at what you want to achieve, add up other costs that may be involved (building work, electrics, plumbing, tiling etc..) then allocate yourself a budget for the kitchen. It’s always good to give yourself a little 10% contingency money if you come across something you absolutely love but it’s just that little bit more.

3. Design

You know what type of kitchen you would like; you’ve got a budget in place, now it’s time to start getting a design and plan together.

Arguably the most fun step in ‘how to start planning a new kitchen’ this is where you can let your creativity fly and use that research and budgeting to good use.

If you’re doing this yourself start by measuring the room and sketching it out. Measure all the walls, windows, doors, ceiling height and anything that is fixed in the space (boiler, fuse box etc…) once you have these dimensions you can use free online kitchen design and planning tools or websites such as Ikea to help design your space, you could also go the old fashion route and draw everything out on scale paper.

While there is nothing wrong with designing and ordering a kitchen yourself, (in fact, it can be a great way to save money) I would always recommend going to visit a kitchen design showroom and have a professional draw out and design your kitchen.

Not only do they have better software and know how to use it, but they also do this for a living and have a huge amount of knowledge and experience in this. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to overlook some little detail that can have a huge impact on the project later on down the line.

Many kitchen showrooms offer a free design and quote service, so use them, and go to at least 2 different showrooms (possibly more), not only to look around and shop for the best offers but to get another person’s take on the design.

You may like one section or idea from one place and another from a different, and then you can combine everything into your final design.

Bring in your plans (your home drawn measurements or architect drawings) and ideas or images of what you want to get the process started.

It usually takes a few days to a week to get your kitchen drawn up and priced. Some companies will then email you everything, others will invite you back to present to.

Some companies will also want to come out and measure everything themselves. However, if it’s an extension this isn’t always possible. In these instances you have two options, proceed with everything according to the architect’s plans, where you assume the builder and the kitchen design are all being made to the same measurements.

Alternatively, wait until the space has been built and have the kitchen company (or yourself) take a final measurement before ordering the kitchen cabinets.

This may seem like the obvious choice, but with some kitchens taking 8-12 weeks to manufacture you can end up needing to order before the space is finished in order to keep the project timeline moving along, otherwise, you could end up waiting weeks for the kitchen cabinets with an empty room.

Once you’ve found the type of kitchen you like and it’s in your budget there is usually a bit of back and forth between yourself and the designer to tweak and make sure you love everything about the design.

This sort of depends on you and how quick you are at making decisions, but this normally takes a few weeks to get perfect so give yourself a bit of time for this so you don’t make any rushed decisions.

4. Timeline and Ordering

Once you have your kitchen finalized you need to figure out the timeline of events for your particular project. If there’s building work involved talk to your builder about how long they estimate it will take to complete certain stages and what they will require to be available to them and when they need it.

So in the instance of your kitchen, find out when your builders will be ready to have the cabinets installed, so you can either make sure they arrive ready for the builder to install, or that the room is ready for the kitchen company to come and install the cabinets.

You will also need to know the order time from your kitchen supplier. Most independent kitchen suppliers have the cabinets made to order and range from 2-12 weeks for ordering and delivery.

Give yourself and the kitchen supplier a little bit of extra time just in case the build isn’t quite ready or there are delays from the supplier etc… It’s better to have to wait a week before installation than everything turns up early with nowhere to store things and the risk of items getting damaged on site.

Once you’ve agreed on a date with your builder and kitchen supplier, get everything ordered with the relevant suppliers. Most likely that will be the cabinets and worktop through your kitchen company (sometimes appliances and installation).

If you are saving a bit of money and sourcing your appliances online yourself, allow plenty of time to make sure the items you want are in stock and can be delivered when you need them.

Don’t leave it to the day before to buy something online, only to find out it’s out of stock.

5. Building work

The day has finally come that you have been working towards; it is day one of the build/kitchen renovations. Whether you are in for a few weeks or months of building an extension or if you are simply refurbishing your kitchen in the same space things are about to get messy.

Pack away everything from your old kitchen and if possible, set up a temporary kitchen space somewhere else in the house. It’s nice to at least have space to microwave some meals and make a cup of tea.

Depending on how long you are going to be without a kitchen can influence how much effort goes into this temporary kitchen but get used to takeaways for a little while.

This is the stage at which things get ripped out, electrics and plumbing get installed or moved to suit the design, walls get built and plastered and flooring is prepared and put down along with preliminary decorating.

All that prep work to get the space ready to start installing those kitchen cabinets.

You will need to have your kitchen plans to hand to show your builders. This is so they know what and where everything is going. These are the top-down and elevation views of your kitchen provided to you by your kitchen designer and should label what everything on the plans is.

Now is the time to think about where you want your lights, if you want some extra sockets (you do!) and things of that nature.

The typical timeline of events for the building phase are:

1. Demolition – Knocking down any walls or chimney breasts and ripping out the old kitchen etc.
2. Structural changes – Any new walls, windows, doors and interior studwork.
3. First fix– Adding/moving electrics, plumbing, gas etc. Getting the cables and pipes in the right place for your new layout.
4. Plastering / preliminary decorating– Getting the room plastered and the first few coats of paint on as a base layer.
5. Install flooring – Whether that’s wooden, tiled or laminate. Get it put down wall-to-wall and cover the whole area.

 

6. Kitchen installation

The last step in ‘how to start planning a new kitchen’ is the kitchen installation itself.

Once the room is ready and all the messy stuff out of the way it’s time to start fitting the kitchen. Most cabinets come ready assembled (always check) and it’s relatively quick to get the units in place and installed.

Depending on the size and complexity of the kitchen it should take between 2-7 working days to get the cabinets installed.

If you are having laminate or timber worktops these can be installed straight away and will speed up the installation process.

If you are having Granite, Quartz, Dekton or anything that needs a more specialized installation this will take longer and usually work like this. Once the cabinets are all installed, the worktop company will come out and make a template off of the cabinets and measure exactly what they need.

They will then go back to the factory to fabricate your worktops. This can take anywhere from 1 – 3 weeks, once fabricated they will return and install your new worktops.

During this time, you should be able to use most of the rest of the kitchen. Okay, you won’t have worktops for prep space, but you should have a working fridge and oven at this point you could start to make some basic meals if you’re getting sick of the takeaways.

During this period there may be odd little finishing bits to do. The kitchen cabinets or your electrician may need to visit to do any ‘second fix’ work such as connecting up new spotlights and sockets in the area, but mostly this time is just a waiting game for the worktop.

Once the worktops are installed you will need to have your sink and tap plumbed in and hob (if in worktop) connected up. Other appliances can and should have already been connected and set up.

It’s only the things that sit in the worktop that have to wait. Your kitchen fitter may also need to return if there are any units that sit on the worktop (pantry/dresser unit) in order to finish off these final bits.

If you are having a splashback or tiling then this will happen after the worktop has been installed, so as to template or tile around the finished space.

Depending on how big the area is, this could take 1-2 days to be tiled. Or if you are having a glass splashback that isn’t just a simple single piece behind the hob and required templating, then this is work in the same way as your stone worktops.

It will get measured up professionally to manufactured off-site and can usually take 1-2 weeks before returning to be installed. If you are having something more specialized such as antique mirror as your splashback then this can take 2-8 weeks to be manufactured and installed.

Allow some extra time at the end for any final little finishing touches. This could be the final decoration and touch up phase or a return visit if anything needs to be adjusted or replaced due to damage.

Make sure the space gets a good clean and inspection before signing off any work. Don’t be afraid to raise any concerns you may have with your kitchen designer or builder – it’s your kitchen and you need to love it!

Final thoughts…

That’s it, you’ve made it and have a beautiful new kitchen, now it’s time to unpack, fill those cupboards and start to enjoy your new space.

Before you rip out your old kitchen or start knocking down walls for your new extension, consider reading my guide on how to survive a kitchen renovation. – Temporary Kitchen Setup During a Renovation – Top Tips

Unit 1, Parcel Terrace,

Derby

DE1 1LY

www.abkkitchens.co.uk

Tel: 01332 204 064

 

With the kitchen’s status as the heart of the home, it has a lot of expectations to live up to. Here is our top 10 list of must-have kitchen features

A new kitchen is usually high on the priority list for many home improvers. When designing your new kitchen you need to think about how you will use the space as well as the features you want to include.

Perhaps you are after a super-sleek contemporary-style kitchen, or maybe a classic, traditional kitchen is more your thing. Whatever your preferred kitchen style, we’ve listed 10 great features to include in your new space – from small design details that will keep your space stylish and functional to the smart tech that is well-worth considering.

1. The Multi-functional Kitchen Island

Even those with small kitchens can consider a kitchen island — just scale it down a bit. In fact, kitchen islands can actually make the most of the space available, incorporating storage, appliances and dining space all in one.

For it to work well, you need to have enough space around your chosen island so that it does not feel in the way — work to a minimum of 1,000mm clearance space and take into account open oven doors, fridges and the like.

Uses for a kitchen island include:

• wine coolers or racks
• sinks
• hobs
• extra storage
• somewhere to dine
• work station
• shelving

2. Freestanding Kitchen Units

 

Mixing up fitted kitchen units with freestanding pieces lends a relaxed vibe to a room, while also allowing for a degree of flexibility in terms of furniture placement.

Don’t feel restricted to traditional ‘kitchen furniture’ either — get creative with console tables, ladder shelving and bookshelves — all provide useful storage and create a more relaxed, individual look to the space.

3. Include a Kitchen Larder

 

Whilst traditional walk-in larders or pantries are hugely useful, it is not always possible to find the space for them. However, a good-sized built-in larder is the next best thing.

4. Mix and Match Worktops

 

There is no need to stick to just one worktop material in your new kitchen — in fact it is rare for kitchens to have just one type of worktop finish these days. Mixing up two or more materials not only adds visual interest, but also makes sense on a more practical level.

Use an Ascot Acrylic Worktop for those areas which need to be heat and moisture resistant.

5. Eye-level Appliances

For a sleek, streamlined look with plenty of storage, floor-to-ceiling units and built-in appliances are the way to go. Eye-level appliances were once the norm before falling from favour — now they are back with a vengeance.

Allowing you to get food in and out without stooping, built-in eye-level ovens have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, as have built-in coffee machines and microwaves — ideal for contemporary kitchens.

6. Create a Kitchen-diner

Kitchens are now the very heart of the home and most families these days seem to spend most of their time together there. It therefore makes sense to have your day-to-day dining space located in the kitchen too — even if you still want a more formal dining space elsewhere.

7. Clever Kitchen Storage

You can never, ever have too much storage in a kitchen — however many units you include in your design, it never seems quite enough.

Sneaking in extra shelving and cubby holes around the cooker, clever drawer divides and pull out units, racks and rails wherever you can will provide somewhere for the cooking essentials without eating into precious worktop space.

8. ‘Smart’ Appliances

Your kitchen should make life easy — which is why more and more ‘smart’ appliances designed to do just this, are appearing all the time.

From boiling water taps delivering instant hot water (some supply sparkling water too) and ovens that clean themselves, to refrigerators that update your online shopping list — there is an appliance out there just waiting to ease your workload.

9. More Drawers, Less Units

 

 

Whilst kitchen units still very much have their place in kitchen design, deep kitchen drawers are currently winning in the popularity stakes due to the many benefits they offer.

Not only do they look great, but they also offer lots of storage space and can be fitted with all kinds of racks and systems to accommodate whatever will be stored within them.

The trend for drawers in the kitchen has carried on into the world of appliances too — with dishwasher drawers, freezer drawers and warming drawers all featuring heavily on many wish lists of late.

10. Pull Out Units

Ascot Bespoke Kitchens are constantly inventing news ways to help us squeeze the very most out of the spaces we have available.

From up-and-over ‘garage door’ style unit fronts that require no out-swing space, to retractable shelving. The pull-out shelf is a really nifty idea, allowing for easy access to frequently used appliances, such as your beloved coffee machine or smoothie maker, without having to clear off worktop space for them.