kitchen | makeover
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WORK IT
There are many options for work surfaces and it depends on the look that you like and the practicality and cost. a Wood works well in most kitchens and can be surface sanded and polished every couple of years to refresh the look. It needs to be regularly oiled to maintain the finish and prevent staining and water warping around the sink area. Always use a chopping board and avoid placing hot pans directly onto hot surfaces. b Granite is hugely popular and looks stunning. Choose a shade you like and that works with your colour scheme. Dark granite can be very effective but it can also be visually overpowering if the kitchen is on the small side. c Corian is a man-made counter-top that is lighter than natural stone but durable and heat resistant. It can be cut to create fluid shapes and comes in a spectacular variety of colours. d Soapstone is super strong, elegant and natural. It does not stain and will resist hot pans and chemicals. The finish can be gloss or matt satin, which is a big trend right now. You can even get a soapstone sink and splash-back incorporated to keep the look throughout e Stainless steel. Give you kitchen a sleek, professional finish with stainless steel counter tops. They’re immensely practical but you need to embrace the surface scratches as part of the beauty of this material. f Formica or laminate. A good value counter-top with a medium lifespan and relatively durable finish.
KITCHEN CABINET
Copper Lights €169.95, Harvey Norman
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LET THERE BE LIGHT
Make a note of how the natural light fills your kitchen at different times of the day and plan your lighting accordingly. A mix of overhead lights and hidden LED lights under the overhead units is a good idea. That way you can avoid shadows on your worktop when you’re preparing food. Talk to your electrician along with your kitchen designer to find the best options. A dingy kitchen is not pleasant to work or eat in.
What style to choose depends on your personal taste but it’s pretty crucial to chose one that will withstand the test of time. Current trends are for doors with profiles instead of handles, hand painted finishes in muted shades and natural wood that’s been oiled as opposed to varnished while others prefer high gloss finishes and shiny surfaces. Think about integrating as many appliances as possible, particularly the fridge, dishwasher and washing machine as it makes the overall finish more streamlined and clean. Pinterest is a great source of inspiration, so get on-line and compile a mood board of your favourite looks to focus you before you hit the showrooms.
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PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN
The practicalities of a kitchen will inform the type of floor you choose. It needs to feel good underfoot, be easy to clean and non-slip. a Carpet is not a good choice given the likelihood of spills and food debris. b Non-porous tiles work well and there are styles for every taste. They are easy to clean and maintain. c Encaustic tiles are beautiful with rich colours and gorgeous patterns. They are porous so will need to be sealed in a kitchen and use an experienced tiler to install them. d Natural stone is timeless and elegant. It must be sealed to avoid staining. e Hardwood flooring is lovely as it’s warm underfoot, easy to clean and can be run through from a living area, giving a seamless finish and making the space look bigger.
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TIME FOR TEA
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COLOUR ME BEAUTIFUL
Get some paint swatches together at the same time that you are choosing cabinet and appliance colours. If you’re going for a wooden kitchen that’s going to be painted you can ask the kitchen designer to work with you on selecting complimentary paint colours for the walls. If your units are not painted you can get samples of the material in the colour you’ve chosen to take with you when you’re picking the paint. It might sound obvious but the lighter the shade of paint the brighter and bigger the room will feel. You don’t have to go for white there is a world of wonderful light, bright shades to choose from.
Once you’ve got the kitchen installed it’s time to sit back with a nice cup of tea while you choose the finishing touches. Well you’re going to want a new toaster and kettle at the very least…probably a few new mugs and those glasses are looking a bit passed their best too… a new canteen of cutlery wouldn’t go astray and while I’m at it that old chopping board and kitchen knives will surely have to go. Don’t even get me started on curtains and blinds. Well if something is worth doing it’s worth doing properly. Dear Santa…
74 | ICA HOME & LIVING | WINTER 2015
073 ICA Winter 2015_Kitchen Makeover.indd 74
13/11/2015 17:16