A Kitchen Crisis When deciding to plan a kitchen, you firstly need to decide whether you wish to update your current kitchen or start totally afresh. Look at your existing kitchen and decide what you like and don’t like, and what you would like to keep or remove. There is no need to change the layout of your kitchen unless it is going to increase the value of your home. It’s worth seeking professional advice on whether the amount spent on a new kitchen will add financial gain when it comes to selling your property. If you want an entirely new kitchen, think about the practicalities of your space and how you wish to operate within it. Things to consider here are where you would like your appliances to sit in relation to each other. Where you will need sufficient worktop space for cooking or accommodating gadgets etc. Storage space is also something to think about when deciding on how many cabinets you will need, and then how many base units versus wall units will be needed. It is so easy to concentrate too much on the design of a kitchen and overlook the importance of lifestyle and practical usage. Firstly you will need to decide which style of kitchen you want to go for. There are so many kitchen designs to choose from, so a good place to start is understanding which look is going to suit your home and is of your taste. Modern or traditional? Of course, there are then many strands to whichever you choose, so let’s discuss the options within each range; If you fancy a modern style kitchen then you can opt for 36
Nepture kitchens
either laminate, veneered, acrylic, lacquered or foil wrapped cabinets. Laminate cabinets are durable and resistant to knocks and scratches, and is therefore a great choice for a family kitchen. Although it is thought of as a low cost option, you can find some good looking cabinetry in this material. Top-end kitchen companies provide these too with benefits of extra strength. There is a wide range of colours available with replications of wood and other materials also. Wood veneers are fixed to a range of bases, and the use of more exotic timbers such as zebrano give the cabinets a very modern edge. Contemporary hi-gloss finishes are very different to a matt, classic appearance.
Acrylic cabinetry is waterproof and repairable. It is either solid or can be sprayed on. Curves can be created using Corian, which is made up of one-third acrylic resin and two-thirds natural minerals. This material is highly durable, stain
Neff - series 5 double oven
SOUTH DEVON COASTand COUNTRY
resistant and hygienic. Sidmouth Design have a wonderful selection of Corian work surfaces to choose from. A lacquered finish can either come in a hi-gloss style or matt. There are numerous colour choices and it is a protective and enduring coating. The lacquer varnish is carefully sprayed on layer by layer, a time consuming process which is reflected in the cost. It can also be used on wood veneer doors to finish them off. Foil-wrapping can create a number of different looks, with many colours to choose from. An MDF door wrapped in foil can attain the appearance of a more expensive type of cabinet for a fraction of the cost. This style can look fantastic in