Kitchen chic

The kitchen can be the hub of the family home, or the coolest place to hang out at a party; you want it to look good and be functional. If your current cooking spot is looking like one of Gordon Ramseys worst nightmares, maybe its time for a revamp. Theres lots you can do, depending on your budget. If you want to start small, check out your taps.

 Tapware
Changing your tapware can have a huge impact on both the appearance and functionality of your kitchen. Replacing your outdated taps with a single mixer is a popular choice but remember you may also need to update your sink. Modern tapware extends from the traditional right through to modern chic. You might also want to consider additional options, such as a vegetable sprayer on a flexible hose. This can be a useful addition, as well as making the room more stylish.

If you regularly have large pots and pans in your sink, consider getting a spout that arches out and above so you can work comfortably.

 How to equip the kitchen?

Handles

One of the most simple, budget - conscious and effective ways of creating a change in your kitchen is to change the door handles and drawer pulls. By simply removing your existing handles and replacing them with something different, you can alter the appearance of your kitchen. For example, replacing wooden handles with satin metal ones can quickly add an edgy modern flavour.

The Sylvan range of handles covers almost everything imaginable and will almost certainly have an offering to suit the style you have in mind. Because of the positioning of the mounting holes for knobs and handles, replace like with like and take measurements to avoid unsightly holes.

Sink

In many cases, considering new taps will also raise the idea of putting in a new sink. Without too much work for a skilled DIYer or tradesperson, its possible to remove the old sink from your countertop and fit a new one. Options include double sinks, a draying rack and more. Before you start ripping out your old basin, think carefully about where you want to place it relative to your current fixings, then measure even more carefully to ensure itll fit.

Remember that you will likely need some plumbing assistance for the feed to the taps and for the drainage pipes. Youll also need to consider the finish - everything from stainless steel right through to ceramic is available.

 Stas

Floor coverings

What you put on your floor will have a big effect on the way your kitchen looks and feels. You will often spend a considerable amount of time on your feet in your kitchen, so you want it to be a comfortable place to work. Vinyl, tiles, timber laminate or polished concrete are among the options available.

Polished or coloured concrete is a strong style statement and suits modern houses of a complementary design. In more traditional homes, timber laminate can add a real sense of warmth.
Tiles are a popular and flexible choice due to the large range of sizes and colours available, allowing you to go for an understated look or something that makes a really strong impact.
Consider laying underfloor heating under the tiles to prevent that shock factor when wandering barefoot into your kitchen to make your morning cup of coffee.

The advantage of a rug or throw is that it can be taken away for cleaning. If you have a tiled or vinyl floor, make sure you select a rug with a non - slip underside to prevent people skidding over.

Re - facing your cabinets

Now heres a way of giving the appearance of a brand - new kitchen without going to the expense of a full replacement. Because of the environment, kitchen cabinets come in for a hard time, especially if you have young children. Re - painting or re - facing your existing cabinetry is a great way to get a fresh look.

If you have timber doors and drawer fronts, there are a couple of options. First, you can look at painting them in something bold and striking, or prepare the surface and stain them for a more rustic look. Alternatively, get new door and drawer fronts made and fit them to your existing cabinets.

Because the colour range and surface finish options are so vast, you can totally transform your kitchen into something entirely new without ever having made it impractical to use during the process.

Bench top

A bench top creates a large single surface and making a change can have a large effect in both appearance and functionality.

Like almost everything in your kitchen, you will be faced with all sorts of choices; everything from laminates to composite materials to solid stone.

If replacing your bench top is something youre going to consider, get the experts in to measure the top properly and manufacture it to the exact dimensions youll need and have them install it properly.

Splash back

This is an element that has a major impact on the kitchen and can be overlooked. The area of wall between your bench top and the ceiling takes a lot of punishment; glass or tiles are usually applied to protect it.
Use this as an opportunity to add colour, flair and a little of your own personal style. This area will stand out. It will need to tie in with the other finishes but it is an opportunity to make a statement.

Appliances

New appliances may seem like a huge outlay but the payoff can be quite substantial, especially if your existing appliances are aging and not performing as well as they could be. Take your oven, for example. If yours is old and temperamental, fitting a newClassique model is going to make a huge difference to the functionality of your kitchen as well as the efficiency of power usage.

Classique ovens are available as wall - mounted or freestanding and also have the option of gas - fired hobs, which can make cooking a more enjoyable experience. If you often find yourself struggling for oven space, think about a double oven, so you can cook for the masses.

You also need a range hood to remove all those cooking smells and steam from your cook top.

Look at your fridge, as well, as old fridges are inefficient and energy - hungry. A new Daewoo fridge is going to perform better, look better and have a positive impact on your power bill.

Think about fitting a waste disposal, or a hot/cold filtered water dispenser to your sink. Neither are necessities but they add value to any kitchen.

Re - seal silicone

More of a maintenance task than anything, but removing and replacing silicone around wet areas can actually go a long way to keeping your kitchen looking good. Silicone that is breaking down and getting old doesnt just look shabby, theres a good chance its not doing its job either and may be letting moisture in.

Replacing the old sealant will look better and it will also create a far better moisture barrier, helping to prevent any water damage to cabinets or bench tops. Selleys has a wide range of products available in its range, so you should be able to find one that works perfectly for you. Before applying, ensure all the old sealant has been removed. Selleys has a product designed specifically for this task, too.

Everything you need to achieve your desired kitchen is available at M10, so go along and discuss your options with one of the knowledgeable staff in your local store.