Kitchen update advice and suggestions

5 years ago

Kitchen needs updating on a limited budget. Needs new sinks/hob. Paint kitchen cupboards, change worktops? Any suggestions welcome. Thanks.

Featured Answer

Jules Mc

5 years ago

If you go with Minnie's suggestion of the utility being phase 2 a 10k budget should allow you to get new units and therefore a new layout as well (unless you're in London perhaps ?)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (35)

minnie101
5 years ago
What kind of budget do you have as the things suggested amount to rather a lot :( are you doing any of the work yourself?

could the utility be a phase 2?
bilbo88
Original Author
5 years ago
Up to max 10K and happy to do painting.
Related Discussions
kitchen update advice required
Q
Comments (5)
I was initially thinking about a countertop cupboard for the boiler but with en having to do something with the extractor I changed my mind to something smaller. The extractor wasn't fitted well initially, it doesn't extract for a start, and the plug isn't concealed. Given that it needs refitting, and the lights keep blowing and all the fittings have burned from the last time the bulb didn't just blow but shattered all over the kitchen, I think it's time a new one. I know I don't want the same style again because but just don't know what to replace it with.
...See More
Updating a small, white-tiled bathroom and colour advice please.
Q
Comments (15)
Sanitary ware. I'm having a crisis of decision making. I bought a new sink and vanity from IKEA: https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/washstands-taps/wash-stands/fullen-t%C3%A4lleviken-wash-basin-cabinet-white-spr-39891444/ However, it's occurred to me since that it'll take up too much of the room/floorspace, especially as the sink faces you as you walk in. I've been looking at other designs, and the wall-hung sink with a nicer-looking chrome waste could be a much better option. Added to this, if I'm tiling the floor, I'll probably need to buy a new loo, and IKEA doesn't do matching loos. Therefore...where can I buy a basic loo/basin package? What's the difference between a 'toilet and basin' and a 'cloakroom suite'? Should I go for one or two tap holes? Am I wasting my money? Should I just update the taps on the existing sink and tile-box in the waste?
...See More
Advice on colours to temporarily update and refresh kitchen
Q
Comments (6)
I also like the wallpaper. If it were my kitchen I would clean up the look at it is currently more tatty than retro. I would paint the ceiling a very pale grey and the walls a dark grey. A new lino will help clean up the look. Personally I wouldn’t try to change the tiles because I don’t think painting tiles is generally an improvement. But I would paint the cabinets. A sunnier Jaffa orange would be cleaner looking and wall decals might give them a temporary retro lift.
...See More
Kitchen update - advice needed
Q
Comments (9)
Mixed unit colours can look good with a modern kitchen, but I would leave yours one colour. Something simple and neutral like white, pale grey or taupe is easy to live with. I have a wooden worktop and I will be changing it. It needs oiling every few months, and even with that it is not hardwearing. Mine is covered in dents, has faded in places and gone black in places near the sink. Water and wood just don't mix. Your worktop looks pretty good, so fix the end piece on the left where the chipboard is showing. You can get iron on end pieces. So I would paint the units. Lots of people have done this so search “Repainted kitchens” on Advice. Change the knobs, loads for sale online, and change the tap for something more classic like a swan neck one. There are companies who sell replacements doors and drawers, as E D suggests, so that may be an option too. Below are a couple of pics of my deteriorating wooden worktop. it is 10 years old and not fared well. Second pic is a tap that may suit your sink. Is the sink ceramic?
...See More
bilbo88
Original Author
5 years ago
Happy for utility to be phase 2. Open to all and any suggestions because I just can't visualise anything! Probably been thinking about it for too long :)
Daisy England
5 years ago
Outside London that budget will buy and fit new carcases, doors and laminate worktops.
bilbo88 thanked Daisy England
Jonathan
5 years ago
I agree that you should just about be able to start again in the kitchen but the utility will have to wait.
I would try to take out the corner where the hob is- I suspect that is not structural- and when gone you could put the tall stuff there and move the hob opposite the sink- your current tall units in the middle of the room makes the space seem narrower.
bilbo88 thanked Jonathan
bilbo88
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you all for your comments. Hadn't thought about moving the hob - no it's not structural. I like that idea and it would open up the kitchen. Any suggestions on a good place to get cabinets - everywhere I've looked they seem very expensive and there's a lot to replace.
Jonathan
5 years ago
Consider buying a used kitchen. Have a look at the kitchen exchange- there are several great sites to look at.
Don’t forget that you still need to do some minor works, electrics, decorating, flooring, collecting the kitchen, kitchen fitting, worktops etc so I would shop with a £5,000 budget in mind and be looking for a kitchen with more cabinets than you need, lots of great appliances and worktops you can use again.

https://www.usedkitchenexchange.co.uk/shop/used-kitchen/contemporary-family-used-kitchen-merseyside/
bilbo88 thanked Jonathan
bilbo88
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks Jonathan - I've never seen this website before - feeling slightly more hopeful now :) Just the layout to think about.....
jessa61
5 years ago
Have you heard of DIY kitchens? Not to everyone's taste as you have to do everything yourself (from designing to fitting) but you can save a hefty sum. We have just fitted a large kitchen with them and I couldn't be more impressed. It isn't easy designing yourself and does take a lot of time but, for us, it was the only way we could afford luxuries like quartz worktops, bespoke colour units etc
Tryphic
5 years ago
Work out the design yourself first, there are lots of things online, if you go straight to a kitchen place, they just want to maximise their sales, so won't necessarily be the best design for you. Look at what is out there, it looks like you have a lot of cupboards, drawers are definitely better, use internal corner storage, either carousels or pull out corner storage. If you do better planning you may need fewer units. Your original post sounds like you want a new kitchen by doing some tweaks, which will end up an expensive bodge job, in my opinion! At £10k, you can easily have a new kitchen.
warman666
5 years ago
Thank you for your advice, I always assumed that you had to buy new - never thought of used or DIY. I shall have another think about the layout. Is there any free/easy to use software out there - I tried one but it was painfully complicated and not 3D.
jessa61
5 years ago
DIY kitchens have an online planner which let's you design the kitchen then press a button to view it in 3d. The downside of it is the units are their units so it isn't a universal design but it is easy to use. Alternatively you could measure your kitchen on graph paper and use paper cutouts to have a play around with layout. Just an idea if you'd prefer a non digital format
Eileen Nixon
5 years ago
Make sure your kitchen door opens outwards, surprising how much necessary space it opens up!
Tryphic
5 years ago
Look at Blum.com, they are all about kitchen layouts and workflow, based on all different kitchen layouts, eg galley, u shaped etc. We found it very useful for the basis of the layout and what storage goes where. If you get the layout right, you can mix and match cheaper and more expensive elements of the kitchen and upgrade as you want to or need to down the line much more easily without having to redesign the kitchen each time.
warman666
5 years ago
Thank you! Lots of great ideas! Now all I have to do is put it into action :)
rinked
5 years ago
Could you post a floorplan with measurements and a list of the current cabinets? (width, in cms if possible) And are the cabinets in good shape?
warman666
5 years ago
Cabinets are in pretty good shape (just a bit orange!) Will try and post floorplan during course of weekend. Thank you!
rinked
5 years ago
Oh forgot to ask, are they solid wood or foil?
bilbo88
Original Author
5 years ago
Solid wood I think? How do you tell?
rinked
5 years ago
Mostly on the inside of the door (or on damaged spots). Is the inside ridiculously smooth and are the edges without any radius?
warman666
5 years ago
Here's a pic of the doors - does that help?
rinked
5 years ago
Looks like wood and veneer to me
warman666
5 years ago
OK I have no idea sorry :( Is that good or bad?
rinked
5 years ago
That's good if you decide to paint. Foil is easy to clean, but not suitable for a makeover. Professional painting is expensice though. I work in a small (dutch) kitchen company and we often do kitchen makeovers with new doors, appliances, hardware, countertops, which can be cheaper than a new kitchen. But how pleased are you with your layout? The diagonal cooktop does date the kitchen. If you have 10K you could either save some more, or use your existing cabinets for a new layout, or paint and renew the top, or a second hand kitchen (which hardly ever fit in right), or ikea and/or diy..
tamp75
5 years ago
We also had DIY kitchens. Units are all pre made & service was excellent. Our kitchen fitter was very impressed with the quality & we had one of the cheaper ranges. You can order sample doors to check colour & finish. Loads of good advice videos & they’ll answer any questions if you need to call them. Def wouldn’t paint your kitchen, looks like it would be really difficult to get a good finish on those doors.
bilbo88 thanked tamp75
warman666
5 years ago
OK it's a great kitchen to work in - perfect kitchen triangle (or whatever they cal it!) Just don't like the colour of the cabinets and think we could use the space better. Also the hob takes up a lot of corner space so think the layout could be improved. Lost for inspiration though and can't visualise anything! Worktops and sinks definitely need replacing - floor is Amtico which is great but could be re-surfaced?? Open to any ideas! Also love our little seating area - wish we could make it bigger as it's where everyone congregates! Worktops need replacing but actually have stood up to a lot of 'family battering' and have no idea what they are made of either!
rinked
5 years ago
Post your floorplan and cabinet sizes and I'll try and help you a little if you'd like.
bilbo88
Original Author
5 years ago
Is this enough info for a floorplan? Can't seem to make it any bigger!!
rinked
5 years ago
Will do for now ;) And a list of cabinet widths (+height)? Maybe it's possible to use them? Or do you really dislike them/color?

Maybe you could create an ideabook of kitchens you like too. Modern, classic, colors, etc.
bilbo88
Original Author
5 years ago
I dont dislike the style just the colour. Will post measurements tomorrow. I like fairly traditional/shaker. My real aim if for a fresh new look.
rinked
5 years ago
Ok. I see 4 doors, two of which lead outside. Could you miss one? If so, which one? And where do the other two lead to? Any of these you could do without?
warman666
5 years ago
Hi - could probably lose the utility room one (with cat flap) and relocate the flap. Other two lead to dinning room and study - need both I'm afraid. Think the study would be really dark otherwise although open to any suggestions if it makes a significant difference to the layout. Thanks very much for all your help.
rinked
5 years ago
Just had some fun with the ikea planner. In the Netherlands this AXTAD kitchen will cost €2800 without appliances, without worktop (top, sink, tap) and without lights, but with corner plateaus. Same layout as you currently have, but renewed.

Not knowing yet what your window size and spacing is, it's just an idea. Moved the block wall, maybe not needed, but in this layout it gave me some space for a 60cm 'wide' dining table.

I'd suggest getting plenty of quotes and save some more. At work we sell Rotpunkt, good price-quality. At home I have an ikea kitchen, because.. well.. budget. Can't compare it's quality with Rotpunkt, but it will do for the next few years and doors are quite cheap to replace. Would recommend getting a custom fitted worktop, because a stone/quartz will add instant class to any kitchen. (though laminate is fine and much cheaper)
bilbo88 thanked rinked
warman666
5 years ago
Hi well these are certainly more original than anything I have come up with. Thank you so much for your time and advice. Will do some more research. Really more inspired now :)

Kitchen update advice and suggestions

Comments (35)

bilbo88Original Author

Related Discussions

bilbo88Original Author

bilbo88Original Author

bilbo88Original Author

bilbo88Original Author

bilbo88Original Author

bilbo88Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

bilbo88
Original Author

bilbo88
Original Author

bilbo88
Original Author

bilbo88
Original Author

bilbo88
Original Author

bilbo88
Original Author

bilbo88
Original Author