All change in the kitchen

With slower property markets and rising mortgage rates many homeowners are turning to makeovers as an alternative to selling their property. Redecorating is top of the list as the most practical and cost-saving measure, but a kitchen makeover is the one that can make all the difference.

While a revamp of your kitchen may not be the cheapest improvement you can make to your home, it is the one that adds the most to your property’s value. Putting in a new kitchen can increase what your home is worth by a staggering 25%, making the initial outlay more than worth it.

However, a kitchen makeover is not something to be rushed into – this is a room where we spend a large part of our time and so it makes sense to give your improvement plans some careful thought. “Perhaps along with the living area, the kitchen is the one room that needs to be really carefully planned,” comments Lesley Watt, Design Director of Obelisk Interiors. “This is particularly true of permanent fixtures such as tiles, floors and bench tops, which are difficult and costly to change if you make a mistake.”

Interior design is a fast moving industry and kitchens are no exception with new trends appearing frequently. This gives the customer plenty of choice, but when faced with a bewildering range of textures, colours and fixtures it can be difficult to see the wood for the trees. This is where the expert steps in. Through careful consideration of your likes and dislikes, and most importantly, your budget, an interior designer can guide you towards your perfect kitchen. “There’s a world of difference between the ideal kitchen for the dedicated chef and the perfect kitchen for the occasional cook,” says Lesley. “Some clients envisage their kitchen as an extension of their living space, while others see it as just a means to an end.”

One major kitchen makeover decision involves whether to incorporate your kitchen into the house by creating an open-plan area. Advocates of demolishing dividing walls claim an open-plan kitchen gives you more space and allows you to chat to your family or guests as you produce your latest culinary creations. Some families prefer an open-plan kitchen so they can use the dining room for another purpose, for example a study or playroom. On the other hand, demolishing a wall involves major expense (and dust) and a big downside to bringing your kitchen into your living room is that there is no escaping the smell of your evening meal while you are watching TV.

Colour is a further consideration and again, expert advice is essential to ensure you do not overdo the effect. “Unless you’re confident with colour, it’s best to stay safe with neutral and natural tones,” advises Lesley. “You can always add a splash of colour to the general look with bright accessories or cheerful window dressings.”

Vibrant colours in the kitchen are in vogue with several manufacturers offering touches of greens, pinks and reds for splash backs or appliances. Bringing a lime green washing machine, a fuchsia pink fridge or a pillar-box red cooker into your kitchen makes doing the daily chores much more appealing.

Since bench tops cover so much surface and are a major focal point, they are worth special consideration. Granite is still very much top of the list, but new materials including natural stone and, surprisingly, cement are fast gaining fans. Polished concrete is a particular favourite among those keen for the very latest in kitchens.

If you are planning a new kitchen, choose carefully and allow the experts to guide you. Helpful advice from an interior designer can make the difference between adding 25% to your property’s value or making a very expensive mistake.

For more information, visit obeliskinteriors.eu