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Kitchen Planning: How to Choose the Perfect Tap

Kitchen Planning: How to Choose the Perfect Tap- When it comes to choosing taps for your kitchen, there’s a wide variety of options to choose from and practicalities to consider, so make sure you’re armed with the necessary knowledge before splashing your cash. From deciding which style you like, to knowing how different taps function, there’s plenty to think through in order to make the right decision.

You do get what you pay for, so, considering how often your tap is likely to be used, it’s worth investing in one that’s built to last and comes with a manufacturer’s guarantee. ‘Generally, the more expensive taps on the market are priced at this level due to the amount of technology involved to make them durable for everyday use,’ explains Ann-Marie Jones of Blanco UK. ‘For example, the introduction of the ceramic disc cartridge provides the ability to mix and deliver the full pressure of water in a simple quarter turn with one hand. This has a major influence on efficiency and design.’

Start by looking at styles, then think about how you use your kitchen and check out the functionality of various designs. Your perfect tap is out there!

Professional advice from:
Vivienne Warman of Kitchen Co-Ordination
Ann-Marie Jones of Blanco UK

Blakes London

Pillar taps
Pillar taps comprise a pair of taps – one for hot water and one for cold – that require two drilled holes in the sink or worktop. Pillars feature either knob, crosshead or lever handles and are often paired with traditional fittings, such as this butler’s sink.

Milligan and Jessop

Monobloc taps
Most commonly used and more space-saving than pillar taps, monoblocs feature a single spout served by two connecting handles in three styles: knob, lever and crosshead. Monoblocs are the minimalist choice, because they only require one hole in the sink or worktop.

Found Associates

Mixer taps
Mixer taps have separate handles for controlling hot and cold water, which is mixed through a single spout. The tap and handles are fitted to the sink or worktop separately and, depending on which model you choose, require either two or three holes in your sink or work surface. Once again, mixer taps come in three handle styles: knob, lever and crosshead.

David Churchill - Architectural Photographer

Bridge mixer taps
A bridge mixer is made for two tap holes in the sink, one for hot water and the other for cold water. It is identified by a ‘bridge’, which feeds the hot and cold water to a communal spout.

Nila Design

Single-lever taps
Single-lever taps comprise a single spout controlled by a lever. By moving the lever up and down, you can control the water flow rate; by moving it from right to left, you can control water temperature. Levers can either be mounted on the top or at the side of the tap body.

Blakes London

Wall-mounted taps
For an alternative solution to a standard sink or worktop-mounted tap, why not consider a wall-mounted tap like this one? It not only makes the sink area look less cluttered, it’s an excellent idea if you have very little worktop space.

See more of this industrial-style kitchen

Chantries

Pull-out spray taps
Originally used in commercial kitchens, taps with pull-out spray heads work well in contemporary domestic settings, as they are aesthetically pleasing as well as hard-wearing. The pull-out spray makes easy work of rinsing vegetables and cleaning large pots and pans.

Normandy Remodeling

Water-filter taps
Fans of freshly filtered water could consider shopping around for a water-filter tap. ‘They are convenient and easy to use, as well as cost effective compared to bottled water,’ says Ann-Marie Jones. Choices include a dedicated water-filter tap, usually smaller in size than the average tap, or what is known as a three-way triflow tap, which delivers hot, cold and filtered water.

TLA Studio

Boiling-water taps
There is no more waiting for the kettle to whistle with a boiling-water tap, which sits on your worktop dispensing boiling water in an instant, saving time and money. The device is serviced by a tank under the sink, where the water is heated and stored. ‘Do check the size of the tank to ensure it doesn’t take up too much space,’ advises Vivienne Warman.

As well as dedicated boiling-water taps, there are 3-in-1 taps that offer boiling water, cold water and standard hot water.

Roundhouse

‘I seem to install an increasing number of boiling-water taps,’ says Vivienne. ‘In terms of placement, the main tap is usually aligned with the centre of the sink, with the boiling-water tap to either the right or left.’

You need to decide what temperature of water you want your tap to deliver – this varies between different makes and models, but can be as high as 100C.

Contemporary Kitchen Contemporary Kitchen

Check your water pressure
Make sure your water pressure is compatible with your new tap. You don’t want to end up with a fantastic-looking design that doesn’t perform well. ‘Water pressure varies around the country, so it’s vital to understand what will work in your particular area,’ explains Ann-Marie Jones.

Robert Rhodes Architecture + Interiors

Water pressure is measured in what is known as bar. A high-pressure tap usually requires 1.0 bar and above, while a low-pressure tap requires 0.3 bar and below. If you are opting for a more professional-style tap – one with a pull-out spray, for instance – you will need around 1.5 bar.

To learn more about water pressure throughout your home, read these tips on buying a new shower

Stiff and Trevillion

Think about flexibility
Swivel spouts are obviously more flexible than fixed spouts, enabling you to switch quickly and easily between two bowls. Taps with a pull-out spray are also handy, not just for rinsing fruit and vegetables, but reaching across both sinks in a double bowl. ‘I find the majority of clients ask for a tap that has some sort of pull-out spray,’ says Vivienne Warman. ‘Other than in utility rooms, I rarely place static taps these days.’

Kitchen Co-Ordination

Make sure the tap will reach your sink
‘Once the type and style of tap have been decided, you need to consider the spout reach to ensure it will fit with your sink,’ advises Ann-Marie. ‘Each spout has a different reach, so make sure you take into account the positioning of the tap hole, if this is already in place, when choosing your design.’

TELL US…
Which of these kitchen taps would you (or did you) choose for your kitchen? Share your experiences in the Comments below.

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Kitchen Planning: How to Choose the Perfect Flooring

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Kitchen Planning: How to Choose the Perfect Flooring- The kitchen floor has a pretty tough job, having to take muddy shoes and spilt milk in its stride while still looking fresh and stylish. So choosing the right material for your space and lifestyle is crucial. From classic stone and wood to practical porcelain to slightly more edgy resin and concrete, there’s a dizzying array of options to choose from, all with advantages and disadvantages.

The trick is to identify your key considerations. Are you keen on a slick look or do you want a bit of flawed character? Are you willing to look after your floor or do you want to mop and go? Do you live in a big, busy household with lots of foot traffic or are there just a couple of you padding around? And are you looking to wow or is subtle more your style?

Whichever flooring you choose, Andrew Petherick of Artichoke advises you plan it in from the beginning of a kitchen refit so plinths and grout lines sit well together. ‘With any flooring, it’s important to consider how wide the boards are or how big the tiles are and think about how the units will sit on them – where the lines will fall. If the flooring lines aren’t parallel or perpendicular to the plinths, but at an angle, it will look really odd.’

Take a look at this expert guide to the 12 most popular kitchen flooring materials to help you decide which would work best in your scheme and slot easily into your lifestyle.

Professional advice from:
Andrew Petherick of Artichoke
Jamie Blake of Blakes London
Paul Hutton of Seamless Resin Flooring
Federica Vasetti of DHV Architects
Jeremy Friendship of Studio 3 Kitchens
Gurjeet Hunjan of Boscolo Interior Design

Artichoke

Stone
Covering everything from limestone (pictured) and travertine to granite and slate, classic stone is an unsurprisingly popular flooring choice. The beauty of stone is in its natural, unique variations – no two slabs are completely alike and the subtle shifts in tone add depth.

Be aware that more irregular stones are harder to slot together neatly. ‘If you choose more rustic tiles that don’t have smooth edges, the grout lines will be thicker and these can get dirty,’ says Andrew Petherick. A honed, matt surface will give you a more modern look.

Slate has a reputation for being soft, but it’s possible to find more hard-wearing varieties. ‘Slate varies in its toughness,’ says Andrew. ‘Cumbrian slate, for instance, acts like granite.’

Pros High wow factor – stone is beautiful, timeless and classy. It’s robust, long-lasting and easy to care for. It works with underfloor heating and is a good heat conductor. ‘Stone catches heat and holds onto it for about an hour,’ says Andrew.

Cons ‘Stone is not very forgiving to your feet if you’re likely to be standing on it for long periods,’ says Andrew. It’s also pretty unforgiving where any dropped crockery is concerned. It’s cold without underfloor heating and can scratch. More irregular surfaces can harbour dirt. ‘Darker floors show the wear more, and will reveal the more well trodden paths,’ says Andrew. It needs a strong, rigid and level base – it can’t be laid on a floating floor.

Fluid Stone Studio

Rubber
Durable yet warm and forgiving, rubber offers a sleek expanse perfect for modern spaces, but with a softer edge than concrete. It’s available as tiles, but large sheets are neater and more resilient. ‘It comes in textures such as studs and ridges, but choose a flat surface for super-easy cleaning,’ advises Federica Vasetti.

Pros Rubber is strong, warm to the touch and hard-wearing, plus it has a bit of bounce – good for feet, crockery and toddler heads. It’s available in a huge range of colours as well as flecked designs. It’s easy to clean and non-porous, so there are no dramas over spills.

Cons Polished flat rubber tiles can be slippery. Chair legs and dropped heavy objects can dent it and the colour can fade in strong sunlight. It needs a very smooth sub-floor – floorboards should be covered with sheets of plywood. It can take some underfloor heating, but it’s important to check first with your supplier.

Read expert advice about underfloor heating

VSP Interiors

Polished concrete
If it’s an edgy aesthetic you’re after, you can’t beat concrete. Whether you go for a full-on industrial look, or just want to sharpen a simple scheme, this surface does the job.

‘Don’t lay it on the cheap, as it’s easy to mess up,’ warns Jamie Blake. ‘It needs to be vibrated enough to get the bubbles out or it will crumble. Call in the professionals and make sure you get a guarantee.’

Pros It’s hard-wearing and, if looked after, will last indefinitely – it actually gets tougher with age. It has great thermal qualities, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night. It can be poured onto an existing floor, which doesn’t have to be totally level. It comes in a range of colours and is great for in/out flooring. It’s easy to clean, won’t harbour pests and is happy with underfloor heating.

Cons Concrete can be chipped or cracked, although you’d have to make a real effort. It’s not very forgiving to dropped crockery or tumbling tots, or to feet if you’re standing on it for long periods. ‘It can be slippery,’ adds Jamie, ‘but a matt sealer can alleviate that.’ If it does chip or crack, it can be repaired, but not seamlessly. ‘It will never look the same again,’ says Jamie.

Check out more stylish uses for polished concrete

Blakes London

Porcelain tiles
If the phrase ‘maintenance free’ is music to your ears, porcelain tiles could be just the job in your kitchen. They don’t need sealing and they’re very hard-wearing. ‘You’d have to drop a 10lb hammer on one to chip it,’ says Jamie Blake.

They can now be made to mimic other surfaces, such as wood, concrete or leather. ‘The sky’s the limit with textures,’ adds Jamie.

Pros Porcelain is hygienic, hard to scratch or chip, and can be washed with anything. It’s also happy with underfloor heating. The tiles are generally evenly sized, so they can be butted right up for narrow grout lines – meaning less dirt gathering.

Cons ‘You can struggle to achieve that warm, characterful feeling,’ says Jamie. ‘Porcelain doesn’t have the charm of timber.’ They tend to be more expensive than ceramic tiles and are unrepairable if they do chip, unforgiving if you stand on them for long periods and cold without underfloor heating.

Cream & Black Interior Design

Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles are usually made from clay with a glaze on top. They come in a huge range of shapes, sizes, textures and colours, and even mimic other materials such as wood.

Jeremy Friendship recommends you look for tiles with ‘rectified edges’. ‘These are tiles that have been cut after they have been in the kiln, so the edges are smooth and even,’ he says. If the edges aren’t straight, it can lead to thicker grout lines, which will harbour dirt. ‘And don’t even consider white grout,’ Jeremy adds.

Pros Ceramic tiles are typically cheaper than porcelain, as well as being hygienic and easy to clean. The range of designs mean it’s easy to get the look you’re after on a budget. They’re also suitable for underfloor heating.

Cons They’re not as hard-wearing as porcelain and they can crack, so it’s important they’re laid on a very solid, flat floor. If they chip, it’s more obvious, as the colour doesn’t go all the way through. They’re cold to the touch and hard on feet and dropped crockery.

Stephen Graver Ltd

Solid wood
All the clever copies in the world can’t really match the beauty of real wood. It comes in a huge range of shades and grains, works in any setting from ultra modern to country cottage, and is pretty unlikely ever to go out of fashion. A uniform grain looks modern, while knots and irregularities fit in nicely with a trad scheme.

Reclaimed boards have an incomparable patina. ‘But they are more pricey as they’re harder to lay, being of different sizes and thicknesses,’ warns Jamie Blake.

‘Parquet wears well as it doesn’t expand as much as boards,’ adds Andrew Petherick. As for finishes: ‘Choose oil or wax rather than lacquer for a natural look, and clean with a damp rather than a wet mop,’ advises Andrew.

Pros Wood is quite forgiving on your feet, as it has some give and is warm to the touch. It’s renewable, recyclable, good-looking, sturdy and long-lasting. It can be sanded to look like new and stained in a huge number of colours.

Cons ‘Solid wood boards will move, especially in an environment where there’s lots of moisture and mopping,’ says Jamie. They need a subfloor, which can make installation pricey. They can be noisy, so not one for flats unless you’re planning to lay a rug. They will stain and scratch, and can show up wear in high-traffic areas, such as by the hob and sink. ‘A wooden floor can be re-sanded, but it’s a pretty dirty process,’ says Andrew. ‘Underfloor heating is a no-no with real wood,’ adds Jeremy Friendship.

Read suggestions for which wood you should choose for your kitchen cabinets

Element 7

Engineered wood
Made from two lengths of wood veneer (typically 5mm thick) sandwiching a layer of birch ply, engineered boards straddle the gap between laminate and solid wood. They also come in wide measures. ‘Twelve inch-wide boards look great in a big room,’ says Andrew Petherick.

‘Many people are moving to engineered boards as they have the look of real wood but are stable,’ adds Jeremy Friendship.

Pros ‘Engineered boards are flat, don’t expand or contract, and can take underfloor heating,’ says Andrew. ‘They’re also well sealed, so you can happily mop them.’ As the veneer is quite thick, they can be sanded to refresh them, and are a green choice as they contain less hardwood.

Cons They lack some of the character of the real thing. Lacquered boards are sealed, so are robust, but the most authentic finish is raw, and these can get scratched and stained as with solid wood. They can be noisy.

Boscolo Interior Design

Cork
Here is a material that not only doesn’t harm the environment, it actively helps it. Removing the bark from cork oak trees means they live longer.

‘Cork is warm and it has a bounce to it, so it’s comfortable and it absorbs sound,’ says Gurjeet Hunjan. And gone are the days when tan was your only option. ‘Traditional, exposed cork is still available, but there are now many designs coated with vinyl, which gives you more choice of finishes,’ adds Gurjeet.

Pros Cork is naturally antibacterial, so resistant to mould and mildew, non-slip, fire-retardant and insulating (as it’s filled with lots of tiny air pockets). It’s easy to clean with a damp mop, and exposed cork can be sanded and resealed to revive it.

Cons Heavy furniture can leave an imprint, it can fade in strong sunlight and it’s easily scratched. It can handle spills as long as they’re mopped up, but if liquid is left on the floor it will damage it.

Still unsure? Browse through photos of kitchens with cork flooring for more ideas.

Seamless Resin Flooring North East

Poured resin
Resin is an increasingly popular choice for kitchens. ‘The trend is for whites or mid greys,’ says Paul Hutton. Resin can be poured over the whole kitchen floor, so it’s a seamless finish.

The floor can easily be revived. ‘You can simply sand it then apply a couple of coats of sealer and it’s like new,’ says Paul, ‘and if you fancy a new colour, you can simply choose a different sealant.’

It’s available in gloss, silk or matt finishes, but Paul recommends matt. ‘Gloss floors, especially pale ones, show every mark, whereas matt ones hide the scratches.’

Pros Resin is warm underfoot, hypoallergenic, waterproof, tough and easy to clean with warm soapy water. It’s available in any RAL colour, and can be customised with patterns. It can be poured over a concrete or timber substrate and is happy with underfloor heating.

Cons It doesn’t have the depth or character of something like wood or stone, and it will scratch. ‘It can be repaired by filling in scratches, but the whole floor would need to be sanded and resealed or the repair would stand out like a sore thumb,’ warns Paul. Spills need to be wiped up or they can stain the resin.

Board and Vellum

Linoleum
Lino ticks the ecofriendly box in spades. It’s made from natural materials (principally linseed oil, cork dust, wood dust and resin) with a jute backing, and its production doesn’t take huge amounts of energy. Sold under the brand name Marmoleum, it comes in a huge range of colours and designs, from solid to marbled to linear (pictured).

‘Make sure it’s sealed properly,’ warns Federica Vasetti. ‘The floor must be cleaned, sealed, then left to dry thoroughly. Poor sealing makes the linoleum hard to clean.’

It comes in sheets or tiles, but Federica recommends sheets, as no joins mean the surface is waterproof as well as more attractive.

Pros Linoleum is relatively warm underfoot and quite forgiving. ‘Plates tend to bounce rather than break,’ Federica says. It’s available in lots of colours, is easy to clean with soapy water and is great for allergy sufferers as it doesn’t harbour dust mites. It’s also suitable for underfloor heating and can be laid over an existing floor.

Cons It’s quite hard to cut and lay, so it needs to be fitted by professionals. It can be damaged by sharp materials, and can wear and fade over time.

in and out design

Vinyl
High-quality vinyl is a good budget-friendly choice. It can replicate lots of surfaces, from wood and stone to mosaics and metallics, or choose patterns, including geometrics, polka-dots or even flowers. ‘The image is digitally printed onto the vinyl, so it can look very good,’ says Jeremy Friendship.

Pros Vinyl is a purse-friendly option. It’s easy to clean and very water resistant. Spongy vinyl can dent and rip, but thin, hard vinyl is very robust. It’s also comfortable underfoot and can be laid over an existing floor.

Cons It’s fairly easily scratched, can fade in strong sunlight and has a relatively short lifespan. If damaged, it’s unrepairable. It can work with underfloor heating, but the temperature might need to be restricted, so always check suitability with your supplier.

Take a look through some more kitchens with vinyl flooring to find inspiration.

Rikki Snyder

Laminate
The trick with laminate is to go for good-quality boards, which are tough and resistant to wear, stains and fading. You don’t have to choose a wood look – some laminates imitate ceramic tiles or slate. They’re covered in a transparent ‘wear’ layer that’s pretty tough, so are scratch resistant. Beneath the wear layer is a high-definition image, which can be of anything from wood to marble.

‘You can now also buy laminate boards that have a thin veneer of wood on top for a more realistic look,’ says Jeremy Friendship, though these will scratch and can’t be sanded as the veneer isn’t deep enough. ‘The top ranges have V grooves for a natural plank look,’ he adds.

Pros There are some very realistic, textured designs available. Laminate tends to be reasonably priced, is low maintenance, moisture resistant and can be installed over an existing floor. ‘It doesn’t need sealing and it doesn’t stain,’ adds Jeremy.

Cons It needs an under-layer, which is sometimes attached to the laminate and sometimes not – ask before you buy. If it’s scratched, it’s unrepairable. Not all laminates are suitable for electric underfloor heating, although all can be laid over wet systems.

Darci Goodman Design

Trends
So what’s next in kitchen flooring? ‘I’d like to lay herringbone brick floors in kitchens,’ says Jamie Blake. ‘It’s already a big trend in gardens and it would add that French rustic look. Bricks are great insulators, too.’

‘We’re quite into using herringbone brick flooring, too,’ says Gurjeet Hunjan, ‘as well as parquet with a contrasting keyline. Many people are asking for whitewashed oak parquet, as it’s modern but still has character.’

Jamie also sees screed as an up-and-coming material. ‘Lots of interiors trends, such as wood-panelled feature walls and low-hanging pendant lights, come from bars and hotels, and screed floors are big in bars at the moment,’ he says. ‘Screed is rougher than polished concrete, is super-tough and can be painted. I like it because it doesn’t have to look perfect. And if you get bored of it, it’s a ready-made base for a wooden floor!’

Bamboo is a wild card. It’s common in the US, but isn’t yet popular in the UK. ‘I’d say it’s slowly creeping in, rather than taking off,’ says Jeremy Friendship. But it’s super-sustainable, as it’s a grass, and surprisingly tough, so give it a look.

TELL US…
What kind of flooring do you have – or would you like – in your kitchen? Share your thoughts, tips and photos in the Comments below.

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Kitchen Hanging Racks That Will Have You Hooked

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Kitchen Hanging Racks That Will Have You Hooked- Chefs don’t mess about with opening drawers and hiding pots and pans away in hard-to-reach cupboards. Follow their lead and fit a versatile and practical kitchen storage rack. They range from large constructions that can hold an entire cupboard’s worth – along with lighting – to more subtle structures that still do the job and add interest, too.

Louise de Miranda

Branch out into nature
This bleached and weatherworn branch has been put to excellent use as a way to hang kitchen essentials, adding a Nordic touch – and all for minimal outlay. Go-to items are close to hand, and the combination of good planning and a lucky natural find keep the mood comfortably casual.

Whitstable Island Interiors

Utilise a window
Tight on space? A simple rail hung at the same level as the window’s horizontal woodwork is a nifty place to hang a row of pans – in ascending order, of course. Coupled with ample open shelving for glasses and crockery, this kind of storage makes perfect sense – and means you don’t have to rummage in a low cupboard every time you cook.

Shabby-chic Style Kitchen Shabby Chic Kitchen

Add copper touches
Keep up with the copper trend by displaying your cookware in all its glory. An original fireplace is a good reason to keep your kitchen freestanding, treating the elements as pieces of furniture rather than a matchy-matchy set of identical units.

Check out more freestanding kitchen ideas

Victorian Kitchen Battersea, Victorian Terraced House

Keep it simple
Going for hanging kitchen storage doesn’t necessarily mean going big and bulky. Keep things neat and on a small scale with a row of spoons hung over the cooker. It means you still get the added visual interest of kitchenalia on display, but without getting too carried away.

Colin Cadle Photography

Rock the rustic look
A proper range cooker demands equally authentic storage, and this industrial-meets-rustic rack is just the way to do it. Investing in one or two sets of matching pans is also worthwhile, as hanging storage means the benefits are visual as well as practical.

Gabriel Holland Interior Design

Delve into below-stairs style
A traditional laundry airer, which runs on a pulley system, is a fine addition to a scullery, laundry room or compact kitchen. While it was designed for drying clothes, it’s equally useful for hanging pots, pans and even pet essentials, such as towels, leads and rugs.

Artichoke

Include metallics
Industrial style gets a timely revival with this welded rack, which can be adorned with chrome, steel and aluminium utensils. The material fits right in with the zinc cooker hood, factory-style lighting, marble surfaces and white-toned painted woodwork.

Explore ways to work the industrial kitchen look

Tim Wood Limited

Incorporate lighting
A large central island means the area above can go unused. So keeping all your tools of the kitchen trade up and out of the way, but easy accessible, is a great use of the space. This one has downlights incorporated to illuminate the prep area.

Yiangou Architects

Make like a chef
Arrange a row of professional-looking pots and pans along one rail for a look that’s every inch the creative chef. Make sure you hang the rail and larger pots at a height that works for all the cooks in the household, otherwise you run the risk of bumped heads – and a celebrity chef-style tantrum.

Russell Taylor Architects

Echo a kitchen’s curves
This curved storage rack subtly mirrors the curves of the island unit, adding up to a thought-through space. You can follow this design technique with materials and colours, too – just ensure there are some elements that ‘speak’ to each other for a cohesive look.

TELL US…
Would you go for hanging storage in a kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.

http://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/kitchen

How to Choose the Perfect Splashback

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How to Choose the Perfect Splashback- The humble splashback has come a long way. Once upon a time, its purpose was purely functional, comprising a tiled area behind the hob and sink to protect kitchen walls from stains and splashes. Today, the availability of all manner of materials in a wide array of finishes means your splashback can make more of a statement. To help you decide which material would work best for you, check out this expert advice on the 10 most popular splashback materials.

Professional advice from:
Conrad Hendrick of LWK Kitchens
Charlie Borthwick of Cue & Co of London
Andrew Macintosh of Andrew Macintosh Kitchens
Robin Auld of Topps Tiles
Siobhan Casey of Casey & Fox
Diane Berry of Diane Berry Kitchens
Graham Barnard of Matrix Kitchens

bulthaup by Kitchen Architecture

Stainless steel
Work an industrial vibe with a stainless steel splashback, which comes in sheets of flat steel that can be fixed directly to the wall with either glue or screws.

‘You should only ever clean it using warm water and an e-cloth,’ advises Conrad Hendrick of LWK Kitchens. ‘Over time, the chemicals in common cleaning agents can create a build-up on the steel’s surface. This will make watermarks and fingerprints show much more prominently, leaving your stainless steel not quite so stainless.’

Pros Stainless steel is not only affordable, it’s known for its heat-resistant and hard-wearing properties. It’s also easy to clean.

Cons Although easy to clean, stainless steel can be difficult to keep looking pristine. It is not scratch-resistant – although minor scratches enhance the look over time – and can dent.

Check out 12 breakfast bars with coffee shop appeal

Black and Milk | Interior Design | London

Porcelain and ceramic tiles
Tiled splashbacks are a popular choice as they offer versatility, practicality and style. Thanks to advances in printing technology, ceramic and porcelain tiles can be produced to resemble natural wood and stone, but with none of the associated performance challenges. The tiles are scratch-, heat- and water-resistant, and should be reasonably cheap and easy to install. And while they are durable, should a tile become chipped or damaged, you simply need to remove it and lay another.

Pros While tiles are easier to clean than most other materials, and therefore lend themselves perfectly to splashbacks, this is not the only reason they are ideal for the job. ‘With such a range of shapes, sizes, colours and patterns now available, tiles give you the freedom to put your own creative stamp on your room without compromising on practicality,’ says Robin Auld of Topps Tiles.

Cons The sheer volume of styles and finishes can be overwhelming. ‘Consider exactly how the space will be used to ensure your choice works with your lifestyle,’ advises Robin. ‘While pristine white tiles and matching grout may look perfect in a modern, low-use kitchen, they are not the most practical choice for a busy family space.’ Darker coloured grouts are definitely worth investigating.

Casey & Fox

Glass
For those wanting a sleek, streamlined look to their kitchen, glass is a popular choice because it can be fitted in large, seamless panels. ‘You should always ask for tempered glass, which is harder than ordinary glass and will be far less likely to scratch,’ advises Siobhan Casey of Casey & Fox. ‘Also, ask for polished edges so there’s less chance of scratching the surrounding furniture on installation.’

The beauty of a glass splashback is that you can choose anything from a bespoke piece of artwork screen-printed and mounted on the back of the glass, to a digital image or a painted finish. ‘I would always recommend that a professional takes care of the painting,’ advises Siobhan. ‘It could be a costly mistake to attempt this yourself without the experience and knowledge of a professional.’

Pros Strong and durable, glass splashbacks are also easy to clean and install, being either screwed or glued to the wall. While they used to be expensive, the good news is that prices have decreased dramatically in recent years.

Cons Make sure you choose a colour you and your family are happy with. ‘While changing this after installation is not impossible,’ says Siobhan, ‘it’s not an easy job.’

Hart-Woods

Engineered stone
Also referred to as quartz composite, an engineered stone splashback is made of crushed quartz mixed with resin. ‘Look out for leading brands, such as Silestone and Caesarstone, that make their engineered stone using the lowest percentage of resin,’ advises Andrew Macintosh of Andrew Macintosh Kitchens. These high-performing engineered stones are heat and scratch resistant as well as extremely tough.

To keep costs under control, Andrew suggests teaming an engineered stone splashback with matching worktops. ‘If you do this, the templating and fitting charges are much lower than using a different material and supplier,’ he explains.

Pros Engineered stone is durable, scratch-resistant and non-porous, meaning it won’t stain. It’s easily cleaned with warm, soapy water and comes in a wide range of different colours to suit all tastes. It’s supplied in large panels resulting in fewer or no joins on a larger wall run.

Cons Installation of an engineered stone splashback must be carried out by a specialist. ‘It is certainly not a DIY job,’ stresses Andrew.

Discover how to lift your space with decorative lighting

Neil Norton Design

Granite
Granite is still a favourite for splashbacks, working equally well in traditional and contemporary settings. What’s more, no two slabs of natural stone will ever look exactly the same, so you are guaranteed a unique look.

‘One of the main factors that will determine the appearance of your granite splashback is whether you opt for a honed or polished granite,’ advises Conrad Hendrick. ‘Shiny polished granite is popular for traditional and country-style kitchens. Alternatively, honed granite has a matt finish that’s much more textured, yet understated, so the ideal choice for a contemporary kitchen.’

If choosing a honed granite, do test samples with water and oil as certain variations of the stone can show up wet marks for longer.

Pros Granite is easy to clean, very hard-wearing and is available in a range of different colours.

Cons Among the more costly splashback options, granite is porous, so needs sealing to prevent staining.

Cue & Co of London

Polished plaster
There are many reasons to choose a polished plaster splashback, not least because it can be specified in almost any colour. ‘Texturally, it can range from highly polished and smooth to rough and weathered,’ says Charlie Borthwick of Cue & Co of London. ‘It also doesn’t have to be one flat colour; veining can be introduced to add depth and interest.’

Pros It’s easy to maintain and needs minimal care once installed – simply wipe it down.

Cons Although polished plaster is fairly hard-wearing, accidental chips cannot be repaired. ‘If this is a concern, use your worktop material to create an upstand – a small skirting around the edge of the worktop – to help protect the plaster,’ suggests Charlie.

Read expert advice on choosing the perfect worktop

AND Architects

Composite
Composite (or solid surface) materials, such as Corian and Hi-Macs, are usually made from a blend of one-third resin and two-thirds natural mineral. Available in a diverse colour range, they also offer extraordinary design flexibility and can be seamlessly moulded into angles and curves, so there’s no join between your worktop and splashback. This makes them easy to keep clean and hygienic, because there are no joins where dirt can gather.

Pros Composites are non porous, easy to care for, hygienic and durable. Joints are inconspicuous, providing a seamless surface.

Cons Composite materials such as Corian can scratch, but very often these can be sanded out. ‘Corian is not heat resistant, so you can’t install it behind a gas hob,’ says Conrad Hendrick.

LWK Kitchens London

Laminate
If your budget won’t stretch to a natural stone splashback, laminate is not only affordable, it comes in numerous colours and finishes designed to look like real wood or stone. Although laminates don’t offer the same sense of luxury, high-definition print and texture innovation means they are looking and feeling increasingly realistic.

Pros Easy to keep clean and water-resistant, laminate is a hard-wearing and affordable choice for your kitchen splashback. ‘Match it to other finishes in your kitchen so it becomes part of the whole colour scheme rather than just a statement feature,’ suggests Diane Berry of Diane Berry Kitchens.

Cons Laminate is not suitable for use behind a gas hob because of the open flames, and Diane also recommends a gap of at least 10cm between a laminate splashback and all other hobs. ‘You also need to make sure it’s installed well, particularly around wet areas, to stop water soaking into any joints, just as you would a laminate worktop,’ she says.

LWK Kitchens London

Mirrored glass
A mirrored glass splashback suits all styles of kitchen, often adding a contemporary twist to a more traditional look. Its reflective surface bounces light around a room, making the space feel bright and often larger than it really is. ‘If you want mirrored splashbacks in your kitchen, then general safety regulations dictate that you must have toughened or tempered glass,’ stresses Conrad Hendrick.

Pros Toughened so it’s strong and durable, mirrored glass is also easy to clean. And because panels are available up to 3m in length, it’s possible to create a seamless look.

Cons Mirrored splashbacks can’t be used behind a gas hob because continuous expansion and contraction of tempered glass created by an open flame can, over time, cause visible cracks to form behind the glass, cautions Conrad. ‘Although easy to clean, mirrored glass needs a regular polish, because marks show up easily,’ he adds.

Marble
Nothing beats the natural beauty of a marble splashback, which never fails to bring a luxurious look to the kitchen. It’s important to be aware, however, that marble is porous, so it needs sealing and resealing against staining. It also scratches more easily than other materials.

Pros Graham Barnard of Matrix Kitchens describes marble as ‘naturally occurring pieces of art’, because no two slabs look exactly the same. ‘Choosing which marble to use is immense fun,’ he adds. ‘A trip to the stone yard is always an adventure for the designer and the client.’

Cons Cost can be an issue, depending on the marble you source. What’s more, marble can stain easily. ‘You have to accept marble for what it is,’ says Graham. ‘It’s beautiful, but not maintenance free. However, lots of marbles have wonderful streaks and patterns that tend to help hide any areas of staining.’

TELL US…
Do you have experience with any of these materials, and which would you recommend? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.

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Update Your Existing Kitchen Without Blowing the Budget

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Update Your Existing Kitchen Without Blowing the Budget- One of the simplest ways to stop costs from spiralling out of control when updating your kitchen is to retain its original layout, saving money on plumbing and electrics. But that’s not all. With a lot of research and a little creative thinking, you can create a functional space that suits your style without blowing the budget. Start your journey here. The following guide is packed full of money-saving tips, from affordable flooring to giving your kitchen cabinets a new lease of life with a lick of paint. To help you on your way, five experts share some of their pearls of wisdom.

Barnes Design

Professional advice from:
Neil Horton of Bushboard
Danny Hanlon of Granite Transformations
Robert Bennett of 123 Floor
Kevin Taylor Bottomley of The Baked Tile Company
Rebecca Hayes of Rebecca Hayes Interiors

hcdb.uk.com

Refresh with a quality laminate worktop
Advances in high-definition printing and surface textures mean laminate work surfaces now mirror the natural beauty of stone, granite and wood, but for a fraction of the cost. Check the length of the guarantee – a lifetime guarantee shows the complete confidence a manufacturer has in its product’s quality.

‘A premium manufactured laminate worktop will feature high-quality materials and, crucially, a perfect 100% waterproof seal on the underside,’ says Neil Horton. ‘Some will also include the added benefit of antibacterial protection.’

Pros
Laminate is easy to clean and maintain, requiring just a simple wipe down with warm water and mild detergent. It’s also durable, heat- and water-resistant, and designed to withstand everyday knocks, abrasions, chemicals, steam from dishwashers and stains from juice, tea, coffee and wine. ‘It’s also the cheapest material available, making it the most fashion-forward yet cost-effective option your money can buy,’ continues Neil. ‘Laminate is the easiest and fastest work surface material to install; an average-sized kitchen worktop can be completed in as little as a day.’

Cons
Laminate worktops are manufactured to give a watertight seal. If you have your heart set on an undermounted or Belfast sink, however, you would need to cut through the laminate and the seal, which exposes the chipboard core to moisture. This means the worktop could lose its water resistance even if the sink area is edged with laminate. ‘Laminate is ideally suited to inset sinks,’ explains Neil. ‘Fortunately, there are so many inset styles around that it doesn’t limit your options too much.’

Expect to pay…
About £45 per linear metre for a premium-quality laminate worktop.

Bushboard Ltd

Consider a ready-made composite surface
Before you dismiss a composite (or solid surface) worktop because of its hefty price tag, Neil recommends thinking again. ‘Material technology and fitting techniques have moved away from the traditional templating and fabricating route, which can take up to two weeks,’ he says.

Look for brands that offer ready-made options, which can be fitted directly on site in a couple of days, saving you time and money and without you having to compromise on the quality, performance or look you want.

Pros
Composite is the only material that can be seamlessly jointed, which means no joints, grooves or dirt traps, making it very easy to clean and maintain. It’s also practical and highly durable – resistant to knocks, abrasions, burns, steam and stains – and 100% waterproof. ‘What’s more, it’s the only work surface material that can be repaired to pristine condition in the unlikely event of damage or scratching,’ explains Neil.

Cons
Prices vary depending on which brand you buy and it will be more expensive than laminate, so shop wisely. Composite worktops needs to be fitted by a trained professional – they are not suitable for the DIY enthusiast.

Expect to pay…
‘You can save about 30% with a ready-made composite worktop,’ concludes Neil, whose company, Bushboard, sells a range priced at about £158 per linear metre.

Read expert advice on choosing the perfect kitchen worktop

Granite Transformations

Look for lay-on worktops
A lay-on worktop is a composite material that is overlaid onto an existing worktop and bonded into place, with seamless edge pieces concealing the join and creating a chunky profile,’ explains Danny Hanlon. ‘First we measure up your existing surfaces, then prefabricate the complete worktop fittings off-site and finally lay them onto the existing countertops and bond them firmly in place. This installation method means that kitchen worktops can mostly be fitted in one day, ready for immediate use.’

A good-quality lay-on worktop is resistant to scratches, stains, colour fade, chemicals, knocks, burns and heat. Look for lay-on slabs of 3m long, which lend themselves well to long, seamless worktop runs with no joints.

Pros
There is no ripping out of old worktops, so there’s less dust, debris, landfill waste and household disruption. What’s more, there’s a wide range of colours available, from black granites and subtle quartz effects to bright primary shades and earthy tones.

Cons
A lay-on solution will add to the height of your worktop. However, Granite Transformations makes a version just 6mm thick, so the additional height is marginal. Lay-ons also don’t require extra reinforcement to the base cabinets or flooring joists.

Expect to pay…
‘You can expect to pay from £385 per sq m fully installed,’ says Danny.

MODEL Projects Ltd

Revive with vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring – also referred to as cushioned flooring – is typically a printed layer of hard-wearing vinyl bonded to a cushioned backing to create warm-to-the-touch, water-resistant and hygienic flooring.

‘Over the past five years or so vinyl flooring has truly moved on from the designs most people imagine when they initially think of vinyl,’ says Robert Bennett. ‘High-definition designs can perfectly replicate the look of wood, stone and porcelain, in plain, bright colour blocks or fun and zany abstract designs.’

Pros
Vinyl flooring is cost-effective and works well in areas of the home that require regular cleaning or are exposed to water. Kitchen vinyl flooring allows spills easily to be wiped up and requires no ongoing maintenance. Always choose a vinyl with good slip resistance.

Cons
Vinyl flooring is relatively thin and, as a result, will show all the lumps and bumps when laid over an uneven subfloor. ‘Consult with your local retailer and ask a vinyl flooring expert to survey the room,’ suggests Robert. ‘They will advise you on any additional subfloor preparation work that may be required to ensure your new vinyl flooring looks perfect.’

You need to be cautious when sliding kitchen appliances back and forth because vinyl can tear if you’re not careful. Also, over time heavy objects, such as chair legs, will make indentations.

Expect to pay…
Prices start at £10 per sq m for good-quality vinyl flooring; add a further £5 per sq m for installation.

Check out how to choose the perfect kitchen flooring

Element 7

Smarten up with engineered wood flooring
Engineered wood flooring is constructed by compressing two or more layers of wood, which are then glued together at right angles to create a plank between 14mm and 20mm thick. Each plank has a real wood veneer of about 4mm to 7mm thick on top, which means it can be sanded back several times and treated to restore the original finish when it becomes scuffed, worn or damaged.

‘Consider thicker planks when fixing wood flooring over existing floorboards to reduce “bounce”,’ advises Robert. ‘However, use thinner planks when installing over underfloor heating to allow more heat to penetrate. The thicker the planks, the more opportunities you have to sand the floor down – approximately three times with a 20mm thick plank, compared to once with a 15mm option.’

Pros
Engineered wood flooring is the most practical solution for most households. The way it’s constructed makes it more stable than solid wood and less prone to changes caused by a room’s temperature or humidity.

‘The price you pay will increase depending on a number of factors, for example: the width of the plank, the thickness, the grade of the wood used and the colour,’ explains Robert. ‘The more processes the manufacturer applies to create a certain colour or texture, the dearer the product.’

Cons
There are very few disadvantages to engineered wood flooring in the kitchen, except that it scratches easily.

Expect to pay…
Prices range from £30 to £35 per sq m for an entry-level ‘rustic’ 15mm-thick responsibly sourced (and FSC certified) engineered wood floor. Budget for a further £20 to £25 per sq m for installation, underlay and accessories.

Hobsons Choice

Toy with the latest tile styles
Recent advances in technology have made it possible to print photo-realistic imagery onto affordable tile materials, such as porcelain. ‘This means beautiful natural materials, such as marble or wood, as well as intricate patterns and, of course, different colours can be replicated and introduced into the home for a fraction of the price,’ explains Kevin Taylor Bottomley.

Pros
Tiles provide a fantastic means of introducing character and personality into a kitchen scheme. Suitable for both walls and floors, they are extremely versatile and can be used as much or as little as you like, depending on the look you want to achieve.

‘Tiles can also be used as a practical tool in a kitchen,’ continues Kevin. ‘Hard-wearing and easy to clean, they allow cooking splashes to be wiped down with minimum fuss when used as a splashback, and they can also be placed along a kitchen plinth to protect the area from scuffs and kicks.’ If you are laying porcelain tiles on the floor, shop for anti-slip options to guard against accidents.

Cons
Porcelain tiles are hard, so if you drop something on them, it’s likely to break. The tiles are susceptible to cracking and chipping, and white grout lines can discolour.

Expect to pay…
Porcelain tiles are extremely affordable; shop around because prices start at less than £1 per tile.

Sustainable Kitchens

Splashbacks and upstands
Introduce colour and texture to the wall behind your hob with a feature splashback. ‘You could use those expensive tiles you love but can’t afford to use throughout the kitchen,’ suggests Rebecca Hayes.

If you wish to match your splashback and worktop material without going to great expense, then consider a cost-effective upstand instead, like the one in this kitchen. Similar to a splashback but shorter, it will protect the wall from food spills but is cheaper to fit.

Discover how to choose the perfect splashback for your kitchen

Francesco Pierazzi Architects

Update cabinet doors
If the carcasses of your kitchen cabinets are still in good condition, why replace them when you can save money just by changing the doors? Shop around, because there’s a wide range of styles available for standard-sized cupboards.

If you’ve set your heart on more expensive doors but your budget won’t stretch, why not use higher-priced doors on feature cabinets and lower-priced ones on the remainder?

An alternative and cheaper option to replacing ugly cabinet doors is to wallpaper the central panel of Shaker-style doors, giving the effect of a picture frame filled with pattern. Opt for a paper that’s suitable for the kitchen – there are some fabulous designs at Graham & Brown.

McKenzie Strickland Associates

Invest in new handles
Never underestimate the visual impact of small but significant details, such as updating the handles on your existing kitchen cabinets. There’s a style and price to suit every taste and pocket, from chrome bars to white ceramic knobs, so why live with ones you don’t like?

The owners of this kitchen have made their cabinet handles work harder by doubling them up as towel racks.

Get tips on choosing kitchen cabinet handles

British Standard by Plain English

Perk up with paint
Give old cabinets a new lease of life with a lick of paint. Simply remove all the handles and empty the contents of your cupboards. Wash the cabinets thoroughly using a sugar soap or strong detergent, so you have a super-clean surface.

‘When they are dry, it might be necessary to give the doors a light sand to enable the paint to stick to the surface,’ advises Rebecca (you can skip this step if you have melamine or high-gloss surfaces). Then apply a wood or melamine primer depending on the surface, then two coats of your chosen colour, allowing time for drying between coats.

One-coat solutions…
Eliminate the need for a primer with Dulux Cupboard paint, Ronseal One Coat Cupboard paint or Annie Sloan’s Chalk paint, which claims to stick to just about any surface. As a rule of thumb, however, the less the shine, the better the adherence of the paint.

Paul Craig Photography

Embrace open storage
‘If you hate your cupboard doors, but can’t afford to replace them or it isn’t possible to paint them, how about replacing the wall cupboards with open shelves for a more casual feel,’ suggests Rebecca.

Hanging rails are another great device, offering easy access to pots, pans and utensils. A cheap stainless steel rail together with a pack of S hooks can be bought from various homeware, kitchen and DIY stores.

Explore more savvy storage ideas

TELL US…
What are your money-saving tips and tricks when refurbishing or renovating? Share your advice in the Comments below.

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