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