It might not look this way on the face of it, but your dream kitchen might just be the one you’ve already got! The kitchen is something of a domestic battleground, bearing the scars of culinary campaigns and showing the rigours of time. Loose hinges, splatter-stains and chips and dings can all conspire to take the sheen from what is the busiest space in most homes. However, as long as the wear and tear is only aesthetic and you’re satisfied that the structure of your kitchen is as you want it to be, then you don’t have to rip it out and start again – you can work with what you’ve got!
What the eye doesn't see...
Worktops count for a large portion of the visible surface area in a kitchen; the surface area that can either enhance the space or let it down completely. Ripping out and replacing entire units is an expensive and time-consuming process that will render your kitchen functionless for a time, adding inconvenience to the list of things to consider. No one wants their kitchen to turn into a money-pit, so consider other alternatives.
Refurbishing worktops
Granite worktops are among the most time-consuming, costly and messy surfaces to replace. What many homeowners are unaware of is that there are granite overlays available on the market, which will restore your worktops to their former glory, without breaking the bank. Although you’ll need to hire a professional to install them, the procedure is comparatively simple and surprisingly quick, so inconvenience is kept down to a minimum. The only thing that will need removing is the sink. The rest is merely a matter of adhesive and precision.
Laminate counters can be given a simple facelift using enamel paints. While there’s a little mess involved, as you’ll have to key the existing surfaces with a sander, it’s very quick and gives you the freedom to choose a completely new colour scheme.
Countertops with square edges can benefit from ceramic tiles. Again, you’ll need to key the surfaces with a little light sanding, but the tiles are relatively simple to apply. Ensure that you choose good quality mastic adhesive. You may also find you need access to a tile cutter for those awkward little nooks and crannies. Again, this offers the chance to give your kitchen a completely new look.
Cupboards and doors
While the worktops certainly cover a large portion of any kitchen, the greatest surface area is taken up by the kitchen cupboards and doors. These surfaces tend to be the ones that show the greatest signs of battle damage and can make or break a kitchen’s appearance.
Using a professional door and drawer replacement company is far easier (and cheaper) than replacing entire kitchen units and you can do most of the work yourself. Kitchen door and drawer fronts are available in an enormous selection of styles, colours and materials, from the rustic charm of natural woods to the sleek chic of more contemporary materials, such as stainless steel or even glass.
A further benefit is that a door and drawer replacement company can make your doors to measure. Most kitchen fronts are mass-produced and don’t cater for the quirks of the room they’re being installed in. Doors and drawers made by a replacement company will fit and enhance even the most characterful of kitchens!
For more information see Kitchen Restoration’s range of kitchen doors and drawers.
