A full kitchen refurbishment is one of the most expensive home improvements you’ll come across, which is why it’s so important to get it 100% right. Because of the cost, kitchens aren’t changed regularly and are replaced every 10 to 15 years.

Of course, there are plenty of options to reflect whatever budget you may have. And even if you can’t afford a full refurbishment at the moment, consider simply switching the cabinet doors to spice things up.

For starters, a basic kitchen set from IKEA may set you back as little as £1,000, whilst a John Lewis kitchen would cost upwards of £8,000. So straight away you can see the difference. Cheaper kitchen sets will come as flat-pack, whilst the expensive kitchen units will be pre-assembled.

In terms of creating a timeless kitchen that will look great for years to come, Shaker kitchens are definitely the industry standard, due to their simplicity and quality. They’re great for both modern and period properties, with wooden cabinets providing a traditional appeal and bold colours bringing out a modern edge. Handles tend to be round wooden knobs to help create a streamlined finish.

Essentially, Shaker kitchens effortlessly combine traditional and contemporary styles, and many homeowners of period properties have adopted this design.

You’ll have two choices to make with the Shaker design: free-standing and fitted. Free-standing kitchens do tend to be cheaper, so if money’s an issue, then this is definitely the route to go down.

Of course, what’s important is not just to go for products on the cheap, though, because that defies the whole point of a Shaker kitchen. You want this to last for years and not have to make amendments in just a few months. There’s a way to be scrupulous but ensure quality at the same time.

So, if you’re looking for a kitchen that will still look great in a decade, the Shaker could be for you. With some fantastic options for you to consider, there’s an opportunity to create a unique appeal that’s well-matched to your home.

Kitchen design and planning

There are no shortcuts to kitchen design and planning.

Points to consider

What do you use the kitchen for – just to prepare food, or is it also the room where the family sits,  talks, and eats together?

Where are the electric and gas points, the water inlet, and the drainage? Moving them will take time and cost money, so it could pay to plan around them unless they aren’t sited very conveniently.

One of the first things for kitchen design is to plan where the sink and appliances needing water will stand, as they are probably going to take up a sizeable space.

Once the sink is in place, keep the main food preparation area and hob and oven close together for ease of use. But remember to keep at least one base unit between fridges, freezers, and hob or oven to let them operate most efficiently.

Don’t cover existing ventilation points.

Exact measurements are a must. It will let you plan accurately how units and appliances will fit into the kitchen design. Don’t ignore features such as inward corners, as base units may have to be cut to fit, and it could affect the ability to use wall units.

Two-way galley kitchens need enough space between the two sides to walk through them comfortably and to open cupboard and appliance doors.

A U-shaped kitchen design gives more space for units, but it could mean less space for seating,  etc. So how about utilising a worktop as a breakfast bar?

Ensure you plan to have enough freezer and fridge space. It saves an awful lot of trips to the shops.

If space is at a premium, a tall cupboard is much-needed storage.

Keeping heavy items stored in floor units is safer than trying to pull them down towards you from wall units.

If you have items that aren’t in regular use, put them at the top of wall units, leaving more accessible shelves for the things you need more often.

Plan some space to keep smaller items such as matches,s, or pens.

Keep your worktops free from clutter, but don’t make them look sterile and unused. Jars with kitchen utensils, mug trees, cookery books, or plate racks are all practical and can add colour and interest to a kitchen.

It might not be the most attractive part of a kitchen, but where will your rubbish bin go?