What to think about when renovating your kitchen

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What to think about when renovating your kitchen

Has your kitchen seen better days? Then it might be time for a serious upgrade. The prospect of a kitchen renovation can be both exciting and a bit daunting. After all, there is a fair bit to think about. Here, we explain the main areas involved so you can easily plan your kitchen renovation and avoid those annoying “Oops, I didn’t think of that” moments.

The good news is that you can keep your existing kitchen cabinets and layout and still get a brand-new kitchen. By replacing the doors and drawer fronts, the worktops, the sink and tap, the backsplash and appliances, you can level up how your kitchen looks and how it works. And even changing just one or a few of these things will make a big difference.

What to think about when replacing your kitchen fronts

Your fronts are the face of your kitchen. These are largely what set the look and where you really get to express your personal style. Do you prefer traditional or modern? Perhaps you’d like the same fronts everywhere or maybe mix it up with accent doors in different finishes? You might even like glass doors on some of your wall cabinets.

Before ordering your new fronts, you’ll need to think about your cabinets. To fit IKEA fronts you will need IKEA cabinets.

When working out the number and dimensions of your new fronts, consider if you also want matching fronts for your fridge, freezer and dishwasher.

Check your existing hinges. Note how many, if any, need to be replaced.

Some fronts have integrated handles. Otherwise, you will need to choose a type of knobs and handles. Aside from being functional, these can really enhance your chosen style. You can choose ones that blend in or make a statement.
 

What to think about when replacing your worktops

Your worktop is the true workhorse of your kitchen. It’s also an important design element that can give the overall look and feel of your kitchen a real lift.

Our worktops come in four different materials. Each material has a unique combination of properties that will affect the look, price and performance of your worktop.

Some materials come in standard lengths that you cut to size yourself, whilst others are custom made.

Note that our worktops are available in a number of thicknesses.

Your new worktop may need cut-outs for appliances, sinks and taps, so you will need to know their exact measurements. If you buy a standard worktop, you can cut these yourself. For custom made worktops these will be done for you, but you will need to supply the dimensions of your sink, tap and appliances.
 

What to think about when replacing your sink and tap

Changing your worktop gives you the perfect opportunity to freshen up your sink and tap.

When it comes to sinks, first choose your style. Choose one in stainless steel or quartz composite for a modern look. For a more traditional look choose one in glazed ceramic.

How many bowls would you like? You can choose between 1, 1 ½ or 2. Perhaps you’d like a drainboard. Our sinks are reversable so you can have the drainboard to the left or right.

How would you like your sink to be mounted? Insert sinks are “dropped in” while underglued are mounted from underneath. Underglued sinks create a seamless modern look and make cleaning the area around the sink easy as there is no rim.

When choosing taps, first choose a style, modern or traditional. Then decide if you would like single or dual control. A pull-down spray will let you reach all corners of your sink. You may also need a dishwasher shutoff valve.
 

What to think about when replacing your appliances

When choosing appliances there are four main things to consider:

- Dimensions: They need to fit in the spaces you have and be big enough to take care of your family’s needs.

- Functions: Which ones are must-haves, nice-to-have and not-for-you.

- Colour and style: The look of your appliances can really enhance your chosen style. Also do you prefer free-standing or integrated appliances?

- Energy rating: The higher the rating, the lower the electricity consumption.

When it comes to installation, there are three types you need to be aware of:

- Place, plug and play. These are 100% DIY eg. free-standing fridges and freezers.

- Appliances that require specific pre-conditions for installation. eg integrated fridges and microwave ovens.

- Those that need to be installed by a professional. eg. dishwashers, hobs and ovens.
 

How to buy an IKEA kichen in five steps

Here we walk you through the five steps to getting an IKEA kitchen with all you need to know ablut our services that can help you out along the way. There's even a like to our 3D Kitchen planner so you can get started right away.
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