Fitted Kitchens

Getting a New Fitted Kitchen

One of the Most Rewarding Home Improvement Projects

It's more than just new cupboards and worktops; it's a chance to create a space that perfectly suits your lifestyle. A well-designed fitted kitchen can become the true centre of your home and add real value to your property.

We offer a complete service, allowing you to plan and buy in-store or online, with options for a professional fit or self-installation. This detailed guide explains the entire process, giving you the confidence to create a fitted kitchen you will love for years to come.

What Are the First Steps in Planning Fitted Kitchens?

Good planning is the foundation of a successful fitted kitchen project. Rushing this stage is a common mistake. Before looking at styles, take time to think about your current kitchen and your future needs.

Our online planning tools are a great place to start, but a clear understanding of your space and requirements is essential first.

Understanding Your Space and Needs

Think about what works and what does not in your current layout. Is there enough storage? Do you have enough worktop space for preparing meals? Answering these questions builds a strong base for your new fitted kitchen design. It's also wise to set a clear budget at this stage.

Knowing what you want to spend will help you make decisions on everything from appliances to worktop materials later on.

Start by measuring your room carefully. Accurate measurements are vital for fitted kitchens , where every millimetre counts.

Key measurements to take:

• Room Dimensions: The total length and width of the room, plus the ceiling height.

• Doors and Windows: Note the size and position of all windows and doors, including the direction they open.

• Utility Points: Mark the exact location of your existing water supply, waste pipes, gas connection, and all electrical sockets and switches.

• Obstructions: Make a note of anything that could get in the way, such as radiators, boilers, or boxed-in pipes.

Thinking About Your Kitchen Layout

The layout is how your kitchen functions. The goal is to create an efficient and comfortable workspace. Common layouts for a fitted kitchen include:

• Galley Kitchen: This layout features two parallel runs of units, which is very efficient for cooking. It works well in smaller, narrower rooms.

• L-Shaped Kitchen: With units running along two adjacent walls, this layout opens up floor space and works well for combining a kitchen and dining area.

• U-Shaped Kitchen: This provides a large amount of storage and worktop space by using three walls. It creates a very safe and contained working area.

• Island Kitchen: Adding an island to an L-shaped or U-shaped layout can provide extra storage, a breakfast bar, and a central feature for your fitted kitchen .

How Do I Choose the Right Style for My Fitted Kitchen?

Choosing a style sets the entire mood for your new fitted kitchen . Your choice should reflect your personal taste and the character of your home. We offer a wide selection of styles online and in our showroom.

Some of our most popular fitted kitchen styles include:

• Modern Fitted Kitchens: Characterised by clean lines and simple features. High-gloss finishes and smart handleless doors, which use a push-to-open or recessed groove mechanism, are hallmarks of this style. It is perfect for a minimalist, uncluttered look.

• Shaker Style Kitchens: A timeless classic that suits almost any home. The Shaker style is known for its simple, high-quality construction, featuring a flat centre panel and square frame. It is incredibly versatile and can be styled to look traditional or contemporary.

• Traditional Kitchens: These offer a more classic feel, often inspired by country or farmhouse kitchens. Look for features like detailed panelled doors, decorative cornices, and natural materials like oak.

Choosing Your Cabinet Doors and Handles

The cabinet doors are the most visible part of your fitted kitchen . The style and finish you choose will define the room's look. Once you have chosen a door style, consider the handles.

For modern kitchens, you might choose simple bar handles or none at all. For a traditional kitchen, cup handles or classic knobs can complete the look. The choice of handle can have a surprisingly large impact on the overall style.

What Should I Consider for My Kitchen's Colour Scheme?

The colour you choose for your fitted kitchen has a big effect on the atmosphere of the room. Light colours can make a small kitchen seem bigger, while darker tones can create a dramatic, cosy feel in a larger space.

A popular design approach is the 60-30-10 rule:

• 60% of the room should be your main colour , usually the kitchen units and walls.

• 30% should be a secondary colour , which could be your worktops or flooring.

• 10% should be an accent colour , used for smaller items like splashbacks, bar stools, or accessories.

Think about the natural light in your room. A north-facing room gets less sun and can feel cool, so warmer tones work well. A bright, south-facing kitchen can handle a bolder or darker colour palette. Don't forget your splashback- this is a great area to add a pop of interesting colour or texture to your fitted kitchen .

Which Appliances Are Needed for a Modern Fitted Kitchen?

A new fitted kitchen needs the right appliances to be truly functional. We offer a full range of appliances that you can order online with your kitchen.

Core appliances to consider:

• Oven (single, double, or a space-saving combination oven)

• Hob (gas, electric ceramic, or fast and safe induction)

• Fridge-freezer (freestanding or integrated for a seamless look)

• Dishwasher (a must-have for most modern homes)

• Extractor fan (to remove steam and cooking smells)

Beyond the essentials, you could consider other appliances to improve your kitchen experience, such as a boiling water tap, a warming drawer to keep plates hot, or a built-in wine cooler.

When choosing, look at the energy efficiency ratings on each appliance . A higher rating might cost more initially but will save you money on your utility bills over time.

What Are the Best Worktops for a Fitted Kitchen?

Worktops are a major feature and need to be tough enough for daily use. Your choice of worktop will have a big impact on the final look. You can view and order our full range online.

• Laminate Worktops: This is a great value option. It is highly practical, easy to clean, and available in a huge range of colours and realistic effects, including wood and stone.

• Solid Wood Worktops: These add natural warmth and character. They require more maintenance, such as regular oiling to protect them from water, but can be sanded to remove scratches.

• Quartz Worktops: For top-level durability, quartz is an excellent engineered stone. It is non-porous, meaning it is very resistant to stains and scratches, and comes in a vast array of consistent colours.

• Granite Worktops: As a natural stone, every granite slab is unique. It is incredibly hard-wearing and heat-resistant, making it a popular choice for a high-end fitted kitchen .

Professional Fit or Self-Fit: Which Is Right for You?

Once you have designed your kitchen, you need to decide how to install it. We offer two great options: our professional kitchen installation service or a self-fit option for the confident DIYer.

A Professional Fitting Service

For a hassle-free process, professional installation services are the perfect choice. Expert teams handle everything, from removing your old kitchen to the final touches on the new one.

Benefits of a professional fit:

• Peace of mind: The entire DIY kitchen installation is managed by experienced professionals.

• Expert Finish: Guarantees a high-quality result, even if your room has uneven walls or floors.

• Efficiency: The job is completed quickly and correctly, with all trades managed in the right order.

Self-Fitting Your Kitchen

If you have strong DIY skills, the self-fit option is a rewarding way to save on labour costs. We provide high-quality kitchen units that are designed for easy assembly, along with clear instructions to help you fit your new kitchen. You will need to be confident with tasks like levelling units, cutting worktops, and basic plumbing.

Benefits of a self-fit:

• Cost Savings: You do not pay for installation labour, reducing the total cost of your fitted kitchen .

• Work at Your Pace: You can install your new kitchen on your own schedule.

• Great Satisfaction: There is a real sense of accomplishment in fitting your own dream kitchen .

Preparing for Your Kitchen Installation

Whether you choose a professional or self-fit, good preparation is key.

1. Clear the Room: Completely empty the existing kitchen of all food, utensils, and cookware.

2. Set Up a Temporary Kitchen: Designate another area with a microwave, kettle, and small fridge to use during the installation.

3. Ensure Clear Access: Make sure there is a clear path for installers or for you to bring in the new units and appliances.

How to Buy Your Fitted Kitchen: Online and In-Store

We make buying your new fitted kitchen simple and convenient. You can plan and purchase your kitchen however you prefer.

Buying Your Kitchen Online

Our website has everything you need to design and buy your fitted kitchen from the comfort of your home. The process is straightforward:

1. Explore the Range: Browse our complete kitchen range , viewing all styles and colours.

2. Use the Planner: Use our powerful online kitchen design tools to create your ideal layout with your measurements.

3. Add to Basket: Select every item you need, from cabinets and worktops to every last appliance and handle.

4. Arrange Delivery: Choose a convenient delivery date for everything to arrive at your door.

Visiting Our Kitchen Showroom

If you prefer to see things in person, visiting a kitchen showroom is a great idea. You can see the quality of our products and speak directly with our expert designers.

If you book a design appointment, remember to bring your room measurements and any inspiration photos you have collected. This will help our team give you the best possible advice for your project.

Key Points to Remember

• Plan First: A successful fitted kitchen starts with good planning. Use our online tools and measure your space carefully.

• Consider Layout: Think about how you use your kitchen and choose a functional layout like a galley, L-shape, or U-shape.

• Flexible Buying: You can design and buy your entire fitted kitchen online or get expert help in one of our showrooms.

• Choose Your Style: We offer a wide range of kitchen styles to suit any home, all available online.

• Two Ways to Fit: Choose between our professional kitchen installation service for total peace of mind, or a self-fit option to save on costs.

• Prepare for Installation: Make sure your room is clear and you have a temporary kitchen set up to ensure a smooth process.

• Get Inspired: Browse our full collection online or visit a kitchen showroom to get ideas for your project.