From Tiles to Kitchen UnitsConsidering originally my sister and I had only planned to redecorate, which we did last year, this is a big change. Which was then followed closely by having new wall tiles in the kitchen. Then before you know it we had brochures for kitchens in our hands. I will be quite honest when I say there was no way I was paying £15-£20,000 for a brand new fitted kitchen. For that is how much it would of cost, as it would of been a case of if it is being done it would have the full bells and whistles finish, so to speak. The compromise was to keep all the existing cupboard carcasses and have new doors, side panels, cornice, kick boards, oven and hob. I had thought of a budget of £5,000. But in choosing to keep the existing work surface and ceramic kitchen sink it reduced the cost although we did need a new tall tower unit.
New Kitchen Gloss Doors
Like the new front door fitted early in the year we made a conscious decision to use a small local business, A to Z Fitted Interiors. But do your research first, and check for recommendations.Choosing the finish and color of the cupboards caused lots of changing our minds. We were able to take the sample cupboard doors home, which helped greatly to see them in situ and in different lights, helping us narrow down which shade of cream to choose.
It does feel as though we have done everything back to front. Originally it was never the intention to do this many changes, just a new lick of paint. But once starting the work particularly when the new kitchen tiles were fitted it became apparent that the kitchen itself could not be ignored. I am so pleased we went ahead with the work.
It is never easy or stress free having work completed inside your home, particularly if you like things neat and tidy. But it was worth the upheaval and presented an opportunity to also re-organise and clear out the kitchen cupboards.
Old Kitchen Units
Caution - New Kitchen in Progress
What is left to do The one corner area of the kitchen by the hob is a little dark and previously we had some very old overhead lights, you can just make them out in the one photo. We are currently looking to replace these with new LED lights and have been looking at the selection at Bulbs2Go. Once we have decided on a style the kitchen fitter has said he will come back to fit them, the benefits of using a local business.As I type this we have sample floor tiles and lino in the kitchen. I know, what was that I was saying about doing everything back to front. But I think you will agree from the photos that the existing terracotta tiles need replacing and this will eventually bring the kitchen up to date yet still within a budget.
Cost £4,000 which included replacing kitchen doors, new tall unit, oven and hob £4,000.
Completed Kitchen Makeover
This is a collaborative post.
