Eastlife January 2019

Opt for a different splashback
This is a great way to add some colour if
you have a black and white kitchen. You can
find inexpensive tiles if you shop around, try
places like Topps Tiles. If you give them your
measurements, they will tell you how many
tiles you will need. Don’t forget the grouting, I
often suggest adding a contrast colour for the
grouting, so for example, white subway tiles
with a dark grey grouting, it’s a lovely effect. If
you want to really save, you could cover your
tiles with removable tiles or peel and stick as
they are known. These can be purchased from
companies such as Wayfair and depending on which
ones you chose, range from £14.99 for a panel of
15 cm x 15 cm. They offer a beautiful Sea Glass peel
and stick panel which is 25.4 cm square for £18.99.
This is a great way to update your kitchen without
having to get a tiler in.
Replacing doors and drawers
If your kitchen doors and drawers have had their
day, there is no need to throw out the existing
carcass. It’s possible to save around 50% when
you do this. I always suggest this to my clients as
it’s a terrific way to keep the costs down. You can
buy these online at companies such as Kitchen
and Bedroom Doors or Dream Doors UK. These
companies also sell worktops and handles. Some
companies offer to send a sample of the door to
ensure you are completely happy. The majority of
these companies provide doors and drawers to fit
most standard kitchens, but you could also get
them made. Either way, it’s going to bring down
the cost considerably.
Change the window dressing
It helps to remember when purchasing curtains or blinds
for kitchens, that there is a lot of humidity, so only buy
fabrics that are made from vinyl or PVC or with a protective
coating, as these will be mould resistant and waterproof.
Companies such as Blinds 2 Go offer a 30 cm x 30 cm blind
for under £30 making it a great option. They also offer
you samples and are delivered within 7-10 working days.
At Designs Direct, we offer a Window Treatment Package
which is perfect for this. We have designers trained just in
soft furnishings, and they source your blind or curtain fabric
for you at a discount.
Adding an island
If you are fortunate enough to have space, add a kitchen
island. This will not only give you more counter space, but
it will also give you a lot more storage. It doesn’t even have
to be the same finish as the rest of the kitchen, it can be
something entirely different as long as it blends, by this
I mean; if you have chrome handles, don’t opt for gold
fittings on the island. Kitchen islands don’t even need to
be fitted. Clients have occasionally opted to go for one on
casters. This makes it that much easier to push aside if you
have guests eating in your kitchen.
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