WHAT’S your advice for adding the finishing touches in a kitchen?
I always think the final touches are what make a kitchen feel personal.
Tydeman range in blackberry and antique rose
Once you’ve picked your colour palette, the materials you’re going for and the type of handles you want, you can turn your attention to the areas in the room where the eye naturally lands.
This is where you can add interest with things like open shelving, artwork or statement lighting.
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Stevia range in gloss white
Are there must-have appliances you would recommend, and why?
The biggest piece of advice I can give is to buy for the way you actually live, not how you think you should.
If entertaining is your thing, you could invest in an extra fridge or double oven.
If it’s a busy family home, you may want to look at the biggest sink available, a high-capacity dishwasher and plenty of fridge space.
Integrated appliances create a sleek, seamless look and blend into the colour and design of your kitchen perfectly.
Spend your budget on appliances and kitchen equipment that you’ll use every day, rather than the latest gadget that might just sit in a cupboard.
Garcinia range in reed green with Rivero cabinets in natural oak
What are the things to consider when picking sinks and taps?
I can’t live without our boiling water tap.
B&Q stocks a brilliant range of these – and you can reclaim some precious counter space when you no longer need a kettle.
The sink and tap are probably the hardest-working parts of any kitchen, so always prioritise quality.
Rangemaster Harmony fluted Belfast sink
Think about the size of the pans and baking trays you wash regularly, and choose a sink that suits them – I personally love a large single bowl.
When it comes to taps, opt for a finish that ties in with your chosen kitchen feel – it will really bring together all the elements of the room.
At B&Q you’ll find everything from warm brass effect and chrome to sleek matt black options.
If budget allows, pull-out spray taps or multi-function boiling water taps just make everyday jobs so much quicker and easier.
GoodHome Aji boiling water tap in matt black
Do you have any handy tips for smart storage solutions?
The best storage is the storage you don’t have to think about.
Make sure every cupboard works hard.
Opt for deep pan drawers instead of lower cupboards, pull-out larders for dry food, and integrated corner storage to make use of those awkward spaces.
Or how about a pantry unit with shelves, drawers and even counter space hidden behind doors?
Caraway oak effect pantry
B&Q also has plenty of options for internal storage, from pull-out wire baskets and drawer dividers to integrated bins that are cleverly and tidily concealed.
If you spend a little time planning where everything will go before your kitchen is installed, you’ll end up with a space that feels calm, organised and effortlessly practical.
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