Kitchens

Advice on kitchen design, renovations, refits and improving functionality and style in the heart of the home.

Top Kitchen Tips to Make Christmas A Cracker

5th December 2018

Are you tired of your kitchen? Could it do with a new lease of life? Whether you have suddenly realised that your turkey won’t fit in your oven, or you are dreading the work that comes with catering during the festive season, we look at some top tips to make cooking for two or twenty-two go without a hitch.

Get gadgets - and more space

There are lots of simple gadgets and kitchen accessories that can make your life easier. You can cook small roasting joints and poultry in a slow-cooker for delicious, hassle-free cooking; investing in labour-saving accessories such as a good blender, bread maker or ice-cream maker can help you to show off your culinary skills with minimal effort. The key problem with buying lower cost yet effective gadgets is storage for the time that you don’t use them, and few people want their kitchen surfaces cluttered with seldom-used appliances.

By investing in good kitchen storage solutions, you can improve your kitchen’s functionality, allowing you to invest smaller amounts of money on your latest cooking craze, such as a sous-vide or a pasta machine. A reliable local kitchen fitter will be able to give you useful advice and innovative storage ideas to help you to make the most of your kitchen cupboards.

Choose the right oven

An oven is for life, not just for Christmas! Investing in a good oven will make all the difference for this Christmas and many years to come. Ovens, like people, have different strengths and weaknesses and what you choose really depends on your preference. Some prefer the constant heat and efficiency of an electric fan oven, whilst others prefer the instant temperature control afforded by gas.

A cooker is a long-term investment, so it is advisable that you spend a little time researching what will best suit your needs. Remember that gas and electric ovens need to be safely and professionally installed, so before you buy a new one, make sure that you have found a qualified electrician or gas plumber to install it; the only thing worse than a bad oven at Christmas is one that hasn't been installed!

A simple upgrade

If you are happy with your kitchen’s basic layout but just want to give it a new lease of life, why not consider a bit of a facelift? Local kitchen fitters and carpenters can fit new cupboards and doors without needing to replace the basic shell of the kitchen. This low-cost option adds instant wow factor to your kitchen, without too much stress on the wallet.

Whatever you love to cook, at Trust A Trader, we hope that you enjoy every moment! And remember, before you replace an appliance, or if your dishwasher breaks down over Christmas, don’t despair: call an appliance repair specialist, who may just be able to help.

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Do I need planning permission for a kitchen extension?

It's the extension that matters, not the fact it's a kitchen. Single-storey rear extensions often fall under Permitted Development - but depth, height, and proximity to boundaries all affect whether that applies to you. Side extensions and two-storey builds almost always need full permission. Building Regulations approval is separate and required regardless. If you're in any doubt, a quick pre-application inquiry to your local planning authority will give you certainty before you commit.
Should I choose a bespoke or flat-pack kitchen?

Flat-pack has come a long way - professionally fitted, it can look brilliant and is a smart choice for a regular-shaped kitchen or if you're renovating to sell. Bespoke is worth the extra investment when your kitchen has awkward dimensions, alcoves, or features that standard units just won't fit around. It's also built to last longer. If you're staying in the property long-term and want something that feels right rather than just functional, bespoke is usually the better call.
What kitchen layout works best for my home?

It mostly comes down to the shape of the room. Narrow rooms suit a galley layout as it's efficient and practical. Corner rooms work well with an L-shape, which creates a natural flow between hob, sink, and fridge. U-shaped layouts give the most storage in a bigger, squarer room. An island needs at least a metre of clear space around it - don't try to squeeze one in. Open-plan connecting to a dining area is consistently the most popular choice right now. A good kitchen designer will look at your space properly before suggesting any particular layout.
Do I need a plumber and electrician for a kitchen installation?

In most cases, yes. A full kitchen fit will involve plumbing for the sink, dishwasher, and possibly a washing machine, plus electrical work for new sockets, the cooker connection, and lighting. Both need to be done by qualified people - electrical work near water and worktops must comply with Part P. Some kitchen fitters cover basic plumbing, but for anything more involved, bring in the specialists.
How long does a kitchen installation take?

Typically five to ten working days for a standard kitchen, though it depends on size, layout complexity, and whether any rewiring or new plumbing runs are needed. Delayed deliveries are one of the most common causes of projects overrunning. Confirm lead times before you schedule the work.
Do I need to move out while my kitchen is being fitted?

Usually not, but expect a fair amount of disruption - especially in the first couple of days when the old kitchen is being ripped out. Water and power will be off at various points, so have a kettle, microwave, and bathroom sink access sorted. For a complex fit with multiple trades over an extended period, some people prefer to stay elsewhere - but for a standard installation, most people manage fine at home.
Does a new kitchen add value to my home?

A well-fitted, well-designed kitchen can make a real difference to both value and how quickly a property sells - it's one of the first things buyers look at. The return depends on quality and the local market, but a tired or poorly fitted kitchen can put buyers off just as easily as a good one draws them in. Professional installation is very important here!
What are the most common issues that arise during a kitchen installation?

The big ones: units or appliances arriving damaged or the wrong size, unexpected plumbing or electrical problems behind the walls, deliveries running late, and the room not being properly prepped before the fitter arrives. Most of these are avoidable - double-check measurements before ordering, get a clear schedule agreed with everyone involved, and make sure any plastering or flooring that needs to happen first is done before the fitter turns up.

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