Kitchen Makeovers

Makeover or a Full Renovation

As the centrepiece of your home, your kitchen should be a place you’re proud to use and share. Unfortunately, kitchens are subject to lots of wear and tear, often becoming the first room in the house to show signs of ageing. If you’re unhappy with the look or functionality of your kitchen, but you’re not ready to undertake a full kitchen renovation, perhaps it’s time to consider a kitchen makeover. Imperial Kitchens don’t undertake cosmetic makeovers, but there are businesses that specialise in this type of work. If the issues in your kitchen are minor, a cosmetic makeover may suffice.  However, fundamental design issues or a kitchen that has simply had its day could require a comprehensive kitchen renovation to restore your pride in this most important room. This is where Imperial Kitchens can definitely help. A cosmetic makeover may be cheap, but it won’t overcome fundamental design problems such as inefficient workspace, inadequate storage or out-dated layout.

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Benchtops

Without doubt, the quickest and most effective way to dramatically improve the look of your kitchen is to replace your kitchen benchtops. You’d be amazed at the difference a sparkling new benchtop will make. This is not a job Imperial Kitchens undertake. However, there are specialists who can help you if this is what you decide to do. Replacing a tired, laminated benchtop with a fresh, new laminated benchtop is usually a simple and relatively inexpensive process. Clients often ask us if they can replace laminated benchtops with a stone benchtop. This is sometimes possible although we rarely recommend it as your kitchen cabinets probably weren’t designed to cope with the additional weight of stone. Imperial Kitchens never recommends replacing laminated benchtops with stone unless we are completely satisfied that your cabinets are suitable for this conversion.

Colour Blocking

Colour blocking is the practice of grouping a single colour to create a contrast to an adjacent colour. For example, this can be achieved by choosing a contrasting colour for a line of cabinets, or by using a coloured glass splashback. If chosen carefully the contrasting colours add personality and warmth which most people find very pleasing. The most popular, contemporary block colours are grey, matt black and natural woodgrain. However, neutral colours remain timeless and are often chosen.

Whites and creams are timeless and easily remain the most popular colours. These neutral colours reflect light, and look fresh, sharp and clean – something all home owners desire. Bold or brightly coloured accessories may be added for character if required.

Replace or Repaint?

No doubt you’ve seen kitchen makeovers on popular lifestyle programs where existing fixtures, for example benchtops and cupboard doors, are painted. This “instant fix” is an option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly improvement to the look of your benchtop or cabinets. However, painting shouldn’t be considered a substitute for new products. If you choose this option, you need to carefully consider how durable the painted surfaces will be in your kitchen environment. Imperial Kitchens isn’t a painting company and we recommend that if you decide to paint existing joinery or benchtops, you discuss your requirements with one of the companies that specialise in providing this service.

DIY or Professional?

As the highest profile room in your house, you’ll want the ideas for your kitchen makeover to come to life with consistent, professional-quality finishes throughout. Installing a kitchen would be a real challenge for even the most skilled home handyman. No doubt fans of The Block and other renovation shows will have admired the beautiful kitchens produced during those programs. You may also have noticed that although the contestants, some being skilled tradesmen, do much of the work elsewhere in their apartments, they do not attempt kitchens without professional input.

For maximum visual impact and improved practicality, your kitchen makeover should address storage problems, ease of movement within the workspace, lighting (particularly over preparation areas), and new hardware such as knobs, handles, sink and tapware. Finally, the importance of correct colour selection cannot be over-stated as “trendy” colours tend to date much more quickly than neutral tones.

Once you’ve addressed all of these issues, the finishing touches may be added with fresh paint on exposed walls and window treatments to complement your design.

For friendly, professional advice about your kitchen makeover please contact Imperial Kitchens for a free, no obligation consultation in your home.