How should I decorate my kitchen?

Your new kitchen has just been installed and it looks lovely. However unless you have specifically requested decoration from your kitchen supplier the surrounding walls will be bare and maybe a little scruffy. You may wish to decorate yourself or seek quotes from specialist firms. Doing it yourself should save you money and prove to be very rewarding. Unlike the major works involved in kitchen fitting the potential for DIY disaster is greatly reduced. Check out DIY books and magazines for handy hints.

What will you choose, paint or wallpaper? Modern emulsion paints are very easy to apply using rollers, brushes or pads. Two coats of a good quality silk finish are recommended for durable cover. If your kitchen front is plain you can liven up the room by choosing patterned wallpaper. A light colour will make your room appear larger. Because kitchens are working rooms where moisture, grease and dust collect choose a wipe clean surface such smooth vinyl. Avoid embossed papers as they accumulate dirt, are hard to clean and easily graze.

Make sure that all wood mouldings such as doors, architraves and skirting boards are adequately painted before decorating. Ceilings too should be completed. Protect cabinets, appliances and floor coverings from paint or paste drips. You may want to unscrew wall cupboard mounted cornice to facilitate decoration. Don’t put too much paste on your paper as it can become very soggy and tear rather than cut. Let the paste soak in for the recommended time and use top quality scissors and a craft knife with a ready supply of new blades for a sharp cut. Borders hide ragged edges at the ceiling. You will be so proud of your work when you have finished.

Can I change my kitchen simply by renewing the fronts?

top

There is now a host of companies that suggest you save money by simply changing your cabinet’s doors and drawer fronts rather than buying a complete new kitchen. For some this is a good idea but in many cases the appliances and cupboards are worn and they too require changing. If your kitchen layout suits you and your family, the appliances modern and reliable, cabinet carcases clean with smooth running drawers and sound hinges but you don’t like the colour of the fronts, then change them. However be aware that if you make a radical colour change the fronts may not match the edge bands and plinths of your cupboards. There is nothing worse than seeing oak doors on a white laminate carcase!

Doors and drawer fronts are normally the most expensive component of a kitchen unit and, coupled with the labour involved in fitting and adapting hinges, the price may be higher than you expect. If existing fronts look shabby then the chances are that the cupboard is tired and the worktop too needs replacing. Most serious kitchen users are better off replacing their kitchen and benefiting from a safe design tailored to their needs.

The front is functionally one of the least important parts of the cupboard. The carcase has to be strong and rigid, well sealed all round against water penetration. Drawer runners and hinges should be in tip-top condition and drawers must have a strong base and a ‘stop’ to prevent them being pulled right out, spilling their contents on your feet. Fronts simply keep dirt, pets and children out of storage areas while giving an aesthetic décor to the kitchen.

Can computers really design kitchens?

top

In today’s technical age we think that a computer job is faultless. However a computer is just a tool that relies on the sense and experience of the operator. Computer aided design (CAD) for instance, can be compared with a pencil. CAD is merely a tool to help make a drawing. The type of computers kitchen showrooms use are strictly drawing instruments and do not have the intelligence to plan. They can work out the price of all components as computers are also calculators but don’t expect it to be able to position your hob at your desired height, build in a dog basket and find a shelf for those lovely heirloom scales.

Designing your kitchen to meet your needs and those of your family takes skill. In addition the kitchen can be a very dangerous place. According to RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) 40% of fatal accidents and a third of non-fatal incidents that require hospital treatment are home related, with most happening in the kitchen. This figure would reduce dramatically if safety was planned in to kitchens from the start.

Don’t be tricked by modern technology. Computer drawings are great and give you a good impression of what your kitchen will look like. So can a good hand drawing. Neither are worth anything without a skilled and professional designer behind them committed to supplying what is right for you

Where do I put things?

top

A good kitchen specialist will plan adequate storage at different heights depending on the weight of items and the size and ability of the main user. For instance a tall fit person would prefer heavy frequently used things such as cast iron scales to be put away at their waist or midway level. This will avoid bending down or worse, reaching up high. To take the other extreme, someone in a wheelchair must have all storage at a much lower level. International research has proved that the ideal storage for an average height woman is as follows:

Bad kitchen planning and bad storage. These wall cabinets were set too high for the user and she certainly should not store heavy items so high.

Often used items requiring both hands should be stored at a level of between 700 and 1300mm.
Lighter objects can be put away at between 500 to 700mm or between 1300 and 1800mm.
When reaching for an object that can be held with one hand, storage should not exceed 1800mm high.
When reaching for an object while seated, storage height should not be more than 1200mm.
Rarely used items may be stowed away outside the height ranges, i.e. below 500mm or above 1800mm.

Pull out shelving, midway storage, demi cabinets and corner carousels in modern kitchens certainly help accessibility and are a true aid for less abled individuals. It is a good idea to break down storage in to four zones, preparation, sink, cooking and serving so that everything you need for particular functions is to hand. Following these guidelines will make an incredible difference to your kitchen efficiency while reducing fatigue and accident risk.

Cute - but not hygienic, even if you have a dish washer. A good kitchen designer can accommodate pets without compromising hygiene

Designing for disability.

top

Nowadays kitchens can be designed to give less abled users accessibility without additional expense. It is simply down to the experience and ingenuity of the planner. Good kitchen specialists normally deal with a manufacturer that has a large range of cabinet sizes of a quality that allows them to be adapted without risk. Similarly there are appliances that are admirably suited to wheelchair users.

Layouts should allow enough space for a wheelchair to turn. Matt rather than shiny surfaces, bright contrasting handles, plugs and sockets, spotlighting on the work surfaces and textured dial controls help the visually impaired. It is as easy to set sockets in to worktops or cupboard plinths as midway on the wall. Set them for safe, easy accessibility. Worktop height may need to be lowered, with strategic gaps underneath so that seated users may work in comfort close to the surface. Similarly wall cabinets should be hung at an appropriate height and floor units may be mobile on casters or incorporate steel ‘pull outs.’

Ovens and hobs should be split level to make sure that they are both set at a suitable height. For safety, use an induction hob. It only produces heat when in contact with a steel or iron pan. Fridges and dishwashers are available as pull outs and control knobs can be made ‘readable’ with raised epoxy tactile dots. Leave space under sinks for wheelchairs. The best sinks to use are wide and shallow with insulated bowls to prevent hot knees! Lever taps placed near the front clearly marked hot and cold are a real help too. Some of these ideas may help your existing kitchen. If you are considering a new one, you have the right to expect a design appropriate to your specific needs, regardless of ability level.

How can I prevent leaks from machines?

Dishwashers and washing machines use water. Flexible hoses made from rubber or a synthetic material move water from the tap to machine and around parts of the appliance. They are not as sturdy as the soldered copper or rigid plastic pipes that are used for your plumbing and they may leak. A noticeable drip from a pipe that is causing a pool on the floor must be attended to at once. Maybe the connector has come loose and you can see drips building up around the top of the hose. Turn off the water at the stop tap and try tightening the screw fastening. With someone watching the connector to shout if water gushes out, turn the water on slowly.

If the hose or connector is worn, replace them. They are normally available from your kitchen specialist or local hardware store. If you live in a flat and your washing machines are on a wooden floor above other people’s rooms, check that your insurance covers you for a burst. Most houses have concrete ground floors. Dishwashers and washing machines are best set on concrete sub floors for stability. This reduces vibration and consequent pipe wear. Solid floors also limit damage if there is a burst.

Some new dishwashers and home laundry appliances have water stop devices that guarantee a leak free performance. Double skin hoses, stop valves and, as a last resort, a drip tray that senses moisture and cuts the supply make sure that you need never worry about flooding again. It is worth paying a little extra for such protection, especially if you live in an upstairs apartment

Are thieves really likely to burgle my kitchen?

top

Kitchen appliances are becoming an attractive target for thieves. As domestic appliances have added features over the years, they have become more expensive and are seen as rich pickings. You hear of proud homeowners mentioning that they have an AEG dishwasher or Whirlpool cooker. Valuable status branded goods such as these have become far more interesting to house breaking villains!

To reduce the risk of theft, be sure that your home is protected by secure doors, windows and locking mechanisms. Don’t be careless, leaving doors open in summer etc. An alarm and a noisy dog are good deterrents. Record make and serial numbers of all appliances. Put your postcode on appliances and cabinets with an ‘invisible’ marker pen. The writing will show up under ultra violet light. Such pens may be bought from security shops and should come with stickers to place on doors and windows informing would-be intruders that your property is marked. This measure then becomes a deterrent.

If you kitchen is fitted correctly appliances will be securely built in to housing cabinets. Their removal will take time and discourage theft. Roller shuttered wall cabinets that extend down to the worktop can conceal small appliances such as toasters, kettles and microwave ovens. Finally, check that your insurance policy covers you for the full replacement value of all kitchen items.

Clearing up after floods

top

Floods range from those caused by a burst water pipe to serious area flooding. Kitchens are particularly prone to water damage. There are many floor mounted electrical appliances that can be destroyed by water. Kitchen cabinets are generally made from chipboard, a sheet material that is vulnerable to moisture. When exposed to water, it swells up and becomes weak and crumbles.

If flooding is not serious, water may only have affected plinths and floor coverings. Dry floor and coverings thoroughly. Remove plinths and allow air to circulate underneath cabinets. If the plinths show signs of swelling, order replacements from your kitchen supplier. Alternatively you may be able to buy matching melamine faced board cut in to strips to make your own plinths. If water has penetrated electrical appliances, an electrician must check them before use. Be sure that the kitchen is thoroughly dry before beginning any work.

An insurance company usually assesses serious damage. Normally you are entitled to like-for-like replacement. You may find that insurance only covers damaged base cabinets and not the unmarked wall units. Matching them could be a problem if the range is obsolete. It may be worth putting any insurance payout towards updating your kitchen. Renewing your kitchen allows you to incorporate measures to limit damage in the event of further flooding. Tiled floors, cabinets on legs and appliances and sockets positioned well above the ‘flood line’ will reduce damage in future.

How can I make my kitchen safer?

top

Statistics show that most accidents happen in the home and most are in the kitchen. The young and elderly are particularly at risk. The best time to consider safety is when you are planning your kitchen with a professional designer. Then you can be sure that you have safe storage for heavy objects and dangerous substances, no overloaded power points and a well-positioned hob. In addition your kitchen should be ergonomically planned to minimise unnecessary movements and accident-causing fatigue.

Not the best place for bleach or other poisons. A child can easily access this cabinet. Consider an auto lock or keeping poisons out of a childs reach.

Be aware of common problems in existing kitchens to reduce the risk of accidents. Cuts from knives and tins, injuries from slipping on wet floors and tripping over trailing leads happen frequently and can be serious. Burns and scalds are the result of distraction. Poisoning accounts for one in five household deaths and most of the victims are under five years old. Children are also at risk from trapped fingers in doors and overturned pots and kettles.

A hidden "Magnet Lock" helps keep children out of floor cabinets.

Do not keep heavy objects in wall cabinets. Better to store hazardous substances here out of harm’s way. Good lighting will make cutting with knives safer. Try to avoid working in your own shadow. Never operate toasters, kettles or any other electrical appliances near a sink. They could fall in to water. If you’re short of sockets, converting singles to doubles is not expensive. Hobs are danger areas. Be sure that you are not heating handles with an adjacent ring and don’t position handles over the edge. Curtains should be well away from the hob. If in doubt, replace with a blind. There should be plenty of worktop space near your oven and hob so that you can quickly set down hot and heavy items.

Keeping your kitchen clean

top

Despite the need for hygiene, kitchens can quickly become the dirtiest room in the house. Fronts around the hob and oven suffer from grease build-up. Dust is attracted to the sticky surface and becomes a grimy layer. Cleaning takes care. Wood doors should be wiped with hot water and detergent. Make sure that any excess water is sponged away as it may damage joints in the wood. Once dry, check to see if any scratches mar the surface. Matching poster paint will colour the scratch and topped with furniture wax makes a good repair. Rub wood polish in to all wood surfaces to make cleaning easier next time.

Laminate doors are easier to clean as they are flush and impervious to water. There are many ‘grease busting’ sprays available but try a small area on the inside of a door first to make sure that it does not damage or discolour the surface. Simply spray on, leave for the recommended time and wipe away. Protect metal areas such as fridges and hobs as there is a real chance that such powerful cleaners could affect the protective coating or stove enamelling. A further clean with warm soapy water and buffing with a dry cloth will restore your cabinets to showroom new.