Kitchens sorted: readers' questions answered

Will a new kitchen add value to my property? Fitted or unfitted? Natural light or dimmer switch? This advice from the Good Housekeeping Institute addresses some of your most pressing kitchen problems - and answers them

Q What is the best type of work surface to have?

 

A Kitchen expert Johnny Grey suggests dedicated surfaces appropriate to each task - stainless steel is best for a wet area, while granite is good where you need a surface that can withstand high temperatures. Hardwood such as reclaimed teak is another option, but it needs oiling to seal it - and you'll need to sand and reapply the oil every 12 months or so. Kitchen company In-toto (www.intoto.co.uk) recommends quartz for durability, but good-looking, good quality laminates are exceptional value for money.

 

Q How do I work out the lighting? I don't want to end up working in shadow.

A It's vital to get the lighting right, says Johnny Grey. In his design book, Kitchen Culture (Jacqui Small Publishing, £25), he suggests the following: 'Work with the natural light in the room for daytime. Plan key activities for areas where there's a high level of daylight - near a window or skylight. To increase the light level, choose a colour scheme to provide brightness and bounce light around the room. Limestone floors and reflective walls will help in a dark room. Light work surfaces in front of the place where you'll be standing, otherwise you'll create confusing shadows. Directional light is useful where you want brighter areas. It's important to be able to control the lighting, too, especially if your kitchen doubles as a dining area. Dimmer switches are as important as the light fittings.'

 

Q Will a new kitchen increase the value of my property?

A Most homeowners believe it will but, according to the Halifax, the most significant increase in value is achieved by adding space, such as a loft conversion or extension. Putting in a new kitchen rates third in the value-added table, followed by a conservatory and central heating, but the Halifax warns that the amount you spend needs to be in proportion to the value of your home. Putting a £30,000 kitchen into a £200,000 house will never give you a commensurate return.

Q What do you think works best - a fitted or unfitted kitchen?

A Johnny Grey, who invented the original Unfitted Kitchen for Smallbone, says: ‘If you design your own unfitted kitchen, it a way to take back ownership of the heart of the home. Early fitted kitchen designs didn't work - you faced the wall, banged your head when opening cupboards and the storage space was a lot less than if you used up the whole wall.' If you go for an unfitted option, Johnny suggests incorporate a pantry into the design or a huge cupboard that holds everything - far more effective.

 

Q I'd love to have a new kitchen fitted before my baby is due - how long does it take, on average?

A According to kitchen company In-toto, it should take between five and seven days to fit an average-sized kitchen.

 

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