The MN lessons learnt kitchen thread.

[jollydiane]

I have read loads of kitchen threads so here is my conclusions.

1. Plan for where you bin is going to go.
2. Handless kitchens look lovely but can wind you up.
3. Floor Tiles look stunning but can be a bugger to keep clean.
4. Splash-backs are very practical for cleaning and can look stunning although some of you think they look naff.

What else should I add to the list before I make my purchase?

The one area I'm really stuck on is flooring. I want something that I can use my lakeland steam mop on (another MN suggestion) which I love.

I did post separately asking if anyone had this

www.sinks.co.uk/Ceramic-Sinks/Classic--Large-Kitchen-Sink.html?gclid=CMW14vqlzrICFUdvfAodggcASA

I am replacing sink and Worktop only. This sink would mean I only need to pieces of granite, one each side, rather than one piece with thin back behind sink ie would be cheaper and the sink depth would work with my existing cupboards. Canyou give me views please

Better link?

www.sinksandtaps.com/acatalog/franke_BELFAST_ceramic_2_5_Bowl_sink_VBK_771.html

I have neither a butler sink nor an aga (don't believe you on the latter, piglet John) but I do have a 1 1/2 bowl sink and I think most people want that. With room for a draining rack too.

so do I

the new one is a stainless 1.5 Bistro sink.

Butler sinks are fantastic for leaving dirty rugby kits in.

I want a huge one in my utility.

Been advised by friend that posh kitchen taps with extending hoses are a total PITA to keep looking decent.

Phew
Just noted 110 points to consider!

Our lessons:
-vinyl is ok but dents and is sliced very easily.

• keep kettle and toaster off to one side so drniks can be made without blocking the kitchen up.
• ikea sell knife drawer insets for safe storage
• plinth drawers dusty so ok for non food, baking trays etc
• dont scrimp on worktop lighting and connect all lights to wall switch

NEVER buy a carousel,. They are terrible.

Reviving this thread to ask why the corner carrousels are so awful? What else are you supposed to put in a corner?

Am also very disappointed to realise I've just bought a nice new set of knives but won't be able to have a magnetic strip on the wall because they're ceramic, d'oh.

I have a corner carousel, it is very useful, but if I looked with a torch to the back of the cupboard, I would see a load of cobwebs, dust, etc. Maybe that is a job for today.

Yesterday I cleaned the detergent drawer with spray bleach and put the empty washing machine on at 90 degrees. It is like new again. Thanks MN'ers for the top tip.

there are better corner solutions than a carousel. If i had a corner unit i'd have one which has fancy sliding drawers.

Something like this www.designhousekitchens.co.nz/images/workimages/6.jpg

or this

ultimatekitchens.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/blind-corner.jpg

Don't buy anything Swedish-style from B&Q (not that you would ). It looked lovely when I moved in but 1 year later the kettle steam has loosened and furled the laminate from the cupboard doors above and the oven has loosened/melted/burned the laminate from doors and units alongside.

That's the down fall of vinyl or foil wrapped doors no matter where you buy them.
Most that supply these doors all use the same suppliers or same quality suppliers.
there is no difference in the quality, if b&q, howdens or ikea on the door really as there is only a few ways to glue a cover on a board. As its glued on, the steam will loosen the glue so it has an orange peel effect. If they haven't used a moister resistant board under (and it wont be) it will also bow over time

Viking I have just found carousels to be wobbly and inefficient on space, plus how do you clean behind, or see what's in the cupboard.

An alternative way to do a corner cabinet (an L-shaped one with a double hinged door) is two shelves at 1/3 and 2/3 height, not too deep, maybe 35cm. That way you get the whole base plus two extra levels to put things, but everything is visible and easy to reach. No machinery or inaccessible corners.

You can't easily buy this though for some baffling reason, so we have twice now had it done by the fitter just buying an extra shelf and cutting down the one that came with the unit.

see for example pg 60 of the Magnet brochure

We're going with an Ikea kitchen. They do have similar possibilities for corners (the shelves that kind of pivot and pull out, but we just can't fit them in and have to opt for the carousel version. Oh well, I will have been warned!

Oh, and it's:

Big spoons, forks, knives, tea spoons.

I would strongly agree with fossil971. The only people I've ever met who truly understand the construction of a corner cupboard at base level like this are the Council kitchen fitters who can knock one up in moments. Must be from having plenty of practice in confined spaces!

Nit-picking now but in addition to incorporating space for ordinary bin and recycling bins ... maybe the odd cook book etc etc ... a long thin space for trays (perhaps next to dishwasher) is really v. useful (esp. if you entertain a lot) - otherwise where do you keep them?

I have an IKEA kitchen.

NEVER AGAIN. And for the record NEVER AGAIN

Why not, Gay40? Please expand before I buy one!!

just reading this thread as am currently choosing a new kitchen, totally brilliant /relevant even after a couple of years !

Going to start a NEW thread however about integrated cooker hoods
Great to be on this website !

Fantastic thread - am I allowed to resurrect it to ask all of those who were mid kitchen re-fit got on?