Best option for tiny kitchen on a budget

[ASauvignonADay]

Looked at IKEA (the 3D planner online) but as the space is so small (approx 2m squared) it seems a waste when the units leave gaps.

What are the best options for small on a budget? Is this something a carpenter could do, or would I be better going to a bigger kitchen designer/fitter?

Have a look at DIY Kitchens online. They have more kitchen designs and a huge range of different cabinet sizes. I understand that since we bought from them they now have an online planning tool. Their kitchen cabinets are delivered ready built rather than flat pack so less work when fitting.

We did a small galley kitchen with DIY kitchens white gloss units to make the space look light and airy. They have the biggest choice of unit widths which meant we wouldn't have any gaps at all. It worked very well and the quality was excellent.

We're having a nightmare with DIY Kitchens at the moment - four different things missing from the order and now we want to change something, we have to keep filling out endless support tickets because the after-sales team can't take phone calls. The kitchen itself is lovely, but the post-delivery customer service is dire.

Another vote for DIY kitchens, they have cabinets in lots of widths.

makemine I had the same experience. Kitchen great but fridge panel was damaged. Tickets left unanswered for 3 days it wasn't until I left a negative review on trustpilot I had a call within minutes. Sadly the replacement panel was more damaged than the first! Eventually got sorted out and I'm happy with the kitchen but totally agree the after sales system is very annoying.

Op a good money saving tip is the have the kitchen carcasses the same colour as the doors so you save on end panels. Here's mine from diy it's just the bog standard light grey. After a massive renovation my kitchen was last and every penny counted.

That's lovely, Bored. Which DIY kitchen is it - might it be Stanbury? We're thinking of getting the Stanbury in the pale blue cornflower though your light grey is gorgeous.

Our diy kitchen is being fitted atm but we've found the after-sales service really good. Yes a couple of bits were missing but they told us before it arrived (doors didn't pass quality control) & they arrived a couple of days later. Also 1 unit had damaged doors but they got back to me straight away about those. They have also been happy to speak on the phone? Sorry you're having a difficult time @makemineboozefree

Just remembered I didn't start new support ticket but replied by email to the notification of the first support ticket, maybe that helped as it's been 1 person I've spoken to all the way through?

Thanks all - looks like DIY kitchens is the best shout! Silly question, but who do I get to fit it?

village yes it is Stanbury in light grey. I had a carpenter make the open shelving. Really pleased with the overall effect for the money I spent.

We tried a few fitters - i think there's a website for trusted approved fitters (hopefully someone will know it on here) but the average wait was 6 weeks bear in mind as many fitters/joiners are very busy. We also tried Gumtree, local paper ads too.

One option is Benchmarx if you have one? They sell kitchens at trade price. We went in as members of public and they sais if we bought kitchen from them using one of their tradespeople we could become trade customers.

In the end we've ordered online - cupboards from one and worktop (cuts and joins done online so it was ready to fit) and DH fitted.

I used a local carpenter to fit mine. He charged £150 a day and took about a week. The fact it comes ready assembled is a massive bonus.

I take it back - DIY Kitchens pulled an absolute blinder this weekend and got everything to us that we were missing so our fitter can finish today. We are so grateful! We've got the Stanbury in Light Grey too and it's gorgeous.

@Boredboredboredboredbored i love your open shelving!

Would you mind posting another picture to show how it fits in beside the high cabinets on the other wall?

indisdress Thank very much! My budget was very tight but I had plans for one shelving to make it feel a bit more open. My carpenter made this out of MDF and I painted it the same colour as the walls. These will give you a better idea...

*Open shelving was what I meant

Well, I’m definitely inspired for the new kitchen I’m hoping to get in the new year! I planned on having some shelves, but that’s a great use of the space above my sink without fitting full cabinets, which I think would be too much in my small kitchen.

Indisdress that's was similar to me. I couldn't afford to extend but had a bay window levelled out to give me an l-shaped kitchen. I felt wall cupboards all round would look boring to be honest. I'm really chuffed with the overall effect and have managed to squeeze a table in too. See the before and after....

Bored it is beautiful

Bored, it looks great. Love your lights as well!

Love the open shelving. Great for washing pots, drying them and storing them without having to move your feet, hehe @:-)

Thank you all

How quick do you want it?
I got mine from Howdens, they do a sale in October so got over £1k off

@Boredboredboredboredbored, not sure if you've noticed (or mind), but there are recognisable faces in the bottom part of the 'before' photo. You might want to get it removed.

bored your kitchen is absolutely gorgeous and I'm delighted to discover it is the Stanbury. After seeing yours I'm 100% decided on the Stanbury but now am wavering between the light grey and cornflower. Your photos have helped in one way but not helped at all colour wise! Love your open shelving too though specially made might rule it out for us cost-wise. Thanks for posting the pictures.