Hate my new kitchen, what can I do?

[Kitchendrama1]

I’ve had a new kitchen fitted by cowboy builders.

I’m working at getting the worktops replaced with solid surface worktops that are basically plastic but look a bit like granite. The worktop has a slight marble through it.

I’ve got Lino fitted and I like the darker look. The Lino isn’t quite right but I’m thinking some tiles would look good.

The units are the same colour, the top colour is more representative of the true colour.

I would like to get a mirrored splash back on the left.

Any ideas on what I should do? I do have upstands so technically wall doesn’t need plastered.

I don't understand what you're asking? What's cowboy about it? It sounds like you just aren't happy with the design you chose rather than the quality/construction.

If it was me I would have matched the kitchen floor to the floor on the left (dining area?) As it would flow nicely

I think it looks lovely, I would have matched floor to the wood though if anything

@Camandmitch

I don't understand what you're asking? What's cowboy about it? It sounds like you just aren't happy with the design you chose rather than the quality/construction.

If it was me I would have matched the kitchen floor to the floor on the left (dining area?) As it would flow nicely

Hi yes I’ve got an open plan living area. I like the darkness as it creates a separation.

I’m just asking how I can improve it and make it nicer.

The builder did a bad job. Refused to do mitre joins, badly fitted worktop etc.

The only thing I wouldn't be happy with is that the cooker hood is centred over the middle of your cooker.

Is it just the camera angle or is the extractor not central over the range?

Very difficult to see any issues from the picture it looks great! Is your issue simply the build quality?

It's hard to tell what is wrong with it from one photo, it looks fine. Is the workmanship terrible or do you just not like it? If it's the former you need to work our if you want compensation. If it's the latter, perhaps give yourself permission to hate it and live with it for a while. If you rush to 'fix' it now you might end up fixing the wrong thing. Also factor in how long you will stay in this place or whether you have young children for instance as your needs/taste might change too...

It's not too bad, I would alter the wall unit beside the microwave and put the microwave in it so having a clear surface. Maybe look at some sort of divider between the 2 areas.

Should have taken the wood in there. And the non central hood would forever piss me off.

Otherwise it looks fine to me!

@Wriggleon

It's not too bad, I would alter the wall unit beside the microwave and put the microwave in it so having a clear surface. Maybe look at some sort of divider between the 2 areas.

I’ve got a microwave on the opposite wall. Looks great (new addition)

The corner units don’t line up because he wouldn’t follow my plan.

These are the upstands that that been badly put together etc

Sink isn’t level and will let water deep through. Worktops not level. There was one tube of colourfil used for two joins - should be one per join.

Etc.

The extractor isn’t for the kitchen - it’s got the old kitchen. When the pull out unit is added it will close the space with the cooker and I will get a new extractor fitted (one that goes outside).

I’m sorry my post isn’t clear.

I’m just looking at how I can tie the kitchen together?

I’ve got the solid surface work tops in a sort of marble affect and I’m wondering if it will match?

I will have an under mount sink installed which is classy.

The range cooker I hate…. But I can’t sell it because no one wants it, plus it’s not too bad.

So I need tiles?

I like it, looks lovely

Think you uploaded your second photo by mistake OP

So have you gone back to whoever supplied and/or fitted it ? Assume you haven’t paid yet ??

you need some kind of splashback behind the cooker - possibly a bright colour?

And am I right that you are getting rid of the cooker hood which is not centered? that will be a big improvement, and if the wall is blank you could put a piece of art up.

you could also see if it is possible to lift the cooker about 2inches up on little risers - it looks odd that the cooker is lower than the worktop.

@parietal

you need some kind of splashback behind the cooker - possibly a bright colour?

And am I right that you are getting rid of the cooker hood which is not centered? that will be a big improvement, and if the wall is blank you could put a piece of art up.

you could also see if it is possible to lift the cooker about 2inches up on little risers - it looks odd that the cooker is lower than the worktop.

Yes the cooker hood will be replaced. There are a few ‘stylish’ ones about.

The cooker needs to be centred and lifted up. That will happen when the worktops are fitted.

Oh I’m also getting mirrored plinths 😬

@HeronLanyon

So have you gone back to whoever supplied and/or fitted it ? Assume you haven’t paid yet ??

No they’ve gone

@lemonyfox

Think you uploaded your second photo by mistake OP

Yep I’ve reported!

Well the workmanship isn’t great so I’d get the builder back to rectify. Otherwise I’d keep it as is, too wasteful to rip out brand-new fittings and replace them just because you’ve decided you don’t like the look.

@burritofan

Well the workmanship isn’t great so I’d get the builder back to rectify. Otherwise I’d keep it as is, too wasteful to rip out brand-new fittings and replace them just because you’ve decided you don’t like the look.

He’s not coming back.

I’m not ripping anything out…. I’m adding a unit and also replacing the worktop.

I can’t quite work out what’s going on. Are you saying that the kitchen still has to have a cabinet with pull out fan installed over the hob? And the worktops aren’t the final ones either?

I would think mirror splash backs would be a nightmare for keeping clean. And mirrored plinths would remind me of those floor level mirrors in shoe shops.