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.

If the cooker hood is moved to the L can you still open the cupboard door?

I wouldn’t line the hob being against the worktop edge and lower: the proximity of worktop edge and burner looks like a fire risk.

Bloody hell OP, sympathise because the close ups do show terrible workmanship.

@ShingleBeach

If the cooker hood is moved to the L can you still open the cupboard door?

I wouldn’t line the hob being against the worktop edge and lower: the proximity of worktop edge and burner looks like a fire risk.

Bloody hell OP, sympathise because the close ups do show terrible workmanship.

Does L mean left? No the cooker would be moved to the right about 15cm, so although no dead bang on even its more even.

The cooker hood won’t have an affect on cupboard doors etc.

Yes such a poor install. They had 100% positive feedback. I was a little dumb by employing them.

Also as previously mentioned the worktops will be replaced so they will butt up. It’s not a fire risk as the burns are far away from the worktop and no pans touch the worktop but yes well spotted!

@FolornLawn

X post. Just re-read your OP, are you thinking of swapping the lino for tiles?

Yes tiles would add luxury!

@Antinerak

A tiled backsplash above the worktop and behind the oven would look good imo. Even just plain white subway tiles with white grout would make it look more finished and would make the oven area look more together. Mirrored backsplashes look great but aren't practical, never stay clean and would potentially make that wall look out of place. The floor is fine but tiles are easier to deal with and last longer, at least this gives you plenty of time to look for the right thing.

There are companies that will fix things like the worktop joins- I hired a guy who markets his company as a 'snagging service'.

Thank you. Do you mind providing a link to the guy you’ve used for snagging :)

Ps thanks everyone for your input. I know it comes across that I’m rude/argumentative.

@FolornLawn

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.

No cabinet no. Free standing extractor fan, vented outside and also the right size and placement for the cooker.

Here is a better pic.

The units aren’t dark grey so I’m finding it a bit hard to think what to do.

People say the lino is too contrasting. It’s also a step down and not on the same level. Do people still think I need wooden flooring? I don’t think it will match?

The boiler is going to be boxed in.

Extractor fan will be replaced and central.

Worktops will join and range cooker will be level/to the right a little bit.

Ideas please?

Panoramic pic

Different angles

I still think the flooring needs to match.
Otherwise once all the snags are done all you'll need is tiles on the walls.

What is it your not liking and wanting to actually do?

@JennaPenna

I still think the flooring needs to match. Otherwise once all the snags are done all you'll need is tiles on the walls.

What is it your not liking and wanting to actually do?

Just looks plain :/

Add some coloured tiles or coloured accessories, plants!

Some patterned floor tiles would be great. That lino is a bit of a downer.

@FolornLawn

Some patterned floor tiles would be great. That lino is a bit of a downer.

Thanks. I hate those tiles though… will try and get some “funky” ones…. Also known as garish lol

@HocusPocus31

Add some coloured tiles or coloured accessories, plants!

I’ve used plants in my other rooms to cheer the place up lol

The layout is all wrong for me sorry.
In such a small place I would have built in ovens and induction hob. Take plinths off to create space,same flooring throughout.l
I like the darkness but it feels quite claustrophobic.

I think it looks really nice, and once you've had the snagging done it will be great. I wouldn't have mirrored plinths though - not convinced they'll look good or be practical personally.

@Logmein

The layout is all wrong for me sorry. In such a small place I would have built in ovens and induction hob. Take plinths off to create space,same flooring throughout.l I like the darkness but it feels quite claustrophobic.

What’s wrong with the layout?

An induction hob over a gas cooker is personal choice. Built in oven(s) would take up more space than my current range.

Plinths are there to stop crumbs and mice. Removing them to expose plastic legs for the units would make the kitchen look not finished.

Maybe you don’t are that my kitchen is 2.7m long. Built in full size dishwasher, washing machine, double sink, plenty of worktop space, built in bin (yuck), 3.6 metres of cupboard space with large units (I have a tall ceiling)…. Pam draws, normal draws etc.

@mocktail

I think it looks really nice, and once you've had the snagging done it will be great. I wouldn't have mirrored plinths though - not convinced they'll look good or be practical personally.

No I’m starting to regret the mirrored plinths lol!

Photo of the mirrored plinths

I think I can narrow this down.

Questions:

Do people have tiles and upstands?

Would a light tile suit the flooring? I can’t get matching laminate and the flooring is a step down…

If you like the laminate and don't like tiles, "garish" tiles aren't going to improve how you feel about your kitchen. I'd like tiles like that, but I also like shaker kitchens and range cookers.

When you designed it, what were you hoping for? Do you have any examples of what you especially liked - then people might be able to suggest what bits you could do which would make it fit better with what you had originally imagined?

@Gladioli23

If you like the laminate and don't like tiles, "garish" tiles aren't going to improve how you feel about your kitchen. I'd like tiles like that, but I also like shaker kitchens and range cookers.

When you designed it, what were you hoping for? Do you have any examples of what you especially liked - then people might be able to suggest what bits you could do which would make it fit better with what you had originally imagined?

My bathroom is very garish so I was hoping to do something different in the kitchen as well. However the inability for the soft furnishings such as shelves and material changes (eg wooden vanity and metal shelves etc) mean it’s a bit harsh.

You make a good point about what I was aiming for. I got what I wanted - it’s just done in the cheap and can tell!

I do want herringbone tiles as I think they will look good! Would like the floor but everyone is telling me to get the same floor as the rest of the floor.

It reminds me of a lab, a bit cold looking, but dark. I'd choose a colour for the tiles and for your kettle and toaster. Maybe a warm cream/yellow.

Hang up tea towels and hand towels that have colour and possibly texture/pattern.