10 Finishing Touches That Can Make Or Break Your New Kitchen

Once you’ve put the time and effort into designing your new kitchen, and had everything from units and worktops to flooring and tiling fitted, the bulk of the work is done. 
However, the job is not yet complete until you’ve tackled all of those tiny but surprisingly time-consuming jobs needed to create the perfect finish. Neglect or rush any of these finishing touches and the hard work and expense involved in bringing your dream kitchen to life could be wasted. 
Here are the 10 essential finishing touches you need to get right:


1. Grouting. It’s true that tiling is the most time-consuming job, but grouting is equally important. You’re aiming for clean, neat lines, with all of the gaps filled, and the tiles properly cleaned off afterwards. 

2. Sealing. A messy job sealing around sinks and other areas can make even expensive fixtures and fittings look bad, and it can cause problems later on. 

3. Handles and knobs. It’s amazing the difference that handles and knobs on cupboards and drawers can make to a kitchen, so take your time choosing and call in the experts to install if you aren’t confident. 


4. Splashbacks. So many people focus all of their attention on tiling the walls, so they forget about splashbacks. A splashback is essential from a functional point of view, but it can also be the focal point of the room so it’s crucial to get it right. 


5. Sockets and switches. You might need a professional to ensure that your sockets and switches are neat and tidy, straight and even, and flush to the wall. 


6. Cornices, pelmets and plinths. It’s easy to forget these finishing trims to your cupboards and units, and some people think they don’t need them. However, these touches are an affordable way to make your units and cupboards look more expensive, and to look like they fit better – so don’t miss them off your list. 


7. Blinds or curtains. Window coverings are a key part of the finished look of your kitchen, so choose carefully. You’ll also need to measure carefully and install blinds or curtains properly. 


8. Cover panels. To give exposed sides of units a more professional finish, use cover panels which match your door and drawer fronts.


9. Filler pieces. If you’ve got unsightly gaps in your kitchen, the solution to use is filler pieces. You might need a professional kitchen fitter to ensure that the pieces fit perfectly into the space and are properly sealed. 


10. Small appliances. If you’re bringing small appliances like toasters, kettles and microwaves from a previous kitchen into a newly designed room, think about how they will work together. For example, the look of a glossy modern kitchen could be spoilt by an old, slightly stained microwave – so you’ll either need to hide it away or invest in a shiny new one. 


For more advice on finishing a kitchen properly, or for experts to do the job for you, get in touch with the friendly and knowledgeable team at A&J Kitchens.