You’ve been working hard choosing cabinets, handles, appliances and all those other finishing touches to make your new kitchen complete. You’ve got the layout nailed down and know exactly how the finished kitchen will look. So, now’s the time to start thinking about fitting.
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Installing a new kitchen or renovating an old one can be an expensive business. It’s understandable that you’ll want to save some cash by DIY-ing some of the main jobs. But fitting your own kitchen could be a colossal mistake – it could even be dangerous.

Here are just 8 of the many reasons why you need to call in the professionals for at least some of the work:
1. Ripping out the old kitchen can be a messy, difficult job. It sounds simple, but it’s so easy to accidentally dislodge a hidden cable or even a water pipe. And what will you do with all the building waste? A kitchen fitter can take care of all of this for you.

2. Kitchen fitting requires specialist skills. There are many things you can do yourself, from tiling to assembling units, but other tasks require skill, training and qualifications. Your kitchen fitter can handle the joinery, door fitting and much more, while arranging for fully qualified electricians, gas fitters and plumbers to handle everything else.

3. A huge number of tools are needed. Don’t underestimate the sheer quantity of equipment – some of it specialist – needed to fit a kitchen. For your fitter, these are the tools of their trade.

4. You’ll get the very highest quality finish. A kitchen fitted with no obvious blunders or bodges is fine, but one with a stunning professional finish is far better.

5. Kitchen fitters have extraordinary attention to detail. Your new kitchen will look a million dollars once your fitter is finished perfecting the lighting, smoothing out edges and filling gaps. It’s these tiny touches that make a big difference.  

6. Got a quirky idea? No problem. Experienced kitchen fitters have seen every kind of layout and colour scheme imaginable. If you’ve got an ‘outside of the box’ idea for your kitchen, your fitter’s creativity and problem-solving skills can help to make it a reality.

7. Your fitter can supply the kitchen too. If you want an easy life and know exactly what you want, your kitchen fitter can supply the kitchen as well as installing it. You’ll only have to deal with one company, saving a great deal of time and hassle.
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8. Ideas, inspiration and the latest design trends – ask your fitter! Kitchen fitters always have one eye on the latest design trends, and they’ve seen what works and what doesn’t in all kinds of spaces. They’re the perfect choice to ask for advice.

If we’ve convinced you that calling in the professionals is the smart choice, get in touch with A&J Kitchens to arrange a free site survey and quote for your new kitchen. Call us on 01942873781, email kitchenfitter@me.com or get a quote online.  

With environmental issues at the forefront of global consciousness, we’re all thinking harder about our choices - whether it’s the things we buy or the way we live.

Designing a new kitchen ticks both of these boxes. The materials you buy for your new kitchen all add to your carbon footprint. The way you use your kitchen also plays a part, from how much energy your appliances use to how you heat and insulate the space.

So, how do you design a more sustainable kitchen? Here are some useful things to start thinking about during the design process:
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Reuse or reface cabinets rather than replacing them
When you move into a new house with a kitchen that’s not up to scratch, pause before ripping the whole lot out. Take a closer look at the cabinets. It’s likely that they’re in great condition, and certainly solid enough to be used in the new kitchen. If you recover them with gorgeous new doors and drawer fronts, no one will ever know the difference. This is a great way to recycle and reuse existing kitchen materials.

Choose materials that will last
It isn’t just the eco credentials of the materials in your kitchen that matters. You should also consider durability. An eco-friendly worktop that needs replacing in a few years is not a sustainable choice. You should always opt for quality and a long working life, even if it means stretching the budget a little further.

Opt for a classic, timeless design
It’s so tempting to design a kitchen with the hottest new kitchen trends in mind, but will these looks still be in fashion in a few years’ time? The less a kitchen has to be renovated, requiring the use of even more resources, the better for the environment. With this in mind, always aim for longevity when considering what look to go for. Classic and timeless can still be beautiful, and can work wonderfully in contemporary homes when paired with a few modern features.

Choose energy-efficient lighting and appliances
You won’t regret spending a little more on high-efficiency, energy-saving appliances in your new kitchen. Not only will you save money on energy bills, but you’ll be future-proofing your kitchen too. Go for the latest energy-saving tech and your appliances won’t become outdated in just a few years. Smart, energy-efficient kitchens are also very attractive to buyers, should you be thinking ahead.

Go for A-rated appliances (or higher – A++ if you can) and energy-saving LED bulbs, along with dimmer switches to adjust the wattage. Another smart choice is the touch-free tap, which is not only more hygienic and easier to keep clean but it minimises water waste too. Make sure your boiler is efficient and well-maintained, as this will play a part in heating your kitchen and its water supply.
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If you’re committed to sustainability for your new kitchen, get in touch with the A&J Kitchens team to discuss your ideas and work out a plan for implementing them. We’re expert kitchen fitters with experience with all kinds of kitchens, and we’d love to help you achieve your goals. 
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​If your big project for the new year is a kitchen remodel, you’re likely to spend Christmas browsing interiors magazines, Pinterest boards and blogs to get some inspiration.

It’s important to choose elements that make your kitchen design timeless – so you don’t have to redo it in a few years when it starts to look dated. But you’ll also find lots of creative ideas and inspiration in current design trends.
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So, here’s our roundup of the 2020 kitchen design trends that experts, such as the team at Better Homes & Gardens, are predicting will be huge next year…

1. Blues of all hues
Colour matching specialist Pantone announced that Classic Blue is its Colour of the Year 2020 – a beautifully rich, deep shade that works well in many spaces within the home. Following this announcement, it’s only logical that the kitchen design trends for 2020 will feature lots of lovely blues.
Cupboard door fronts are the perfect candidate for a splash of deep blue, especially when paired with simple white touches for a gently nautical-inspired kitchen. Blue also goes wonderfully with wood worktops. When choosing a shade, opt for a soothing, classic blue – and consider lighting carefully if you’ll be bringing a dark colour into the space.
2. Brass accessories
Metallic accents have been featured on kitchen design trends lists a lot over the last few years, but in 2020 it’s the turn of brass. Use it in taps, drawer handles and light fittings for a stylish finishing touch to your kitchen. It also happens to go very well with the colour of the year – blue!
3. Creative storage
According to a study by Houzz earlier in 2019, a huge 78% of homeowners have included specialty storage in their kitchen projects. It inevitably costs more to have storage custom-made for your space, unless you’re lucky enough to find an off-the-shelf solution that fits your space, but it can be well worth it. You’ll have storage that really works for you, and be able to hide the clutter in clever ways. 
4. Exciting, colourful ovens
Have a browse online for cookers and hobs and you’ll notice a distinct trend for vivid, exciting colours. Big brands such as Belling, Smeg, Stoves and Rangemaster have all released collections in fire engine reds, pastel blues and sunshine yellows. If you want to add a dash of uniqueness and flair to your kitchen, these modern ovens are absolutely the way to do it. Pair with a neutral colour scheme to avoid overdoing it on colour. For example, colourful cookers really pop next to glossy white door fronts, so this could be a great combo to go for. 
5. Mix and match lighting
Kitchen lighting usually involves a selection of different lights – from overhead spotlights and cupboard lights to integrated worktop lighting. But one of the big trends for 2020 is to really mix it up with lighting. Design experts suggest bringing in more decorative lighting, pairing chandeliers with pendants, splashback accent lights with wall sconces. Always, always think about functionality when choosing lighting, but you can indulge your creative side too.
Not sure if any or all of these hot kitchen trends is doable in your space? Get in touch with specialist fitters A&J Kitchens for expert help and advice. 
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​There are a huge number of things to consider when designing a new kitchen. But have you considered how easy it’ll be to keep the kitchen clean? If you’re not keen on the idea of spending hours every week scrubbing, de-greasing and sweeping up crumbs, follow these 7 top tips to design an easy-clean kitchen.

1.Avoid all worktop clutter
Wherever possible, keep the worktop free of clutter. Get everything up onto the walls instead, with clever storage such as magnetic knife racks, hanging rails and open shelves. This means that the worktop is left clear, so you won’t need to navigate around or move objects when cleaning up crumbs.
 
2.Low maintenance worktops
Ideally, you should be looking for a smooth, non-porous worktop with no grooves or rough surfaces where dirt will get trapped. Stone worktops are a good choice, but laminate or stainless steel are also good low-maintenance options if budget is an issue. Bear in mind that you will need to do a little more polishing with stainless steel though.
 
3.Hands-free drawers, bins and taps
If you have the budget, why not splash out on some tech to make it easier to keep your kitchen sparkling? Taps, drawers, lights and bins that use motion sensors to operate means there’s no need to touch them with messy hands while cooking. It’s also a bit cool.
 
4.Avoid nooks and crannies
Anywhere that crumbs can hide becomes a real pain to clean. This is where the advice and skill of your kitchen fitter comes in really handy. They can help you to ensure a perfect fit, clean lines and no nooks, crannies, holes or bumps where dirt can hide.
 
5.Choose flush-fitting sinks and hobs
An integrated sink is your best friend if you’re not keen on cleaning – you can just sweep the mess from the worktops straight into it! An induction hob which fits flush to the worktop is also easy to wipe clean. You can do it as the same time as the other surfaces without having to remove any gas rings or other parts.
 
6.Go for fuss-free gloss cupboard doors
Gloss finish surfaces do show up finger marks, dust and dirt, but they’re also very easy and quick to wipe clean. Choose designs with limited detailing, so you only have one flat, smooth surface to tackle.
 
7.Get a brilliant extractor fan
If you’re working out where to prioritise your spending, put the extractor unit at the top of the list. It is absolutely worth investing in a high quality, efficient and quiet extractor fan, especially if you’re not a fan of cleaning. A good unit will get all of the grease, cooking fumes and steam out of the kitchen, so it can’t settle on worktops and other surfaces.
When you’re ready for your dream kitchen to be fitted, get in touch with the team at A&J Kitchens. You can rely on our expertise to bring your plans to life!

​One of the biggest concerns when remodelling a kitchen is always the budget. How much should you spend on your new kitchen? If money is tight, it’s important to spend and save in the right places. If you skimp on some areas, you may come to regret it later, while in other places you can get away with buying slightly cheaper. 
Here’s a handy guide to help you start planning your kitchen budget, with tips on where to spend, save and manage your money throughout the project…
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Coming up with your budget
When making a budget for your kitchen, you need to be as detailed as possible. Get a rough cost for everything, right down to the handles, screws and feet for your units. Don’t forget to get some quotes for labour costs, and always overestimate to avoid nasty surprises later. 
Important: always build in a contingency fund. Kitchens nearly always come in over budget. It’s important to have the cash available to finish the room properly, or all your hard work will be wasted. You may not need your contingency fund, but it’s really nice to know its there. 

Where to spend
Only you’ll know what really matters to you in your dream kitchen, but the key areas you really shouldn’t skimp on are:

• The fitting. Even if you spend a fortune on your kitchen units and appliances, a poor fit will let the whole room down. If the quote from the fitter is too good to be true, it probably is. Always use a reputable, experienced kitchen fitting specialist like A&J Kitchens, where you’ll get a competitive price and complete peace of mind that the finish will be absolutely perfect.
• Worktops and door/drawer fronts. These are the most visible parts of your kitchen, so they need to look good. You don’t need to spend a fortune on door fronts, as there are many great-looking affordable options out there. However, it is important to get a good worktop that meets your needs practically as well as delivering the look you want.
• Taps and handles. Again, you don’t need to break the bank here, but bargain basement taps and door handles may let the finish of your kitchen down.
• Appliances. These are functional, practical necessities, so quality is important.
• Lighting. Avoid super cheap light fittings, but more important than spending money on lighting is taking the time to plan it out properly.

How to save
The pricier elements of your kitchen out of the way, now it’s time to claw back some funds. You can save money by:

• Reducing the number of appliances you have – do you really need two built-in ovens, after all?
• Buying cheaper unit carcasses – these are hidden away, so they don’t need to be fancy
• Having fewer tiles – you don’t necessarily need to tile all the way up the walls, so save yourself some money and paint instead
• Look for ex-display kitchens – they’re often a fraction of the usual cost!
• Choosing a simple sink – provided it is big enough and fits with your kitchen, a relatively cheap stainless steel sink will do the job perfectly.

For expert advice on kitchen fitting or any other aspect of remodelling the heart of your home, get in touch with the friendly team here at A&J Kitchens. Ready to go? Click here for a quick quote. ​

​There are a lot of decisions to make when it comes to designing or refurbishing a kitchen, but tiling should never be an afterthought. Your floor and wall tiles will make a huge difference to the appearance of the finished space. There are functional considerations to bear in mind too, such as whether your tiles are easy to clean or can withstand heavy use. 
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You’ll be overwhelmed with choice when it comes to shopping for kitchen tiles. There are an enormous number of styles, sizes, colours and materials to pick from. 

To make it easier to pick out the perfect tiles for your kitchen, here are 8 essential tips to bear in mind:

1. Set your budget before you set your heart on something too expensive. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular choices for walls (and sometimes floors) as they tend to be very affordable. You will have to splash out more for certain floor tile materials such as slate, marble and natural stone, whereas vinyl tiles are a super-cheap option.

 

1. Where will the tiles be placed? You need to choose a tile that is suitable for the surface and for the use it will undergo. For example, glass tiles make great splashbacks and decorative features but you wouldn’t necessarily want glass tiles for your worktop. Similarly, ceramic tiles are ideal for tiling the walls but they may not be strong enough to be used as floor tiles.

 

1. Find out about maintenance before choosing your tiles. Some products, such as natural stone floor tiles, need to be sealed before use in order to protect it. They also need special cleaning products, as ordinary cleaners could damage the finish.

 

1. Textured or smooth? Textured tiles can look beautiful, but they also come with the risk of trapping dirt and being harder to clean.

 

1. Busy family kitchen? Choose hard-wearing floor tiles. If your family, complete with children and pets, use the kitchen as the central hub of the home, you’ll need to choose your floor tiles carefully. Pick tiles that are durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic, as well as spills and stains.

 

1. If your budget is low, create a standout decorative feature. No one says that you have to tile the whole kitchen. If you’d prefer to save money and paint the walls, you can prioritise your spend on creating a beautiful tiled splashback instead.

 

1. Balance colour and pattern for a harmonious look. If you’re choosing patterned or colourful tiles for the walls, it’s a good idea to keep your floor tiles neutral in colour. It’s all about balance.

 

1. Not a confident tiler? Call in the professionals to ensure a neat, clean finish. This guarantees that all tiles are properly aligned and spaced, and that grouting and sealing is fully completed.

As well as handling all aspects of kitchen fitting, A&J Kitchens also has a highly experienced, fully trained team of tiling professionals at your disposal. Call us on 01942 873781 to get a quick quote.

​Pop-up extraction fans
These downdraft extraction fans, which appear seemingly out of nowhere from your kitchen worktop, have been a popular kitchen trend for a few years now – but are they worth having? They tend to be a lot more expensive than ordinary extractors, but they can also be easier to install in some kitchens. Many people like these extractors for the sleek look they offer, as they disappear after use and they avoid the need to have a bulky extractor unit at head height. 
If you have your heart set on putting your hob in an island unit, so you can face the room while cooking, a pop-up extractor can be a good choice. You’ll need to save a good amount of space for the extraction unit (which often goes under the floor) in the island below, and make sure the extraction rate is up to the job. 

Smart lighting
Kitchens often have to perform many different roles. They are primarily spaces for cooking and sharing family meals, but you’ll also use yours for entertaining and social occasions, as well as romantic dinners for two, homework and catching up with a friend over a coffee. This is where a smart lighting scheme can come in handy. At the touch of a button, you can select customised lighting that perfectly matches the atmosphere you’re aiming for – without having to switch a number of switches off and on.

Charging points 
Convenient places to charge your phone are becoming just as essential as ordinary plug sockets, especially in busy family kitchens. They’re a must if you’re designing a new kitchen!

If you need help fitting the latest appliance into your kitchen, A&J Kitchens can help. Get in touch on 07766 017438 to tell us about your plans. ​

​If you’ve put time, money and effort into planning your dream kitchen, it’s important to finish the project off properly. Many people find themselves so overwhelmed with decisions that they start to run out of steam near the end. The passion and drive they started their kitchen renovation with ebbs away, leading to half-hearted decision making. 
Finishing touches are everything in a new kitchen. The wrong choices will stand out, for the wrong reasons. However, if you get it right – these small details can turn a great kitchen into a really beautiful one. 
Here are the 7 finishing touches that could make or break your kitchen, so make sure you get them right!

1. Handles
The handles on your doors and drawers not only need to look good, setting off the style and finish of the cabinets, but they need to function properly too. It’s a good idea to put some thought into how easy you’ll find it to use the handles, asking yourself important questions such as - will you be constantly catching your clothing on them, or will they be hazardous for children?
2. Tap
If you get it right, your kitchen tap can be a style statement in itself. The tap needs to be in proportion to the scale of the sink in terms of size and height, and match the finish of other elements in the room (such as handles).
3. Waste storage
So you’ve designed a stunning, flawlessly finished kitchen – then you suddenly realise you haven’t planned anywhere for your waste and recycling bins to go. You’ll either need an ingenious solution like an under-counter bin system, or you’ll need to splash out on designer bin which will be on display.
4. Lighting
Ideally, lighting should be built into the masterplan along with other major elements of your kitchen such as the layout, cabinets and worktop. If you’ve got your task lighting sorted, don’t forget about overhead lights. A beautiful pendant light or directional spotlights can really make your kitchen shine.
5. Seating
Chosen to have a breakfast bar in your new kitchen? Make sure you choose stylish seating that fits with the look of your kitchen. You can even use your bar stools to make a statement, as a little pop of colour or a dramatic design feature in an otherwise minimalist space.
6. Tea towels
Yes, even tea towels can make a big difference to the look of your kitchen. After all, you don’t want to let your glamorous kitchen design down with tatty, dowdy old cloths. Splash out a few pounds on some lovely new tea towels and other accessories which match your design scheme.
7. Grouting
The quality of the finish is a crucial detail in any kitchen project, so make sure you get the professionals in for tricky jobs like grouting and sealing.
Call A&J Kitchens on 01942 873781 for expert assistance with any and all parts of your kitchen renovation project. We can help with everything from design and planning to fitting and installation. ​

1. Solid concrete
A concrete worktop is easy to clean and maintain, almost impossible to damage and will last you for years. It also offers a reassuringly chunky and rough finish, perfect for those who love tactile materials in their homes and fans of industrial and brutalist looks. It also works well in minimalist spaces and pairs well with natural materials like wood.
Concrete is a wonder material when it comes to building, as it’s usually quite cheap and can be formed into any shape you like using a mould. However, it does have drawbacks from an environmental point of view, and not everyone is a fan of the concrete look.
You can make your own concrete worktop with a bit of research, DIY skills and the right tools, but it’s best to seek advice from an expert. The beauty of concrete is that you can create a worktop that fits your kitchen perfectly.
2. Reclaimed wood
Want a standout piece or a focal point in your kitchen? Use reclaimed wood as your countertop and your kitchen will be truly unique, especially if you use it to cover an island unit. There are lots of places to source wood, but it won’t be cheap and you will need pay for the work to transform a lump of wood into a usable worktop. Some people love the raw edges and non-linear lines, as well as the unique grain and flaws, of reclaimed wood – but it needs to be safe, hygienic and fit for purpose if used in the kitchen.
3. Glass
Glass worktops offer a stunning decorative effect, especially when paired with clever lighting. They’re also durable, easy to clean and maintain. However, watch out for noise as chopping or working directly on glass can create a great deal of alarming noise - not conducive to a relaxing evening of entertaining.
Glass worktops will usually have to be custom-made, which doesn’t come cheap. However, you will get something that is completely unique and a real talking point.
4. Zinc
Stainless steel worktops have been a big trend in kitchen design for the last couple of years, for homeowners looking for that clean, minimalist ‘restaurant kitchen’ look. But have you considered zinc? It may be pricier than stainless steel, but it can look out of this world.
A thin layer of the metal is wrapped over a base, offering a futuristic finish that’s easy to keep clean and completely original. A zinc countertop will develop hairline scratches over time, but these form what many people consider a very attractive patina after a while.
You may need to get your zinc worktops custom made as they aren’t usually available off the shelf, and remember as always to use expert fitters to get a clean, professional finish. Contact the team at A&J Kitchen Fitters with your ideas and we’ll be happy to help. ​