A galley kitchen can be a smart, efficient use of limited available space. Get it right and you’ll have everything within easy reach. This layout can also be quite stylish, and create a good ‘flow’ through to other living and dining spaces.
But galley kitchens can also go terribly wrong, resulting in doors that bang into each other, awkward unit arrangements and limited space for more than one cook.

So, here’s how to avoid a kitchen design nightmare and plan a gorgeous galley kitchen that ticks all your boxes:
The space between rows is crucial. The strength of a galley kitchen layout is that you have everything within easy reach. Simply turn round, then turn back, and you won’t need to clock up too many steps. So, make sure you leave enough clearance for doors and drawers to open comfortably on both sides, but not so much that you end up walking back and forth.

Arrange your appliances very carefully. When planning your layout, imagine opening and shutting the doors on your preferred oven, dishwasher, washing machine and other appliances. Are there any clashes or collisions? If so, it’s time to move things around.

Consider built-in appliances. Having too many functional-looking appliances on show can be too much for a galley kitchen. It can look too cluttered, whereas built-in appliances can be hidden away for a more streamlined effect.

Don’t squeeze in an island if there isn’t enough room for an island. The island unit is on most people’s dream kitchen wish list, but sometimes there just isn’t enough room. If you try to squeeze one in, you could end up ruining the whole layout of your kitchen – making everything far too tight.

Brighten up a tight space with colourful accents. Light, bright colours can look great in a galley kitchen, where sometimes there’s the risk of the space looking like a dark corridor. Experiment with neutral cabinets and soft pastel shades, a mix of tones and a few ‘pops’ of brighter colour.

Add depth with a statement wall. If you’re worried your galley kitchen is a little too corridor-like, you can create the illusion of depth with a statement wall. Alternatively, a patterned backsplash can have the same effect.

Need extra storage? Go for tall units on one side only. If you go up to the ceiling on both sides, it can feel as if your units are towering over you.

Open shelving can help the space to feel larger. Another way to make a narrow galley kitchen feel more spacious – and to break up the symmetry of the design – is with open shelves.

Pay close attention to lighting. To prevent your galley kitchen feeling too dark, you’ll need to plan your lighting scheme carefully. Avoid blocking windows with units, so you can maximise natural light, and use a blend of task and decorative lighting to add depth to the space.

Get a great fit. There’s nowhere to hide with a galley kitchen, and you may only have limited space to work with. This makes a millimetre-perfect fit all the more crucial. Get in touch with the experts at A&J Kitchens to start making your dream galley kitchen a reality.

Need more space in the kitchen? Whether you have ambitious plans for a glamorous kitchen island or want a dedicated space for laundry and utilities, a kitchen extension could be the ideal solution.

Here are some handy things to bear in mind as you start planning your kitchen extension:  

Plan the layout as early as possible. Before any building work begins, you need to make sure your extension can fit in everything you’re dreaming of. The space also needs to flow well, and work for everyone in the family.

Consider working with a designer. If you’re building a particularly large extension, it can be tricky to work out how you’ll use the space. You need a liveable space that doesn’t feel too cramped or cavernous. A designer can offer advice on the best layout for your needs, helping you make decisions early on about where everything will go.

Make a detailed budget. It’s easy to forget about taps, tiles and other finishing touches when you’re budgeting for walls, plastering and plumbing. But these small but essential details can derail your budget if you aren’t careful. So, get out your spreadsheet and plan your budget right down to the very last door handle.

Think about natural light. Lighting is crucial in any space, but larger extensions in particular can sometimes suffer from a lack of natural light. If the extension projects into the garden, that can leave the back of the kitchen a little too dark. You’ll need to think about solutions to overcome this, from skylights to lighting designs schemes. You can even adjust the layout so that your workspaces are positioned close to sources of natural light.

Get lots of quotes. It’s never a good idea to accept the first quote you’re offered. Speak to lots of different builders, especially those with experience in kitchen extensions. Remember that price isn’t everything, and that a super cheap price could actually be something to steer clear of. It could be just as important to have a good relationship with your builder, and put your project in the hands of a skilled, experienced tradesperson who really understands what you want.  

Be realistic about the timescale. Building an extension is a major job, so it’s likely to take time to complete. You can also expect it to be messy and disruptive, so you might want to think about relocating until works are complete.   

Think about how the new extension blends with your existing building. Its up to you whether the extension complements or contrasts with the rest of your home, but the blend of old and new will take some planning to get right. The fit of the kitchen will be crucial to this, so make sure you bring in an experienced professional like A&J Kitchens to get a perfect, seamless finish.

To talk about your kitchen extension plans and how we can help, feel free to get in touch for a chat – call us on 01942 873781 or email kitchenfitter@me.com.

So, how do you build child safety into your new kitchen design? Here’s what you need to be thinking about:

Rounded edges. When choosing worktops and counters, consider choosing something with rounded rather than straight edges. Remember that children are often at head or even eye level with counters, and a sharp edge or corner could lead to painful accidents.

Soft closing drawers. Not only do these clever devices give your kitchen that high-end feel – they can also prevent drawers and doors slamming on little fingers. Ouch!

Door stoppers. Popping door stoppers around the kitchen makes accidents involving flung-open doors and little hands less likely. It can also save your walls from dents and scrapes from doors being opened too enthusiastically.

Lowered worktop areas. Why not give your child their own dedicated worktop space? If there’s a suitable spot, install a worktop at a lowered, child-friendly height. This means your little ones can help out with cooking and baking, or just prepare their own cereal, without having to reach up to high counter.

Low-level storage for kids’ stuff. Thinking along the same lines as lowered worktops, why not give your child their own drawer? They can keep all their plates and cups in here, so there’s no need to climb or stretch for items when it’s lunchtime. With their own drawer, your child will have everything they need within easy reach.

Wipe-clean surfaces. This tip isn’t necessarily for child safety, although hygiene in the kitchen is of course important. But having smooth, easy-wipe drawer and door fronts can make your life a whole lot easier with those sticky little hands around.

Safety locks. This simple accessory can stop curious little ones getting into cupboards they shouldn’t. So, make sure you buy a pack while shopping for other kitchen accessories.

Power outlet covers. If any plug sockets are within reach of children, pop a cover on them for safety. You should also make sure you keep all electrical cables safely tucked away.

Lastly, you’ll need to have a think about kitchen layout. You need to keep dangerous things, like sharp knives and cleaning products, out of reach of children. This is easy to sort out once your kitchen is installed, but just make sure you have enough storage options while you’re at the planning stage.

Need help designing a child-safe kitchen, or are you ready to have your brand new kitchen fitted? Get in touch with our kitchen fitting experts here at A&J Kitchens – we’ll be happy to help.

Choosing a new sink for your kitchen can be trickier than you might think. To help you make up your mind, here are some key things to think about:

Match sink size to room size
The perfect sink should always be in proportion to the size of the room. If you don’t have enough worktop space, a huge Belfast-style sink is never going to work however much you love it. And in larger spaces, a meagre stainless-steel sink will look under-sized.

How to choose between undermount, top mount and sit-on sinks
Choosing the right type of sink is all about balancing the look you like, and the practicality of using the sink.

Trendy undermount sinks where the bowl nestles below the worktop are a popular choice, as you can simply sweep crumbs straight into the sink. There’s no lip and no gaps for dirt to gather. However, you will need to make sure your worktop can support the weight.

Top mount or drop-in sinks are easy to fit on almost any worktop, but you’ll need to make sure it can support the weight. There’s also the issue of the lip around the edge, which can act as a dirt and debris magnet.

Lastly, there are sit-on or apron-front sinks, such as large ceramic Belfast sinks. These are beautiful, but very heavy – so make sure you get the installation right.

Consider heat and scratch resistance


If you want your sink to stay looking pristine for 10+ years, a durable material such as stainless steel or ceramic is a good choice.

Give yourself a great washing-up view
When positioning your new sink, give yourself (or whoever does the washing-up) a great view of the garden or open family spaces of the house.


Use colour to make your sink a showpiece
If you’re looking for ways to make a style statement in your kitchen, a colourful sink could be a unique and fun way to do it. After all, who says a sink has to be white, black or stainless steel?

Functionality is nearly always more important than aesthetics
While you may have your eye on a colourful or trendy sink, always remember that your sink needs to be practical above all else. Otherwise, it’s pretty much useless.

Got the perfect sink? Now choose the right tap to go with it
Not all tap and sink combinations work, so you need to choose carefully. A key mistake to avoid is a tall, powerful tap with a shallow sink, as this can lead to water splashing all over the kitchen.

The draining board can be just as crucial as the sink
Where will you drain your dishes once clean? Look for sinks with an in-built draining board, or think about where a standalone draining board will go – and if that’s a practical option for your type of worktop.

Utilise the space under the sink
While planning your new sink, don’t forget about the cavity underneath it. This could be a really useful space.

Always get professional help with sink installation
Sink installation is rarely ever a DIY job, as it can go very wrong. Bring in the professionals at A&J Kitchens for a perfect fit with your worktop and a drip-free plumbing connection.

Get in touch with our kitchen fitting experts by calling 01942 873781 or emailing kitchenfitter@me.com.

January 2021 is looking set to be a long, wintry and potentially locked-down month, but there is a silver lining. If you’re dreaming of a new kitchen in 2021, you’ll have plenty of time to plan it!
To help you come up with fabulous ideas for your new kitchen, here’s our roundup of the most inspiring kitchen design trends for 2021…

Dramatic dark colours
All the kitchen design experts agree – dark tones are very much in this year. Black is no longer just an accent colour. The trend at the moment is to use it absolutely everywhere, from the units to the walls, to create a rich, luxe and dramatic space.  You’ll need to be brave and have a real vision for your space, but you’ll end up loving your inky-toned kitchen once its finished.
  
Double islands
Islands are usually at the top of kitchen trends lists every year, but something a little extra is happening in 2021. There’s a real demand for double islands, where a pair or configuration of central units create so many more options for prep, cooking and entertaining. If you have the space and the budget, go for it.

Wood revival
Wood surfaces and finishes are experiencing a resurgence in popularity in 2021, after falling out of fashion for a while. The best looks for this year are soft, pale tones and subtle-grained woods such as ash. Pair with a stone worktop or island and your kitchen will be bang up to date.

Downdraft extractors
Extractor units have been completely transformed for 2021. You no longer have to put up with a head-height extractor hood ruining your open-plan kitchen. Instead, you can fit a downdraft extraction system. These clever gadgets nestle neatly in the worktop, capturing odours and vapours straight from the hob before they can disperse into the room.
Clutter-free simplicity
We all love a kitchen gadget, but this doesn’t mean everything has to be on display at once. Embrace the minimalist approach and either Marie Kondo your clutter, or hide it away behind sliding doors or pantry units. As an added bonus, clutter-free kitchens are so much easier to clean.

Handle-free units
Another consequence of the push for clutter-free minimalism in kitchens is that we’re losing door and drawer handles. Instead, drawers can be opened with a push, or even a nudge of the hip in some higher tech models - ideal if your hands are full. These handle-less units offer clean lines and a pared back look, and they’re also easy to keep spotless.

Greens and blues
Throughout 2020 and into this year, two kitchen unit colours have been growing in popularity. People are being bolder with their colour choices, moving away from plain black, white or cream towards moody blues, and emerald and forest greens. These strong colours certainly make a statement, but pair them with the right colour palette and materials and they can look more stylish than you think.

If you have exciting plans up your sleeve for a new kitchen in 2021, don’t leave it too long to speak to a kitchen fitter. The team here at A&J Kitchens can help you figure out what works best and of course, deliver an exceptional finish when the time comes.
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One of the biggest trends in kitchen design at the moment is hands-free. It’s easy to see why – it’s cleaner, more hygienic and more convenient. With the right technology, there’s no need to touch taps, drawers or appliances with messy hands when you’re cooking up a storm. This saves you cleaning time later on, and makes your kitchen more convenient and intuitive to use.

Of course, hands-free tech doesn’t come cheap. But if you love the idea of a smart kitchen, and hate the idea of scrubbing stains off surfaces, this could be the right design approach for you.

Here are some touchless technology ideas to think about:

Touchless taps
Taps were one of the first kitchen fixtures to go hands-free. They use motion sensors to automatically turn the flow of water on and off. Simply swipe your hand near the sensor, and you can wash your hands, rinse dishes and prepare vegetables without ruining the pristine gleam of the stainless steel.
Hands-free taps are at the more affordable end of the scale when it comes to smart tech in the kitchen.

One-touch drawers
While there are more advanced systems which use motion-sensors to open drawer and door fronts automatically, a more practical option for most kitchens is one-touch drawers. These use innovative one-touch technology to open and close kitchen drawers wherever you touch them. And crucially, you don’t have to use your hand. You can use your knee, hip or foot and the drawer will open automatically – which is pretty cool.

Sensor bins
This is one of the most popular products in touch-free kitchenware – the motion sensor bin. With a lid that opens and closes automatically, there’s no longer any need to touch the most unhygienic item in the kitchen.

Smart lighting
Motion sensor lighting not only saves you having to physically touch light switches (potentially with messy hands) – it can also save you money on your energy bills. Smart lighting is particularly useful in under-used areas such as pantries, switching on automatically even if you’ve got your hands full.

Smart appliances
If you’re already in love with virtual assistant AI technology, you’ll adore how it can transform your kitchen. Many of the latest smart appliances can be connected to your home assistant, so you can control them using your smartphone or even your voice. There are smart fridges which recommend recipes after scanning your fridge for ingredients, and dishwashers which automatically reorder detergent when you’re running low.
You can use your smartphone for everything – from throwing an impromptu kitchen disco to setting the oven while you’re out. If you find cooking and cleaning a real headache, and you have the budget, these kinds of kitchen tech innovations could be a real time-saver.
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Need expert advice on your smart kitchen design?
Get in touch with the friendly team here at A&J Kitchens – we’ve been fitting kitchens of every kind for over 20 years, including kitchens designs featuring the very latest technology.
Call us on 01942 873781 or email kitchenfitter@me.com and we’ll get right back to you.

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1. Consider using a professional
Even if you’re a keen DIYer, there’s no shame in bringing in a professional to tile your kitchen. Remember that you’ll need to live with this kitchen for years to come - wonky tiles and grouting gaps will only drive you up the wall. For a perfect finish, it could be a worthwhile investment to use a skilled, experienced professional.
2. Don’t rush
While there’s a certain pressure to finish before adhesive or grouting starts to set, it’s better to take your time with tiling. Grouting in particular requires a degree of care and attention. And once it’s fully dry, that’s pretty much it – so it pays to get it right first time.
3. Always prepare the wall surface properly
Failing to prepare surfaces is one of the biggest mistakes you can make with kitchen tiling. But uneven surfaces covered in debris, lumpy plaster, protruding screws or nails can ruin the finish of your tiling project. As with all home improvement work, it pays to prepare properly.
4. Use waterproof, mould-resistant adhesive and grout
Kitchens are steamy, moist places, so when choosing adhesive and grout – treat it like a bathroom tiling project. Go for specialist kitchen tiling products and you’ll avoid problems with mould and tile slippage later on. 
5. Plan out the pattern before starting
Dreaming of a beautiful herringbone design using metro tiles, or a particular sequence of patterns and colours? Plan it all out on the floor or worktop before you start. You can play with the pattern and get it just right. Plus, you can work out how many of each tile you’ll need. 
6. Buy 10% more tiles than you think you need
Tiling projects nearly always have some wastage, usually during cutting. To prepare for this, a good rule of thumb is to buy 5-10% more tiles than you think you’ll need.
7. To tile or not to tile? Remember that tiles are easier to clean than paintwork
While it would be madness to tile floor-to-ceiling (unless you have your heart set on it), tiled areas are usually much more practical than paintwork. If it’s in a key ‘splatter zone’ near the hob, sink or food prep areas, go for tiles. They’re much easier to wipe down and look after.
8. Balance out colourful, patterned tiles with neutrals
You may love complex patterns and bright colours in your tiles, but be careful not to go overboard. To avoid a chaotic look, plan out which areas you’d like to make a feature of. For example, the splashback, or a small-medium section of wall tiles. Then you can keep other areas (including floor tiles) neutral.
9. Use spacers
Think you can tile evenly by eye? It’s actually really difficult to get straight lines and evenly spaced tiles, without using spacers, battens or at least a spirit level. Spacers are super cheap and easy to use, so it makes sense to get some. 
Need help with tiling? As part of our professional kitchen fitting service, A&J Kitchens works with expert tilers and tradespeople – so that all parts of your project are completed to the same incredible standard. Get in touch to see how we can help you with picture-perfect kitchen tiling.
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So, how do you get a super-practical kitchen? Bear these tips in mind when drawing up the plans for your new or renovated space:
1. Choose hard-wearing flooring
Flooring is perhaps one of the most crucial parts of any practical, durable kitchen. You may love the look of a particular floor surface, but it’s the wrong choice if it isn’t hard-wearing, anti-slip and easy to clean. Steer clear of thin, super-cheap materials, opting instead for flooring that is proven to stand the test of time.
2. Go for wipe-clean, quality paint
Choose a dedicated kitchen paint and never skimp on quality, as the paint you choose needs to withstand the daily wear and tear of the space.
3. Don’t forget the extractor fan
Do you really need an extractor fan over my cooker? The answer to this is yes, absolutely. A good quality cooker hood can help to get rid of lingering cooking smells and excess moisture. Miss out this essential element and you could end up with problems with mould or damp.
4. Avoid blocking thoroughfares
If your kitchen leads to another part of the house, such as a conservatory or outdoor space for example, you need to plan the layout carefully. Go for a streamlined design, such as a galley kitchen with sliding rather than opening doors, so as to remove obstacles. And it’s also worth considering whether an island unit is the right choice if your kitchen is a well-used thoroughfare.
5.  Splashbacks are essential in cooking and cleaning areas
This is another often-overlooked feature in the kitchen, but splashbacks really are important from a practical perspective. When placed behind cookers and sinks (and when they reach the right height on the wall), splashbacks can catch spills, stains and splashes before they ruin your walls and paintwork.
6. Get clutter off the worktops
The more you have out on display, the more you’ll have to clean. It’s easy for grease, dust and cooking mess to build up on items like knife racks and utensil pots. You’ll also need to move these items whenever you want to clean the worktops. The solution? Fix storage onto the walls, making use of clever solutions such as magnetic knife racks and hanging rails. You can also hide appliances like microwaves and coffee makers away in specially designed units. It’s all to create a sleek, minimal, easy-clean kitchen.

The demand for pantry larders and cupboards is right up there with kitchen islands. According to a recent kitchen trends survey by Houzz, around 30% of UK homeowners are installing pantry cupboards in their kitchens. And 1 in 10 lucky homeowners with enough room to spare are creating walk-in pantries.
The pantry is undoubtedly a practical feature, giving you a space to store bulk-bought, preserved fruits and vegetables and endless baking supplies. It’s also a great place to hide away kitchen clutter, and is perfect for those who love a super-organised home. But the pantry is also an aesthetic choice – as seen by the thousands of Instagram posts with the hashtag #pantrygoals.
If you’re dreaming of having a pantry larder in your kitchen, here are 5 of the essential things you need to be thinking about:
1.Creating a walk-in pantry – what are your options?
First things first, you need to have the space available for a walk-in pantry. Otherwise, you’ll have to make do with a pantry cupboard in your main kitchen.
 
There are a few options available - convert an underused broom cupboard, or an alcove/recess, or add a small extension to the side of your kitchen (remember that a pantry doesn’t necessarily need to be heated). Alternatively, you can create space for a pantry by moving a kitchen wall, rather than knocking through to open up the kitchen to the dining room.
 
2.Pantry cupboard options
If you’ll be installing a pantry cupboard in your kitchen, you have three main options. The first is a narrow pull-out pantry, perfect for utilising awkward spaces but not be the full-size pantry you dreamt of. The second is a corner cupboard, which offers lots of storage space but can be difficult to access unless you have lazy Susan organisers, and the third is a double batwing-style pantry cupboard that mimics the interior of an American-style refrigerator.
 
3.Utilise the full height of your kitchen
Whether you go for a walk-in or a cupboard, you’ll get the most out of every square inch of your new pantry by extending it all the way to the ceiling. Remember that you won’t use your pantry as much as your kitchen, so a handy step-stool is perfectly adequate for reaching the top shelves.
 
4.Be smart with shelving
The layout for a pantry should ideally be U-shaped, around 5 ft x 5ft for a decent size walk-in. And if you have a pantry cupboard, the doors when opened will create the U-shape. This shape is best for giving you easy visual and actual access to everything stored in the pantry.
 
Open shelves will give you the best access in walk-in pantries, and spice rack shelving on the inside of doors on cupboard pantries are a must-have for maximising storage space. Before installing shelving, remember to measure your largest and smallest items so you can create custom spaces that meet your needs exactly.
 
5.Finishing touches
Motion sensor lighting is a lovely (and energy-saving) touch in both walk-in and cupboard pantries, but there are other details to remember too. Your pantry needs to be cool and dry, so you may need to install a dehumidifier. And to plug this and other appliances in, you’ll need to get an electrician round to install some power outlets.
 
Need help fitting a pantry, or advice on where to put one? Get in touch with the kitchen fitting experts at A&J Kitchens.

Flooring often gets overlooked when redesigning or revamping a kitchen. When you’re reconfiguring units, picking out appliances and planning lighting, it’s easy to forget about the floor.
But flooring could actually be the most important choice you make for your new kitchen. It takes up a considerable surface area, so will play a big part in how the finished kitchen looks overall. As well as looking amazing, your kitchen floor also needs to be practical, durable and easy to clean.


Which type of flooring to choose
Let’s start by taking look at a few of your options when it comes to kitchen flooring material:
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1. Wood​
Solid wood flooring looks incredible, especially in a country-style kitchen. Unfortunately, wood isn’t a fan of moisture and changes in temperature, which you’ll find in abundance in most kitchens. If you choose a wood floor, make sure you seal it properly with the right protective finish.


There’s also the option of engineered wood flooring. This can be cheaper than solid wood and is less prone to warping when exposed to moisture.


2. Tiles
Tiled kitchen floors are versatile, easy to lay, durable and really easy to maintain. You can also find tiles that realistically mimic almost every other material, such as wood or concrete.


3. Stone
Stone floors are more expensive than some other floor types, but they offer a high-quality, luxurious look that could potentially add value to your kitchen. Stone is also hard-wearing and durable, but only when properly sealed.


4. Laminate
If budget is a concern, go for laminate kitchen flooring. It’s a great-looking, durable alternative to real wood at a fraction of the price, plus it’s easy to install and look after. Just make sure you choose one that’s suitable for use in kitchens.


5. Concrete
It may not be the most eco-friendly option, but concrete offers a highly durable, low maintenance option. It’s really versatile too, available in a range of colours and finishes (such as polished or stone effect) that add a strikingly contemporary edge to the space.

6. Vinyl, lino and rubber 
These are all cheap and cheerful options for your kitchen floor, but that also come in a wide variety of modern, attractive patterns and colours. They’re warmer underfoot than other floor types, while still being tough and hard-wearing. Plus, some materials such as lino are hygienic.


Which floor is right for you?
When choosing a new kitchen floor, remember that it needs to complement the style and colour scheme of the room as a whole. But it isn’t all about looks. Think about how you use the space and how tough the floor needs to be. If your kitchen really is the heart of the home, it’s best to go for a practical choice rather than a material that could be damaged easily.
And if you have kids and/or pets, easy cleaning is an absolute must. The last thing you want is to be on your knees hoovering the grouting every day.

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Installation tips
It’s worth investing in your kitchen floor, but it’s just as important to get a good fit. Use a reputable fitter with experience in fitting your type of kitchen floor, and seek recommendations and testimonials from previous customers before choosing.
Here at A&J Kitchens, we specialise in all aspects of kitchen fitting. We can either fit your floor ourselves, or call on one of our trusted partners to complete an expert, detail-perfect finish. Get in touch for advice and to get a free quote.