Upgrade Tips

Thinking about giving your kitchen a makeover‭? ‬Excellent decision‭. ‬Whether you’re picturing quartz worktops‭, ‬a statement island‭, ‬or simply a layout that actually makes sense‭, ‬a kitchen renovation can be as thrilling as it is overwhelming‭. ‬But with a bit of planning‭ (‬and a pinch of patience‭), ‬it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience‭.‬

Know What You Want‭ (‬and What You Really Need‭)‬

Before you dive head-first into catalogues or start pinning away on Pinterest‭, ‬take a moment to think practically‭. ‬How do you actually use your kitchen‭? ‬Is it your cooking sanctuary‭? ‬A hub for the kids’‭ ‬homework‭? ‬A hangout spot while you sip a glass of red‭?‬

Make three lists‭: ‬must-haves‭, ‬nice-to-haves‭, ‬and don’t-bother‭. ‬Be brutally honest‭. ‬You might adore the look of high-gloss cupboards‭, ‬but if fingerprints are going to drive you mad‭, ‬it’s worth rethinking‭.‬

Budget Like a Boss

Kitchen budgets have a cheeky way of creeping up when you’re not looking‭. ‬That sleek tap you spotted‭? ‬€200‭ ‬more than expected‭. ‬That custom-built shelving unit‭? ‬Somehow double the price‭.‬

Set a budget you’re comfortable with‭ ‬‮—‬‭ ‬then add on a little buffer‭ (‬around 10‮–‬15%‭) ‬for the inevitable surprises‭. ‬You’ll need to account for plumbing‭, ‬electrics‭, ‬installation‭, ‬flooring‭, ‬and removal of the old stuff‭ ‬‮—‬‭ ‬not just the glossy finishes‭.‬

So‭, ‬if you’ve got‭ ‬€10,000‭ ‬in mind‭, ‬be ready to spend‭ ‬€11,500‭. ‬Not glamorous‭, ‬but realistic‭.‬

Layout Comes First

Forget fads for a moment‭ ‬‮—‬‭ ‬layout is where your kitchen lives or dies‭. ‬The old-school‭ ‬“kitchen triangle”‭ (‬sink‭, ‬hob‭, ‬fridge‭) ‬still holds up because it simply works‭. ‬Think about how you move around the kitchen now and what annoys you‭. ‬Too much back and forth‭? ‬Now’s your chance to fix it‭.‬

Lighting is key too‭. ‬Make the most of natural light‭, ‬and don’t forget task lighting under cupboards or above counters‭ ‬‮—‬‭ ‬no one enjoys chopping onions in the shadows‭.‬

Choose Your Crew Carefully

Whether you’re going full DIY or hiring trades‭, ‬work with people who are reliable‭, ‬clear‭, ‬and ideally come with recommendations‭. ‬Avoid the cheapest quote just for the sake of it‭ ‬‮—‬‭ ‬sometimes it costs more in the long run‭. ‬And ask questions‭. ‬A good fitter or designer won’t mind‭.‬

The Dust Before the Shine

Yes‭, ‬it’ll get messy‭. ‬There’ll be noise‭, ‬dust‭, ‬and probably a few nights of microwave dinners‭. ‬But that first breakfast in your beautiful new space‭? ‬Worth every second‭.‬

So plan smart‭, ‬stick to your vision‭, ‬and enjoy the journey‭. ‬Your dream kitchen is on its way‭.‬