When it comes to giving the kitchen a fresh new look, you don’t have to splash out on a whole new design. Removing and replacing cabinets and worksurfaces can be time-consuming and expensive. But there are other ways of giving this space a totally new look for less. Replacing the sink, tap and appliances will not only freshen up the kitchen in an instant but it will also upgrade your scheme to something more practical and efficient at the same time. Here are some of the best ways to achieve easy kitchen updates, with ideas for all styles, both classic and contemporary as well as everything in between…
1. CHOOSE A NEW TAP
Switching your old tap for something new is a great way of adding a fresh new look to the sink and worksurface. For a classic butler or Belfast sink, choose a traditional design such as Rangemaster’s Aquatrend dual-lever in a Brushed Brass finish to add a luxury look that complements painted Shaker cabinets and marble, quartz or solid surface countertops. For a more modern approach, the Aquaquad tap is a more angular style with quad-style neck and tabbed handles that also comes in Brushed Brass. It looks stunning contrasted with a black granite sink and dark worksurfaces and splashback. If you like the geometric look, then the contemporary Quadrant tap is for you with its right-angled spout that makes a statement in an on-trend Matt Black finish. All Rangemaster taps also come in additional finishes such as Chrome, Brushed, Brushed Copper and Graphite so there’s something to suit every sink and kitchen design.
2. SWAP THE SINK
While you’re at it, why not replace the sink too? If your current model has seen better days, try to recycle it by selling it on, giving it away on Freecycle or local ads or even planting up flowers or herbs in it outside in the garden. For a brand-new design, Rangemaster has a wonderful selection including metallic PVD stainless steel sinks in Gold, Copper and Graphite finishes for a luxe look that is sure to make instant impact. There are one bowl and 1.5 bowl sizes too, so you can have separate sections for washing-up and rinsing if you need them. Each sink is also supplied with fittings for inset and undermount installation so they are compatible with all worktop types and a PVD waste kit with coordinating coloured waste cover is included so it all matches perfectly. For sinks with a reversible drainer, check out the Andesite granite inset style with large geometric bowls and low radius corners. And for a traditional look, the Tenby fireclay ceramic sink is a compact design that fits smaller 500mm cabinet sizes, making it perfect for compact kitchens.
3. INSTALL A WINE CABINET
Now that we’re back to entertaining family and friends at home, having a wine cabinet makes things so much easier. It saves having to squeeze bottles of Pino in the fridge and allows guests to help themselves with ease while you get on with the cooking. If space allows, a 60cm undercounter wine cabinet from Rangemaster comes in Stainless Steel or Black and features two temperature zones for different wines as well as triple glazed doors, UV filtered glass to protect wine from the sun as well as an anti-vibration system to avoid disturbing the sediment. It holds an impressive 46 bottles too! If there’s not enough room for a 60cm model, there is also a slimline 30cm version that stores a more modest 18 bottles.
4. REFRESH SMALL APPLIANCES
Updating your kettle and toaster is one of the quickest and easiest ways to update the kitchen. Swapping old, outdated models for something more efficient will not only make breakfast more enjoyable but it also cuts down on energy bills too. Rangemaster’s Classic Collection is perfect for traditional kitchen schemes and comes in a choice of Matt Slate Grey, Matt Black and Matt Cream finishes – ideal for complementing a Rangemaster cooker.
5. INVEST IN A RANGE COOKER
Another way to make a statement in the kitchen – and an easy update – is to upgrade to a new range cooker. For contemporary schemes with slab doors, handleless cabinets or high-gloss finishes, the Rangemaster Professional+ has a sleek look with two spacious ovens and separate grill. It comes in 90cm, 100cm and 110cm sizes with dual fuel, induction, ceramic or gas hotplates as well as a choice of colours - Stainless Steel, Black, Cranberry or Cream. For more traditional kitchens with painted timber cabinets or Shaker styles, the Classic Deluxe is the perfect choice and I love the new Stone Blue colourway.
