Kitchen renovation: choosing the perfect fixtures and fittings

When it comes to renovating and revamping your kitchen, choosing the design, style and size of the cupboards and worktops, and sorting out the right layout of the room might seem like the most vital elements. But don’t overlook the fixtures and fittings too, as these are equally important and can help make or break the whole functionality of the room.

We’ve teamed up with Superbath to offer insight into all the essential issues to consider when you’re choosing your kitchen fixtures and fittings, from taps and sinks, to cupboard door handles, knobs and lights.

Kitchen sinks

Kitchen sinks come in all shapes, sizes and designs. There are single basin sinks, double bowl sinks, sinks with large draining boards, round sinks, rectangular sinks and more. And that’s without even thinking about the finish of sink you’d like – for example, polished stainless steel, matt stainless steel or ceramic.

When you’re deciding what sink to choose, think about the style and design of the rest of your kitchen. If you’re having a top notch contemporary kitchen, then a minimal sink might be the ideal choice. Or maybe you’d prefer to go for an under counter basin for a super sleek look. For a more traditional kitchen, a classic Butler style or Belfast sink might be the finishing touch you need to create the rustic look.

Whatever size sink and draining board you choose, don’t forget to make sure it will fit in your design and go with whatever worktop finish you’re having.

Kitchen taps

Kitchen taps are equally numerous in variety as the sinks! From a practical point of view, the taps should be easy to use and comfortable to hold, as well fit in with the rest of the design aesthetic in your kitchen.

Traditionally taps were added to provide both hot and cold water, but for the contemporary kitchen, the sleek and minimal single-lever mixer is a top choice. It not only looks good, but provides all the function you need in one hit.

Some taps these days, such as the ones made by top German company Grohe, come with added functionality too. For example, you can have pull out sprays for extra convenience, giving you a longer reach for washing dishes or cleaning your kitchen worktops.

If you love the idea of having boiling hot water on tap whenever you need it, with no need to stop to boil a kettle, then you may want to consider a boiling water tap. They’re one of the hottest kitchen must-haves and could transform the way you access and use hot water.

Kitchen cupboard and drawer handles

Whilst some kitchen cupboards and drawers come with suggested handles and knobs, in other instances it’s down to you to choose the finish you desire.

When it comes to looking at these fixtures and fittings, it’s amazing how many different styles, finishes, colours and designs are available – it can be mind-boggling! But it’s a decision worth getting right, as the handles can be the finishing touch for your kitchen design.

For a modern kitchen, long, slim handles might be the ideal choice to complement your kitchen cupboards and drawers, whereas round or ornate knobs may fit better with a more traditional design.

As well as the design, style and finish of handles, think about how sturdy they feel to hold and use. If you’re having large, pull-out pan drawers, for example, then you’ll benefit from well-made, good quality and sturdy handles that will last well.

It’s also worth asking yourself if you need handles on everything. For example, with some very modern kitchens where minimal is everything, there may be few kitchen handles in evidence.

Kitchen lighting

Finally, getting the lighting right in your kitchen is crucial to. Forget harsh strip lights, lighting in the modern kitchen is far more task orientated and user friendly and there are plenty of options to suit all areas of your kitchen.

If you love cooking and making dishes from scratch, then a few under-cupboard lights can make a big improvement on your food preparation jobs, ensuring you’ve always got good light available.

Recessed spotlight style lights in the ceiling can ensure the whole of the room is always well lit, but if you like to vary your lighting, you could have a dimmer switch added to give you more control. And if you’re blessed with the space for a kitchen island, to use as a preparation area or perhaps a breakfast bar, then adding lights to that space too will ensure you’re fully catered for in the light department. In fact, you can even make a feature of the lighting in this zone by using stunning pendant lights.

Remember, if you’re gone for a theme with your fixtures and fittings, such as shiny chrome, or matt silver, then carry it through in your lighting choices too. This will help provide a fully uniform and ordered feel to your kitchen and enhance the look and style of your kitchen cabinets, drawers and work surfaces.

Kitchen fixtures & fittings: buyer’s checklist

Use this checklist of key points to consider when you’re buying kitchen fixtures and fittings.

Style & design – does the item fit the style and design of your intended kitchen?

Quality – is the item well-made and will it stand the test of time?

Material – what material is it made of? Does the material and finish match other fittings in your kitchen?

Usability – will the item be practical and easy to use?

Availability – is it a design that’s readily available now, and is it likely to still be made if you need replacements in the future?

Price – does the item fit in with your kitchen spending budget?

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