CAREFUL PLANNING IS KEY TO ANY SUCCESSFUL KITCHEN PROJECT AND SELECTING YOUR FINISHES RELATES TO THE LOOK YOU ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE, PRACTICALITY AND BUDGET.

#1 - PLANNING AND PREPARATION

Thorough planning and preparation is the key, this saves money, minuses stress and errors.
Determine a budget that include Kitchen cabinetry, appliances and installation.
Remember the cabinetry and appliances are not the only items to include in your budget. There is demolition, electrical, plumbing and sometimes gas work.Then there is the splash back and touch up painting at the very least. There may be other building work if you are relocating the kitchen.
Your budget is going to determine the selection of materials you use on benches and cabinetry. It will also determine the quality of the kitchen hardware such as drawer runners.
Start a Pinterest board and collect images of kitchens you like to discuss with your kitchen designer.
If you are on a very tight budget a flat pack kitchen is an option. However custom-made gives you more flexibility in layout and style.
A new kitchen is a sizeable cost so doing your research on finishes, appliances and design is invaluable as you want your kitchen to last at least 15 years.

#2 CUPBOARD AND DRAWER FINISHES

MELAMINE- The most economical cupboard/drawer finish with a taped edge available in an extensive range of colours. It is very durable and low maintenance. However with a taped edge the join can be visible.

LASER EDGED MELAMINE - A step up from a taped edge as the laser edge makes the join seamless and it is not obvious to see the join line. This is my go to with most kitchens projects as it looks good and is an affordable option.
WOODGRAIN MELAMINE - The timber look melamine finishes are very realistic as they look and feel like timber as a result of recent technology. They are a very affordable option for a timber look.
LACQUER - This finish isn’t as hardwearing as melamine. However it has a very extensive colour range as it can be matched to a paint colour.
ACRYLIC - This is a step up from melamine and gives a similar look to lacquer but is chip and scratch resistant. This material can be selected in a matt or gloss finish. my preference is a matt finish.
VINYL - The vinyl is heated and pressed on flat or moulded fronts. it is very durable.However the options of profiled fronts is restricted.
SOFT MATT LAMINATE FINISH - This is a high pressure laminate with a soft Matt finish. It is ideal for handleless fronts and also for dark colours as it shows finger marks less than most finishes.
Timber Veneer - This is a thin sliver of timber glued to a MDF board. The grain can vary depending if it is quarter or crown cut. It can be stained to suit your preference but also comes refinished.
SOLID TIMBER - As the name implies this is solid timber which would make it a more costly option but it can be remanded and repolyurethaned.

#3 - BENCHTOPS

HPL - High Pressure Laminates, is the most affordable option and comes in a vast range of colours. previously the edge detail compromised the look as there was a black edge line. Be aware of this when you select your colour as you want a colour that has a matching ABS edge tape so that the edge looks seamless.This is also a more durable edge, so this would always be my preference using a Laminate. You can also curve a laminate edge to a 8mm radius if you don’t want an edge tape. HPL is a great option when you are working to a tight budget as there is a very good colour selection including timber and stone look alikes.
AR TOUCH - This product from Laminex is a matt soft touch high pressure laminate that marks less, so particularly appropriate for dark colours which show marks more. The colours have a matching ABS tape for a seamless edge detail. I have used this in black and it looks great as it marks less which is particularly important if you are using push to open drawer fronts with no handles.
SOLID SURFACE ACRYLICS - This is made from a hard wearing acrylic and is non porous and stain resistant. You also have the option of using acrylic sinks in a matching colour, they can be moulded into the bench for a seamless look.This material is also UV resistant and can be used inside or outside, so perfect for an outside kitchen.
ENGINEERED STONE - QUARTZ Quartz benches are fabricated from crushed quartz and resin. This results in a very strong material. As it is non porous the bench tops don’t need to be sealed and they are stain resistant. This material is extremely popular because of the extensive colour range. Depending on the supplier it comes in 20mm and 30mm slabs but can be mitred to any thickness.I often use 20mm which is cost effective and looks great.
PORCELAIN - Made from natural recycled crushed stone, porcelain is created during a process involving intense heat and pressure that bonds the elements to create an extremely strong, thin, UV resistant, scratch and heat proof bench top. In fact you can take dishes out of the oven and put straight on the bench.It can be used inside or outside so perfect for outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas. One thing to be aware of is that the colour doesn’t always go through the slab, depending on how it is made. However the edge can be mitred to avoid seeing a different colour on the edge.
GRANITE - A natural stone where every slab is unique. It can be polished for a more durable finish or honed for a matt finish. It is not as stain resistant , non porous or scratch proof as Quartz. However with care it ages well and you are getting a natural unprocessed material. Cosentino has recently launched a range of granite that has a protective coating making it less porous and more stain resistant.

#4 - HANDLES & ACCESSORIES

HANDLELESS - Cabinetry without handles has become very popular, this gives a very streamlined look, although does add additional to the cost but is worth the extra if you want a flush uncluttered look.There is also the option of using an electric mechanism so that you can tap the draw or cupboard and it will open fully. This is a great option for bin drawers and overhead cupboards.The electric option is more expensive but worth considering for areas that may be harder to reach or where you don’t want to use your hands.
There is a huge range of handles available . This includes aluminium extrusions fixed to the top of drawer or cupboard creating a recess for your fingers to pull it open. This is a good option if you want to have a flush look without going handleless. Then there is a wide range of handles fixed to the front and top of cabinetry, in a variety of finishes. Handles are a good way of adding detail to your kitchen especially for more classic kitchens.They add colour detail and contrast.
ACCESSORIES - Whether you want knife blocks, spice holders, film and foil dispensers, plate holders, bottle drawers … There are many options available that maximise your storage.