New kitchen: must haves or what to avoid?

usernameisvalid

I found the drawers really easy to assemble

Funny though, it's only IKEA furniture I can assemble. I couldn't hammer a nail in straight lol

DH struggles with it but can turn his hand to anything. Flat packs and he don't get along

Kim_kim

PasturesNew wrote: »

Try to avoid any corner unit where you have to reach into it. This sort of arrangement is my favourite: https://www.howdens.com/kitchen-collection/kitchen-accessories/storage-solutions/corner-base-shelf-unit/
.

I've got a racking thing that spins out, I agree the plain & simple type in your link is the best.

rosie383

Drawers are done at last! The drawers themselves are okay, it's the flipping' runners and putting them in the wrong places too many times to mention. Add into the equation that I was trying to do it at night so couldn't use the electric screwdriver. So it was manual all the way.
Got to the last cupboard which should have had a door and hidden drawers. Forgot that the runners should be inserted slightly differently for this, so took them all off again. Only to discover that instead of hidden drawer front, they had given me the proper gloss ones, so I had to take them all off again.
Anyway, it's pretty much all done now and I can't wait to clean up. Painting tomorrow then quartz at long, long last Thursday and I will have a functioning kitchen again! Woohoo!
Counted up and I have 17drawers of various sizes and 9 cupboards. And dh going to put a door on the alcove where they installed the boiler, so that will become a nice big cupboard for the ironing board and hoover.
So lovely today to do a load of washing at home for the first time in eight weeks, and to get it out on the line. No more launderette!

*~Zephyr~*

Sounds amazing Rosie! Well done! Can't wait to see photos

rosie383

When I figure out how to, then photos will be forthcoming. I'm so excited! I actually stuck some freezer stuff in the oven this evening as it is the only useable bit. Felt like such a treat after weeks of microwave food.
I honestly can't wait to do washing up in the kitchen sink! Am I just getting old or what? Got to be so much easier than a small bathroom sink.

So tomorrow we will have quartz! Does anyone know if it makes much mess or dust when they fit it? I am just starting to be able to clean a wee bit and am now wondering if I needn't have bothered.

Tell you what, when all is finished (still got more painting to do in various bits of the house) I don't want to see a screwdriver or paintbrush for a very long time.

Oh, we have decided to go for a rich red splashback. What colour could work with that at the opposite dining end? The rest of the walls are jasmine white.

On the subject of paint, I've discovered the Dulux endurance range. It's truly scrubbable. I had painted a windowsill with it, and next day dh dumped a load of DIY stuff on it and it has had a week of immense dust, every screw, hammer, you name it, dumped on it. I thought it would be ruined but it wiped clean as if it hadn't been touched. Ditto the two completely black handprints when a filthy dh lost his balance and put his hands on the wall. Not a mark after a quick wipe. Wilko does it for not much more than their durable range and it is far superior.

Just read that all back and I think I need to get out more! Seems as if I didn't pause for breath. My excuse? Complete exhaustion!

usernameisvalid

No your work top won't make a mess, if they have got it right

Our guys came the day before fitting to remeasure and make sure all our base units were flush. The day of fitting, in and hour in an hour. Just plonked on and sealed where needed

We had the same granite in splash backs and window cills, 24 hrs later and a good polish with a micro fibre ( window grade) and it was, and still is, beautiful

rosie383

Thank you IM. That's good to know. I've an alarm set to get up early and wash the top of my cupboards and line them. No more greasy cupboard tops for me!
Our granite people haven't made the second visit yet so I suppose they will check units today when they come. They aren't local to us.

deborah007

Thank you for all of your informative posts - we are on day 2 of our kitchen install and i am already going slightly ga-ga - i am just counting the workmen coming in and out!

Kudos to those of you who are putting your own units together, i wouldnt have the patience or the expertise to do that.

thanks again all

D x

suki1964

Rosie, all done now?

Pictures?

rosie383

Just got back from a few much needed days away after doing the kitchen before work/school/college.
Dh currently under the sink (which I still haven't been able to use yet!) trying to sort out a drip. Place is covered liberally with tools and bits of plumbing stuff. Hopefully once he is back to work tomorrow I will be able to get it all properly cleaned and take pictures!

Anyone got a cheap solution for lining drawers and cupboard tops? I thought there was a big roll of brown packing paper somewhere but I can't find it now that I'm looking for it! Pretty sure that newspaper wouldn't be the best idea as it would probably stain my pristine white drawers. (Make up your own jokes!)