Any suggestions for this new kitchen design?

Some_randomer

So I'm getting a new kitchen in an apartment and you can see the current pic and a new proposed design. I'll be keeping all the white goods bar the oven which is old so I'll be getting a new one. Regarding budget I have no clue what a kitchen this size should cost, but I'm hoping it won't be much over 4k.

If anyone can suggest improvements or things I've missed I'd be happy to hear them. Some questions:

• the company that did this design said they don't do full height cabinets, which means there's a gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling. Do most kitchen companies do this size that are less than ceiling height?
• I haven't decided on a counter top yet. I read about Sillstone and Quartz but these might be expensive. Is Formica what most people go with, and is it good enough?
• do most kitchen companies also fit the kitchen, or is it better to get someone else? I'm hoping to remove the existing tiles from the wall and possibly get a fibreglass splash back, and also fully tile the kitchen floor. Currently the floor is un-tiled behind the kick-boards.
• If I go with a fibreglass splashback (or tiles) should I wait until after the kitchen is fitted or do it before?
• Is it possible to buy a kitchen without a counter top and get another company to measure and fit maybe a quartz or sillstone top? For this size what might the cost be roughly for marble / quartz / sillstone?
• how much would a kitchen fitter charge for fitting this size, if they had to tile the floor and splash-back area?
• regarding doors I'm thinking of a matt finish solid wood type. I've seen vinyl doors that looked really great new but after 2 years the vinyl starts peeling off in places, so don't want that to happen. Are solid wood and vinyl the only types or are there others?
• 
  

Tia.

awec

Most decent kitchen providers should offer taller cabinets. They won't go right to the ceiling, but the gap will be small.

Alun

It's a peculiarity of kitchen cabinets here in Ireland and the UK. On the continent, or at least in the Netherlands and Germany where I lived for a while, they all went right up to the ceiling. I've no idea why they don't do that here, maybe ceiling heights are less standardized here or something.

awec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117716113#Comment_117716113

Most ceilings are not perfectly level, and bringing cabinets right up to the ceiling will make this obvious.

kadman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117716113#Comment_117716113

Good quality kitchen cabinets should go to the ceiling, with the straight cornice scribed to suit. Cornice is normally 100mm.

But kitchen fitting, cabinet cost, and reach too does not normally allow for that. Funny thing is I have to make a small library steps to reach the top shelf of high fitting cabinets. My own😀

looksee

If you have the will power not to use the tops of the cabinets for random 'thrown up' storage which looks terrible and is dirty and inefficient, then you can go with the lower cabinets. In very limited space the top cabinets might be more useful, but as they are high enough to need a stepladder you will find things. especially at the back, are never seen again.

You seem to be limiting yourself to one supplier? Look around for another quote for comparison. You should be able to get a more flexible crowd than the ones you have seem to be. I would expect them to install the cabinets even if you have to find a separate tiler and floorer.

If you buy the cabinets and then find a different fitter you have no come back on the store, they are sold and you take responsibility. If there are any issues with fitting them the stores own fitters - even if they are contractors - will be much more likely to sort it for you.

Have they explained what happens in that corner? Both doors hinge on the corner which makes access to the large space in the corner almost impossible. If they hinged to the other side you would be able to see more easily into the space.

Yes there is an alternative to solid wood or vinyl wrap, that is painted MDF (or similar) doors which will not peel but can be a colour other than wood. I have had them in two kitchens and they are good.

Find another quote, regard this one as a practise run, you may come back to it but it does not sound as though they are very accommodating.

seannash

For the lower cabinets just get drawers, no presses. Most presses do not utilise the space effectively.

looksee

The deep double drawers are great, but there really isn't space in that arrangement for them.

Some_randomer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117718692#Comment_117718692

Thanks, yes the design above is from a well known chain so I'm planning to talk to more suppliers and get some other ideas and options. So it looks like the approach would be to rip out the existing kitchen, tile the full floor, fit the new kitchen (either a fitter from the supplier or find my own), hook up the white goods, then do the splash-back area with either tiles or fiberglass. That's a good point about buying the cabinets separately, didn't think about that.

Regarding the corner it's just a press with standard shelves. Didn't realise both doors hinge on the corner - so it would be better to hinge both on the other side?

Re the painted MDF is there another name for that? I visited the supplier today and they have solid wood, vinyl and PVC doors, so maybe their PVC would be similar?

G-Man

Supposedly in older houses the upper walls in kitchens get a lot of condensation - not good if its behind a kitchen cabinet and thats why its not "done" - however modern houses and apartments are much beter insulated - so not a problem.

I did a compact apartment and got the tall wall cabinets (900mm?? ) and pushed all the way up to ceiling.. Underneath on the wall we mounted open barred ss/shelves up on which we store the must have cook items - pots, pans , jars of ingredients.

Its immensely practical for anyone who likes cooking - its so quick to reach for a pan or quickly see what pans are there.

A bit like this vibe https://images.app.goo.gl/Et3PEEQ4TA2Dw24J8

Some points - your standard kitchen "factory" aint interested in this they want straightforward fitting - you could get better served at a smaller place.

The top shelf only got used for christmas and rare bakery items.. Its not practical whatso ever for every day use. - hence its not popular with everyone - you cant bank on it as regular kitchen storage.

The open plan shelves get quite dusty and greasy - but as its every day cookery items, the shelves always get a regular wash..

J.R.

I would put 2 deep double drawers under the single drawer...rather than a press under the single drawer.