No kitchen sink drama: top tips and tricks to help make your kitchen renovation run smoothly

As open plan living becomes ever more popular, a combined kitchen/dining/living room, often called the 'family room', has become the heart of the home, for everything from stand-up breakfasts to more formal entertaining.

It's no surprise then that when people buy a new house, one of the first projects they tackle is often a kitchen overhaul.

According to the Houzz 2018 Kitchen Trends report, 40 per cent of kitchen renovations were started after a new house purchase.

And with an average spend of £10,300, rising to £11,700 for rooms of 100sq ft or above, it's essential the work is done to a high standard.

To ensure your new house project goes smoothly, Victoria Harrison, editor of Houzz, offers these essential tips.

LIST IT OUT

Keep a note of all the bits you plan to store in your kitchen, from appliances, utensils, crockery, pots and pans to your pantry’s collection of spices. Having an idea of this will help when it comes to planning your kitchen storage needs.

You could even include wish list items which you hope to have in the future to ensure your kitchen design has longevity.

KNOW YOUR STYLE

Researching different types of kitchen designs and thinking about your favourite colour schemes, shapes, sizes and styles is the fun part of a renovation project.

Considering details such as cupboard doors, taps, hardware and worktops will help you identify your look.

If you’re really unsure about what you want, sometimes thinking about what you don’t like is an easier place to start.

MEASURE UP

The golden rule ‘measure twice, cut once’ is one to live by during a kitchen project.

Accurate measurements of your current kitchen and dining space, including elements such as windows, doors and fuse boxes, are essential.

It’s always worth asking for a second opinion from whomever will be fitting your kitchen to ensure everything keeps on track.

GET IN THE PROS

Working with a good team of professionals who have solid industry knowledge is crucial to ensuring a smooth kitchen renovation.

Not only can they advise on the viability of ideas, but they’ll also be able to recommend the best suppliers, materials and processes.

MANAGING DAILY ROUTINES

It’s inevitable that remodelling a kitchen will slightly disrupt the daily routine but planning ahead can save unnecessary hassle.

Dedicating a small space for microwave, kettle and table to act as an impromptu cooking station and organising a pet sitter are things your future self will thank you for.

Scroll through the gallery above for style tips and tricks...