Kitchens

Social housing tenants to handle own home improvements
People living in social housing in the UK will be given money to make their own improvements, under new government plans.

Don’t get caught out by cheap kitchen units, warns designer
Homeowners have been told to think very carefully before making a final decision on a new kitchen.

Open concept kitchens are the future, say designers
New kitchens that are seamlessly integrated into family homes are becoming increasingly popular, according to a number of design experts.

Design ideas aplenty at New York show
Anyone who is planning on redesigning their home and also happens to be in New York this week may well want to stop off at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show 2011.

US magazine offers kitchen remodelling tips
A Michigan-based news site has offered homeowners remodelling tips and advice on how to carry out a successful kitchen redesign.

Kitchen designers looking to wine and dine guests in 2011
The National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA) has announced its predictions regarding what’s hot and what’s not in 2011. And it seems space is being found for bottles of wine in more and more kitchens.

Homeowners splashing out on kitchen improvements
Householders in the UK are happy to spend money on getting the kitchen of their dreams, according to new research.

UK homeowners releasing equity for home improvements
One-third of people who release equity from their properties do so in order to carry out home improvements, according to a new survey.

Council spending millions on home improvements
A local authority in Scotland is set to spend £30million updating council houses over the next 12 months.

Survey reveals importance of entrusting home improvement jobs to a professional
Leaving complicated home improvement jobs to a professional tradesperson is a must, if the results of a new survey are to be believed.

Homeowners want customised kitchens
Designing a kitchen around your needs and opting for full customisation is one of the hottest trends when it comes to home improvement.

Keeps your pots on display in a new kitchen, says design expert
Budding chefs considering a change around downstairs and searching for kitchen quotes ahead of a redesign should consider keeping their cooking implements on display.

Purple is the new black, according to design expert
Anyone thinking of redecorating their home over the coming months should consider throwing some splashes of purple into the mix, unless they want to miss out on one of the hottest fashion trends of the year.

Interest in self-builds increasing
There is a growing interest in self-build housing projects, according to an industry expert.

Heart attacks and divorce “a small price to pay” for dream home
A man who managed to build his dream home, but got divorced from his wife and suffered two heart attacks along the way, has said the turmoil was a “small price to pay”.

Kitchen quotes among top Google searches
The start of the new year has seen a rash of people searching online for kitchen quotes and domestic appliances, according to new figures.

Modern design branching out
There’s more to modern house interiors than just glass and open spaces, according to a newly released book.

Design exhibition expecting big crowds
Organisers of German home interiors exhibition IMM Cologne are hoping to shake up the world of interior design with its latest show which starts next Tuesday(18).

Householders looking for home improvement quotes
Industry sales figures suggest an increasing number of homeowners are looking to update their properties.

Brighten up your home with a splash of colour
Bold and bright colours are the flavour of the month in the kitchen, while neutral shades have had their time, according to design expert Nicola Wilkes.

Eco design to lead the way in 2011
Homeowners thinking of embarking on a home improvement project should be looking to make a statement with bold colours and textures, according to one fashion expert.

Time to integrate technology into kitchen designs
The results of a new survey would seem to suggest it is time that people began putting more emphasis on technology when they are ready to design a new kitchen.

Forget DIY when it comes to Christmas presents
DIY equipment and power tools are said to be the thing that most people fear finding under their Christmas tree tomorrow.

Minimalist style isn’t for me, says Wendy Nicholls
Interior designer Wendy Nicholls has admitted that while she admires minimalist interiors, she couldn’t live in one.

Homeowners due to start searching for kitchen quotes early
Anyone looking to get a bargain on their new kitchen or bathroom in the festive sales won’t have to wait until the New Year arrives.

Avoid that sinking feeling when redesigning your home
Choosing the right sinks for your property can apparently put you streets ahead in the design stakes.

Work with professionals when requesting kitchen quotes
There are a few golden rules that everyone needs to consider before embarking on a kitchen redesign.

New approach needed to cut refurbishment waste
More work needs to be done to reduce waste created by building and refurbishment projects in Wales, in order to achieve industry targets.

Latest trends on show at Design Miami
Anyone looking to get inspiration before starting home improvement projects might do well to keep an eye on the Design Miami exhibition, currently taking place in America.

Ensure you’ve got a clear plan for your new kitchen
Ordering a new kitchen can be done in a few clicks, but you’re likely to come to regret making any hasty decisions, according to Kate Hilpern of the Independent.

Home improvement should be left to the professionals, says research
New research has revealed that some of the UK’s men are incapable of carrying out even the most simple home improvement tasks.

East Sussex residents get financial help with home repairs
Residents in Brighton and Hove are being offered financial assistance to help complete urgent house repairs they couldn’t otherwise afford.

DIYers lose millions by failing to get kitchen quotes and bathroom quotes from professionals
Homeowners have spent a total of £235million fixing botched DIY jobs, according to a new survey by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks.

Llewellyn-Bowen offers home improvement advice
Star of multiple home improvement shows, Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen, has been sharing his thoughts on what’s hot and what’s not this season when it comes to property makeovers.