The finishing touches can make all the difference in a kitchen

Thursday, 28 June 2012 7:54 AM

What are the main things you think of when planning a kitchen redesign? The large appliances such as the oven and fridge, and what type of floor you want? While these are important features, do not forget about the finishing touches like the taps.

The right kitchen taps can make all the difference to the space. If you have gone to the effort of upgrading your basin, you do not want to ruin the end result by fitting your old taps on to it. This is especially the case if they are looking a bit weary, or simply do not match your new sink.

Period properties, cottages and farmhouses all suit traditional kitchens, such as those with a large wooden dining table and ceramic undermount sink. To complement this style, you should make sure you purchase your taps accordingly. Adobe has a large collection of fittings, many of which are targeted at old-fashioned but stylish kitchens. Its double-crosshead taps are available in finishes such as brushed nickel, English gold and antique bronze. Perrin and Rowe is another brand that is worth looking at if you are aiming to create a traditional kitchen and would like your basin to be one of the focal points.

On the other hand, if you are transforming your kitchen into a contemporary space, you will want your taps to match a stainless steel sink, which tends to be the basin of chose in modern homes. While it has an impressive collection of traditional taps, Adobe also has several modern eye-catching designs. The Atik is one such product, with a long, curved single-flow spout available in a brushed steel or chromium plate finish. If you would prefer a more angular fitting, the Franke Bern tap should be on your shopping list, with the spout at a right angle to the lower part of the tap.

It is definitely worth the time and effort of choosing the right kitchen tap for your basin. Rush this task, and the end result might not be what you expected. A new basin can be ruined if your old taps are simply stuck back on with no thought. Likewise, a stunning new tap will not have the same wow factor if it is fitted to a worn sink.
Whether you have a traditional or modern kitchen, it is also worth considering if you need new lights. Investing in LED spotlights can pay dividends, as not only do they tend to be more energy efficient than older strip lights, but they also provide a bright light that can open up a space. You will have a choice of square, circular and triangular ones, while it is a good idea to also place them underneath your kitchen units. They will help create an ambience in the evenings, as well as provide extra light when cooking and trying to read a recipe book.

Striking glass dining tables look fantastic in contemporary spaces and installing a feature light above this piece of furniture will make it into an even bigger talking point. Several pendant lights work well in modern kitchens, as can a dramatic chandelier. You can also buy a dramatic light to place above a traditional wooden dining table, but you might want to stay away from contemporary glass and metal. Instead, a large fabric lampshade will look homely and complement the traditional feel of your kitchen.
 

Tags:
• kitchen accessories
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• kitchens
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• taps