Kitchen function 'just as important as style' ★★★★★

Published on: 01/07/2010Planning a new kitchen can be an exciting process - but it is important that homeowners look for functionality as well as style when looking for new units and appliances.

This is according to Consumer Reports deputy home editor Celia Kuperszmid-Lehrman, who says that the increasing number of useful and aesthetically-pleasing kitchen units and gadgets now available means "there isn't as much as a sacrifice as there once was" in this respect.

Consumer Reports advises taking time over choosing a new kitchen and making sure to consult experts, conduct internet research and visit kitchen showrooms before settling on a final decision.

According to a recent survey from the publication, changing your mind after work has started on a new kitchen can add hundreds of pounds to the cost of a project.

Consumer group Which? also suggests paying attention to the plumbing and electricity sockets in your current kitchen, as these could dictate the layout of the new units and appliances.