For many of us the kitchen is the most used room in the house - a multi functional room for all the family. It is a place to live in, relax and be sociable, as well as cook and eat. This important space should be carefully planned so that it is an efficient and enjoyable place to be.

Installing a new kitchen is usually the biggest financial investment after buying a house or flat and whatever its size, if there is room for improvement it will be money well spent. It will add value to your property in direct proportion to what you spend on it and the size of the property. It is often the first thing a potential buyer will notice in a property and can make or break a sale, so it is important to get it right.

How much does a kitchen cost?
Kitchens can cost anything from a few hundred pounds to £60 000 (if you are going for the whole concept) so you have got to work out exactly how much you can and are willing to spend. Breakdown the expenditure into kitchen units/ furniture/ appliances and building work, and decide which expenses should be given priority. Remember if you're shortly planning a move, appliances and freestanding furniture can go with you.

What you get for your money:
up to £1000
Update what you've got
Changing worktops, taps, door fronts, flooring, lighting and a fresh colour to the walls does not cost a fortune, and can create a clean, bright, modern and practical kitchen.

£5000 - £10000
High street stores
High street kitchen manufacturers and diy sheds offer planning and installations services, deals on appliances and have good ranges of designer rip off styles.

£10 000 - £20 000
Mid range bespoke companies
Well made carefully planned kitchens specifically designed around your needs and the shape of your room.

£20 000 - £60 000
Top of the range handmade kitchens
Beautifully designed bespoke kitchens, everything thought down to the last detail. Even co-ordinating furniture and inlaid cutlery trays.

What do I need from my kitchen?
In order to create the most efficiently planned kitchen, analyse the area in terms of your lifestyle - ask yourself questions eg how many people will use it? does it have to double as a playroom? Do you need a dining area? How much storage space will you need? What appliances are essential? What would you change in your existing kitchen? A solution to all your queries can be incorporated into the final kitchen layout.

What style should I opt for?
Decide on the style of your kitchen to create a theme - country cottage, industrial, American diner - the choice is vast these days and can be daunting. It is a good idea to choose a kitchen in keeping with the age and style of the property and if you are at all unsure, just keep it simple eg a Shaker style in a neutral colour.