Hi Nickers77 My daughter installed an ikea kitchen about 5years ago, it was a shaker style and looked great in her little cottage, the bench tops were really good too, my only advice would be to make sure that you install it properly and be very diligent on having everything level, maybe paying extra to have it installed by a flat pack specialist..she also looked into the Kaboodle kitchen, we both liked the ikea ones better. I would post a photo but the house is a rental now, and she hasn’t had any problems.

Kate - Whilst I appreciate moving the door would be a great idea, it joins up to our laundry and the door is directly across from the laundry external door that leads to the side garden. I will take photos to show what I mean. Juliahocking - thank you for your suggestions. I am inspired by adding in cupboards/pantry on the opposite wall. Regarding flipping the kitchen 45 degrees, I have added measurements to clarify the space, and if I understand you correctly, there isn't enough room to flip the u-shape (although it is a great idea). I have added another (old) picture that shows the entry door, and next to the entry door is a sideboard/side shelf - this is where our butchers block/island is situated - so gives you an idea of the limited space. Old photo: Entrance door on the left. Next to the door is where the butchers block sits, underneath that painting.

i'm sorry to say that i don't believe that there is a stress free renovation but with careful planning there could be a successful renovation and if there's no asbestos to remove demolition can be exhausting, dirty, good fun but, even when everything works perfectly, you can potentially be without a kitchen and laundry for several weeks or longer ... it's not especially difficult to sub contract a kitchen renovation there's just so much to organise and with the current health crisis i'm told that there're a big demand for home renovations and we can expect super long delays for any cabinetry or trades work ...eg you will need an electrician and plumber to disconnect and reconnect services several times and if one of them doesn't arrive when needed everything else has to wait.. but, anything you can do to save time and labour could make big savings and even if a kitchen company does all the work you will still have to choose all the appliances, taps, sink, tiles, counters, doors, styles, paint, lightfittings, floorcovering etc and make sure that everything is ready on site when needed and you could be living in a mess, cooking on a barbq and washing clothes elsewhere regardless of who does the demolition so why not ask the kitchen companies for an itemised lists of charges including costs for any appliances, taps and sink so you know the potential savings and their timetable

Hello Ramya If you are restricting your options to Laminates then Yes these latter options of Canterbury grey Vinette and Classic white sheen or even the Blossom White Vinette should leave less marks after cleaning, following the use of cooking oils. Hope this helps, Malcolm.