Wimbledon Bespoke KitchenTraditional Kitchen, London

Save… on appliancesThis doesn’t necessarily mean the quality of individual items, but how many items you actually need. When planning your dream space it’s easy to get carried away, but remember to assess your individual requirements. You’ll, of course, need the basics of a stovetop and oven, fridge-freezer and possibly a dishwasher, but anything else is a luxury so think about everything in terms of the value it will add to your life. If you’re a keen wine buff then a wine fridge might be a practical option, similarly an avid coffee lover could benefit from a built-in espresso machine – the key is to be realistic about how often the appliances will be used.

Paint allows you to get more colourful If you’re thinking of tranquil teal, submarine yellow or lipstick red as cabinet colours, paint is your best bet. Paint sticks to the surface of wood, so it doesn’t get lost in the mix of grains and knots the way a stain does. As a result, paint showcases whichever hue you select and gives you more opportunity to customise the look of your kitchen.Colour-blocking in the kitchen

4 chairs and bar fridge in island

Lightness and the way the wall units blend in with the wall colour for illusion of space