Think you have to wait until your current mortgage deal is finished before you look to move home? Not the case! It’s possible to pack up your mortgage and take it with you. This is what is known in the property finance industry as, ‘porting your mortgage.’
That way, you get to keep your current mortgage when buying a house, rather than waiting to pay it off or, for your current package, whatever your mortgage rate, to end.
Porting your mortgage, explained
Image credit: Foxtons
Taking your mortgage with you, from one property to the next, is known as ‘porting’. It can save you money if you’re paying a low rate of interest. Or, if you are tied into a deal, porting your mortgage can leapfrog you out of a hefty early repayment charge, (ERC), if you decide to leave.
How does porting your mortgage work?
A Portable Mortgage seems like an easy, convenient option. However, it may not be such a good idea if you’re currently paying a high rate, or have a small mortgage and are looking to borrow more.
There are some practical hoops to jump through.
‘Don’t assume that your port is a done deal,’ says Rosie Fish, a mortgage expert at online mortgage broker Habito.
‘There’s still a process to go through. You need a new offer letter, your lender will give you another credit check and look at your income. They’ll also get a house valuation of the property you want to buy. If your credit rating has changed since your original offer, (for example, if you’ve missed a couple of mortgage payments), it might reduce the chance of getting your port signed off.’
Lenders base your borrowing potential on affordability criteria. This includes your income, but also your non-mortgage outgoings. If your household income is now less than when you secured your existing loan, porting your mortgage may not be an option. The same is true if you have higher monthly outgoings; you may not qualify for the same deal.
Does porting your mortgage come with costs and charges?
Image credit: Katie Jane Watson
Doing your sums is key, including any costs incurred with porting. Look at the cost of setting up a new mortgage, with your current lender or a new provider, compared to porting your existing deal.
The good news is lenders do not usually charge a porting fee. However, if you’re making any changes to your mortgage, there can be other costs. Charges vary between lenders.
‘If you’re borrowing additional funds and need a top up to your mortgage, there could be fees on the new deal, such as a £995 arrangement fee,’ says Karina Hutchins, head of Home by OpenMoney, a money advice service.
Although the mortgage is the same, the house you are buying is not. Therefore, a new house valuation will need to be conducted on the new property. ‘Most lenders offer a free valuation on properties under £1 million. Those that don’t, charge around £300,’ continues Karina.
‘If a lender won’t let you port, it’s usually because you don’t fit with their lending criteria. This means they won’t offer you a new deal. You will then have to pay its early redemption penalty, as you will need to change lender and repay this mortgage early, triggering the penalty.’
By comparison, starting over with a new lender can mean incurring mortgage arrangement fees (also known as product fees), and valuation costs. According to MoneyHelper, the Government money advice website, you can pay anything from nothing to £2,000 with mortgage arrangement fees. Also expect to pay from £250 up to £1,500 for the valuation.
Early repayment charges
If you want to leave a mortgage deal ‘early’, say you’re moving home part way through a fix, and want to start over with a new lender and mortgage deal, you’ll usually pay penalty fees in the form of an Early Redemption Charge, (ERC). An ERC is typically a percentage of the outstanding balance owed. It can run into thousands of pounds, so porting is a way for homeowners to avoid these charges.
With ERCs, ‘the rule of thumb is that it’s 1% of your mortgage balance for however long your deal is. So, with a five year fix, you’d pay 5% in the first year, 4% in year four, 3% in year three and so on,’ says Karina Hutchins. Based on a £150,000 mortgage, leaving during year three, means you’re looking at a fee of £4,500, which isn’t small change; hence Porting can save you money.
If you’ve got a smaller loan and nearing the end of a deal when you move, any early repayment fees can be relatively minimal. For example, £500 if you’ve got one year left and £50,000 outstanding.
Even if there’s no ERC to pay, if you leave your current lender, it’s worth knowing most charge an ‘exit fee’ to officially close down your mortgage account. This can range from around £50 – £300, which should also be factored into your sums when working out if Porting can save you money and is the right decision for you.
Porting when borrowing more
Image credit: Future Plc/Tom Meadows
If you’re moving up the property ladder and want to borrow more, it’s up to your lender whether it will offer you the same deal on a bigger loan.
Most fixed or tracker deals come with a maximum ‘loan to value’ (LTV). LTV is the maximum percentage of the purchase price they’ll lend. This means if you port, your lender may offer a top up mortgage to cover the additional borrowing. This can be separate from your existing deal.
In this case, even if your lender agrees to porting, you may be charged a different, (and probably higher), interest rate, or even the lender’s standard variable rate, on the extra chunk of cash borrowed.
Porting when downsizing
This can be a chance to repay a chunk of cash to your lender and reduce your mortgage loan. Depending on the terms of your mortgage contract, doing this can incur early repayment charges.
Most lenders typically allow you to overpay by 10% of the outstanding balance each year, penalty free. But if you go beyond this limit, you can be clobbered with fees.
Once again, it is vital to factor this into your sums when working out if porting is your best option.
How to make a start porting your mortgage
Image credit: Future Plc
Contact your lender before going house hunting to check their rules on porting, along with any costs.
Check your credit report, in case anything shows up that’s wrong and can be rectified, before you risk being turned down for porting or even a new loan. Then shop around to see what other mortgage deals are available.
Getting advice
It’s worth using the services of a specialist mortgage broker to check out your options. Trussle, Habito, or London & Country, all offer fee free advice.
Always check whether an adviser is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can check their credentials on the Financial Services Register on the FCA website.
Choosing the right layout is key to making your kitchen space work and to make it somewhere you enjoy spending time. L-shaped kitchen ideas are a traditional layout style – and for good reason. This shape offers plenty of flexibility and storage, without the space feeling too enclosed.
L-shaped kitchen layouts also free you up from one of the biggest worries. It’s not enough to simply have a stylish looking space – If a kitchen fails in terms of practicality, it’s just annoying to work in and not an easily, or cheap, mistake to fix. ‘L-shaped layouts are one of the most practical and versatile options you can go with,’ says Al Bruce, Founder of Olive & Barr. ‘It is perfectly designed with practicality and flexibility at the forefront and the style allows for space-saving storage solutions and the use of every corner of the kitchen.’
Whether the space is generous or small, an L-shaped layout works with both contemporary and traditional cabinetry. And the form is flexible enough to adapt to structural needs, such as sloping ceilings or large windows.
L-shaped kitchen ideas
Once you’ve settled on how to plan a kitchen layout in your space, you can choose one of these L-shaped kitchen ideas to design a pretty and practical room. After all, Even though your choices are dictated by the shape and size of your room to a large extent, that doesn’t mean you have to be restricted when it comes to design.
1. Play with colour blocking
Image credit: Daval
‘An L-shaped solution will help you make good use of the space available and you’ll have plenty of room for cabinets on one side, as well as ample space for bar style meals on the other,’ says Simon Bodsworth, MD, Daval Furniture. ‘The cook has plenty of room to manoeuvre and can chat with guests at the same time, it’s a real win-win in a hardworking kitchen that likes to entertain guests.’
As well as being perfectly practical, an L-shaped kitchen with an island provides a wonderful base to start working with colours. Choose two complementary colours for the cabinetry and island, and use surfaces in one of these two shades. For an added pop of colour, select a third – more unexpected – tone, and use in accessories and detailing, like window dressings, upholstery and tiling.
2. Break up the layout
Image credit: Second Nature Kitchens
‘Think about the size of the room you have and what you want to do in that room,’ says Graeme Smith, head of design at Second Nature Kitchens. ‘Is it purely cooking? Or do you want to use it for socialising, dining or working too?’ If the latter, adapt your L-shaped kitchen idea to suit your needs.
For a kitchen which will be multifunctional, tuck a second of the ‘L’ behind a panel of glazing to create some privacy. This is great for keeping mess hidden from guests, and for prepping food in if other family members are working elsewhere in the space.
3. Fake a U-shape layout
Image credit: Wren Kitchens
A sister layout to L-shaped, U-shaped kitchen ideas simply add another working ‘arm’ to the space. It’s another practical and pleasing layout, and you can cheat one in your kitchen without redoing cabinetry.
Choose two benches or an L-shaped sofa, and place directly next to the end of your cabinetry. For a seamless look that will trick the eye, match the upholstery to the colour of your cabinets.
4. Link with materials
Image credit: Harvey Jones
L-shaped kitchens with islands are always a good look – so long as you have enough space for people passing each side of the island. The downside is that the two work areas can seem rather disparate.
Link the sections together by matching your materials exactly. Think the same surface material, the same cabinetry paint and the same hardware. Not only will this create a cohesive look, but the space will look larger as your eye isn’t drawn to something ‘different’ elsewhere in the room.
5. Balance your storage
Image credit: Optiplan Kitchens
‘Maximise the use of worktops and cabinets down the room – including storage low and high to make the most of storage space available,’ says Andy Briggs, Interior Designer at Optiplan Kitchens. ‘ A large number of cupboards and some internal storage solutions can all push up the price of a new kitchen – so think about what kitchen layout will best suit your lifestyle and what you want to achieve in this space.’
Make the room feel larger without compromising on this key storage element by painting higher cabinets in the same colour as the walls, so they seem to disappear. Lower cabinetry should then be in a lighter, brighter shade to draw the eye without weighing the room down.
6. Create a practical workspace
Image credit: Olive & Barr
As with every kitchen layout, it’s key to consider the working triangle. This is the space in which most of the practical work is being done – the chopping, cooking, cleaning and so on. The idea is that you want everything to hand so that work flows in an easy and unencumbered manner.
L-shaped kitchens provide a great basis for creating a practical working triangle. A good idea is to start at the far end of the ‘L’ and work along the two arms in the order in which you will be accomplishing tasks. Perhaps starting with your sink for washing food, surfaces for prepping, and then onto the oven for cooking.
7. Store vertically
Image credit: Future PLC/Veronica Rodriquez
L-shaped kitchens are efficient at making the best use of space. Take the design ethos one step further by using the entire wall to fashion clever storage solutions, from floor to ceiling.
Working with the dominant wall, the one without a window in this case, stylish kitchen cabinets are used above a tiled splashback.
The statement storage spans the entire width of the wall and reaches to the ceiling to ensure every inch of space is utilised. Making the most of storage space is an important thing to do in galley kitchens, too. To add another smart vertical storage element, the chefs knives are stored along a wall-mounted magnetic strip.
8. Balance the L-shape with a window
Image credit: Future PLC/Barbara Bazso
This is the most practical way to use an L-shape, and the most popular. By running one side of the L under a window you help to balance the other side, which houses the cooker, cooker hood and cabinets.
By incorporating the window into the design you help to give equal purpose to the far wall, using the view beyond to make a statement. Windows also help to lighten U-shaped kitchens as well. Take the look further by adding a patterned blind to add interest. In this homely white kitchen the generous window needs little else to grab attention.
9. Double the L-shape potential
Image credit: Future PLC/Robert Sanderson
If space is no issue you could opt for a layout that cleverly incorporates two L shapes. A bit like the premise of a classic video game, use the kitchen units to fit together perfectly to make the best use of floor space.
The main L-shaped counter can be a base for the kitchen appliances and amenities, while a smaller L fits within the space to house a built-in dining bench area. Using the L shape to fashion a separate zone helps to create a sociable dining area that feels disconnected just enough from the main cooking space.
10. Embrace an L shape for an open-plan layout
Image credit: Future PLC/Robert Sanderson
It goes without saying, if you have an open-plan kitchen and living area, you only really have two walls on which to consider for the kitchen.
Capitalise on a far-side corner to keep the kitchen restricted, allowing the living area to benefit from the windows and other architectural details.
The kitchen takes up valuable wall space which means you therefore can’t sacrifice any walls with design details already in place. When considering kitchen appliance layout ideas, keep sinks and appliances to one end to ensure they are at the furthest distance from the living area also.
11. Make the most of a small kitchen space
Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme
In a small kitchen an L shape is ideal as it concentrates all storage and appliances into two sides of the room, leaving the others free and open. This makes the overall space seem bigger.
Keep the colours on the lighter side so it doesn’t appear too cramped. A mixture of cabinets and drawers makes housing pans, pots and general paraphernalia a breeze. While glass Kilner jars display pretty condiments and dried food to perfection.
12. Open up your scheme
Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles
This L-shaped kitchen makes excellent use of space. It is easy to work in, as the work triangle can be easily established. Open shelving prevents a small kitchen from looking too busy, while banks of cabinets look stunning in a large kitchen as well as providing an abundance of storage.
A table and chairs fits neatly into the kitchen, while still zoning it off from the rest of the room. Whatever the size of your kitchen, the beauty of the L-shaped layout lies in its simplicity and flexibility. And the ease with which it can be adapted to suit practical requirements and different design tastes, too.
13. Utilise colour and pattern
Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme
Don’t be afraid to use darker colours and patterns in your kitchen. Deep colours are warming so often work well in larger kitchens. Inject refined rustic style with painted wooden cabinetry.
In a traditional space, use painted wood to co-ordinate kitchen cabinets with walls and architectural features; in a contemporary scheme, to soften the sharp edges of minimalist design. Go for a mid to deep shade, like the one in this grey kitchen, as it oozes easy elegance and sophistication.
14. Incorporate an island
Image credit: Fiona Walker-Arnott
Where space isn’t an issue an L-shape with a central island unit provides informal dining space for the family or a place to chat with friends over coffee. Keep the cooking and kitchen chores tightly together in an L and let the rest of a large room be given over to family life.
Add personality and character with quirky signage and curios, which pop when set against cream kitchen ideas like in this scheme.
15. Consider cabinetry
Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme
Lack of size does not have to mean lack of style. This compact L-shape kitchen with high-gloss units creates wow factor in a small space with its sleek stainless steel appliances and an acrylic splashback in bright pink.
This smart kitchen splashback is a perfect example of how kitchen planning and interior design have become intertwined. A simple Corian worktop complements the look.
16. Keep the kitchen family friendly
Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole
Make your kitchen work perfectly for busy family life. Fitting your cabinetry, worktops and storage into an L shape leaves the remainder of your kitchen free to move around the space.
Here, maximising the space on two sides of the room allows for an uncluttered look opposite, creating a spacious feel. The look of a layout has become a major factor in an open plan scheme. Think more carefully about the design and aesthetic of the kitchen as it will always be on view.
17. Work storage into a corner
Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme
Give a wood-effect design an edge with statement accessories. This rustic country kitchen is brought to life with contemporary tiling. The choice of light and dark tiles, which work to separate the cooking and prep zones, provides a stark, modern contrast to the more traditional cabinet design.
If your kitchen is verging on the small side, consider installing wall-hung shelves into the corner of the room.
Open shelves are a practical and stylish solution in any kitchen. Display china and glassware, so that they are easily accessible. Try running a fixed rail below the bottom shelf to hold utensils with hooks for saucepans.
How do you arrange an L-shaped kitchen?
The ergonomics of kitchen layouts focus on creating a smooth, intuitive passage through the space, as well as the most efficient and comfortable cooking environment. Worktops and cabinets are positioned to effortlessly suit the physicality of the user and the job in hand, with sinks and appliances located to encourage logical movement between tasks. Smart kitchen storage ideas ensure provisions and utensils are stored where they’re most frequently used.
What is an L-shaped kitchen with an island?
‘For those working with an open-plan space, this style of kitchen works exceptionally well,’ explains Paul Bangs, category director for kitchens at Wickes. ‘The addition of an island can provide an extra preparation and seating area, whilst becoming a focal point for the room. Likewise, this style of kitchen works well for those who entertain often or have families, as they offer plenty of space.’
‘The island kitchen creates a centerpiece in the kitchen, allowing you to utilise your kitchen as both a workspace and social area where friends and family gravitate throughout the day,’ adds Olive & Barr’s Al Bruce. ‘The setup is ideal for gathering the family and the added worksurface allows multiple members of the family to get stuck in and help at dinner time.’
Where should a fridge be in an L-shaped kitchen
With any kitchen design the placement of the fridge has to inline with the design triangle of use – the journey between fridge, sink and oven. But given the shape of an L this will mean the fridge is best placed at either end of the workstations, because it’s the starting point of the journey. If you have a freestanding fridge, the best place for it is at the very end of the L shape, so it doesn’t interrupt the flow of workspace. If the fridge is integrated below countertop level there’s more freedom for placing it closer to the sink.
The best knife set will be used in your kitchen each and every single day. It’s not a purchase to make lightly, but you can only tell the quality of a knife after prolonged use to see how well the blades last. That’s why we’ve taken the liberty of reviewing the best knife sets on the market from Robert Welch, Zwilling, Ninja, Viners, and Zyliss, to bring you our thoughts.
We have also covered the best chef’s knives in a separate guide, which will be a great all-rounder in your kitchen for chopping veggies or carving meat. These come individually though, and often the best knife sets will come with a chef’s knife included, alongside a bread knife, paring knife, Santoku knife, and much more.
Below, we’ve covered the best knife sets you can buy for your money on the market right now. That includes premium sets that come in stylish blocks, and loose knives that have safety covers to keep them stored safely in your drawers.
Best knife set: our top 5
1. Robert Welch Signature Book Oak Wood Filled Knife Block
Best knife set overall
Best for: Most kitchens
Included: Carving, Bread, Cook’s, Santoku, Kitchen, and Vegetable/Paring Knife
Features: Lightweight and ergonomic knives, easy and sleek knife block
Reasons to buy: • Flush design is great for small kitchens
• Unique, stylish block
• Next-level quality
Reasons to avoid: • Pricey, but worth it
The Robert Welch Signature Book Oak Wood Filled Knife Block is a brilliant choice for any kitchen. It’s stylish and expensive, but we think it’s more than worth the money. The unique book block design is eye-catching, and will sit flush against kitchen walls without taking up too much space – perfect for those without the largest kitchen.
As with most high-quality knives, you’ll have to wash this set by hand. It comes with a carving knife (23cm), bread knife (22cm), cook’s knife (18cm), santoku knife (11cm), kitchen knife (14cm), and vegetable/paring knife (10cm). There’s a knife for every task, from carving meat to slicing baguettes, and the handles are ergonomic and make chopping pretty enjoyable.
Ideal Home rated 5 out of 5 stars
2. Zwilling Pro 7 Piece Ash Self Sharpening Knife Block
Best knife set for serious chefs
Best for: Home chefs who want something serious
Included: Five knives, shearing scissors, self-sharpening knife block
Features: Self-sharpening design, scissors for tough tasks
Reasons to buy: • Knife slots marked clearly
• Self-sharpening design
• Generous sizes
Reasons to avoid: • Takes up a lot of counter space
We think Zwilling makes some of the best saucepan sets and best non-stick frying pans on the market, but the brand is perhaps best known for its knife blocks. The Zwilling Pro 7 Piece Ash Self Sharpening Knife Block is forged from special stainless steel in Germany. It has five knives: 1 larding / garnishing knife (10 cm/61 g), 1 universal knife (13 cm/66 g), 1 meat knife (16 cm/128 g), 1 chef’s knife (20 cm/214 g), and 1 bread knife (20 cm/135 g). There are also some multi-purpose scissors (21 cm) which have their own slot in the self-sharpening block.
The block itself is hardy without looking harsh. It is quite big, so set aside a bit of space to store it. It’s self-sharpening too, with V-edge sharpeners in each knife slot apart from the serrated knife. The handles are plastic, but they’re very grippy and are perfectly sized for your hands. Again, these are handwash recommended, but they’ll last a lifetime.
Ideal Home rated 5 out of 5 stars
3. Ninja Foodi StaySharp Knife Block with Integrated Sharpener
Best knife set for in-built sharpening
Best for: Those with plenty of counter space
Included: Five knives, a sharpening slot in the block
Features: Large, grippy base, sideways storage
Reasons to buy: • Excellent quality blades
• The block is great for grabbing
• Every kitchen task is covered
Reasons to avoid: • Not the most stylish option
Ninja is a brand we usually associate with the best air fryers, not with kitchen knives. The Ninja Foodi StaySharp Knife Block with Integrated Sharpener is the brand’s first attempt, but it’s a great start. With its roots in American design, which typically comes with larger kitchens as standard, it’s not a surprise that this block takes up a lot of counter space. It’s the largest block we tested, coming in at 25.5 x 14.5 x 29.3 centimetres, but it is really good.
The blades arrive razor-sharp, with specific safety instructions on how to use the sharpening side of the block. Ninja recommends doing this every two weeks, and we found it easy to get to grips with. You simply put the blade into the slot, hold it there, and pull the lever to the side up and down fully. The handles have a traditional bolstered look, which we like, and have a good weight. There are five knives: 20cm chef, 20cm bread, 20cm carving, 13cm utility, and 9cm paring.
Ideal Home rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
4. Zyliss Comfort 6 Piece Knife Set
Best knife set without a block
Best for: Those who don’t want a block
Included: Six colourful knives with storage sheaths
Features: Very sharp blades, colourful design, drawer-friendly
Reasons to buy: • Dishwasher-safe
• Safe for drawers thanks to the covers
• Takes up very little space
Reasons to avoid: • An unconventional look
We love a good knife block, but if you don’t have the space for one (or you already have one and want a new set to expand your collection) this Zyliss Comfort 6 Piece Knife Set will serve you well. There are six knives in total: an 18.5cm chef’s knife, 18.5cm Santoku knife, 13cm utility knife, 10.5cm serrated paring knife, 8.5cm inch paring knife, and 6.5cm inch peeling knife. Each comes with a cover that slides right on.
Unlike any of the best knife sets we’ve mentioned so far, the Zyliss Comfort 6 Piece Knife Set is dishwasher-safe. It’s also covered for five years by a manufacturer’s guarantee. These knives are made of Japanese steel and thoughtfully designed with a finger guide on the blade to hold the knife with balance, as well as a finger indent on the handle.
Ideal Home rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
5. Viners Assure 5 Piece Knife Block Set
Best knife set for safety features
Best for: Safety-conscious shoppers on a budget
Included: Five knives, and a block
Features: Safe and shark design, easy to use block
Reasons to buy: • Fibre rod block
• Safe, rounded edges
• A small and chic look
Reasons to avoid: • Hand wash only
With a 20cm chef knife, 20cm bread knife, 20cm carving knife, 12.5cm utility knife, and 9cm paring knife, this knife set is pretty unconventional. It has a block with fibre rods that will store your knives safely, no matter where you place them. Another thing that stets it apart is the safety squared tip, which will mean that your knife doesn’t have a point at the end. It will still cut brilliantly, and they’re a little shorter because of this.
We really enjoy the non-stick coating on the blades of the Viners Assure 5 Piece Knife Block Set, which matches the ergonomic soft-touch handles and black storage block. This block is also pretty compact, and we think it would be great for students, casual cooks, or those on a budget.
Ideal Home rated 4 out of 5 stars
How we reviewed the best knife sets
We reviewed each and every one of the best knife sets in this guide hands-on. In fact, our Small Appliances and Cooking editor Millie Fender tried each and every block herself in her own kitchen for months to give every knife set a fair shot.
There’s only one way to review knives, and that’s to use them. We chopped tricky items like butternut squash, mango, pineapple, meat, and more when testing, making sure that each knife block was integrated into everyday life.
Things we took into account included the experience of holding the knives, the look and layout of the knife block, the style and dimensions, the cleaning process, and the sharpness over a prolonged period of time.
What to know when shopping for the best knife set
Nobody knows knives like the pros, which is why we spote to Wilson, Product Specialist at Robert Welch, to ask for top tips on how to shop for and look after knives.
Is it ok to put knives in the dishwasher?
There’s no denying that putting things in the dishwasher is a lot easier than hand-washing, but most knives need to be washed by hand. Robert Welch’s Product Specialist told us “I always say good quality knives are like owning a Rolls Royce, you wouldn’t want to put it through a car wash. Kitchen knives can be easily rinsed after use and dried for maintaining the edge. Placing knives in the dishwasher is not terribly detrimental but will have an effect.
Firstly any contact of the blade in loading and unloading the dishwasher can damage the fine edge or at least dull it slightly, the fact that ALL kitchen knives are hardened means they are naturally magnetic meaning any NON stainless steel items in your dishwasher such as cast iron pans, sieves, utensils etc can cause rust migration. That’s when microscopic particles of non stainless steel metals fly around the dishwasher and are attracted to the knives surface which will oxidise in the humid conditions and cause rust marks. These can be polished off but then if you are going to do that you may as well have washed it by hand.”
How can I extend the life of my kitchen knife set?
When shopping for a kitchen knife set, it’s possible that you’ll be spending upwards of £200, so it’s worth knowing how best to care for your knives to help them last. “Store them correctly, minimising all contact with the blade. Our Robert Welch book block” (the one we tried and loved) “saves space and allows your knives to hang without there ever being a chance of contact with the blade edge.”
What knives do I need for everyday cooking?
“If you would have only one knife in the kitchen you would want it to be a Chef’s knife (also known as a Cook’s knife) whichever size is comfortable for you, Chef’s knives have a straight enough blade to satisfy the choppers and the curved front edge works for those of you who are rockers.
If you were having two knives you’d want the second to be some sort of paring knife, the Robert Welch Signature 8cm is my most favoured knife, great for peeling, turning vegetable and for all fruit and salad preparation.
The third knife I feel is a personal choice, if you eat a lot of home-cooked bread then a bread knife is a good shout, but if you cook a roast every week you’d be better off with a carving knife. This is great for large or small roasts, but excellent for slicing cakes and bakes too as well as large fish prep like whole salmons.”
How do I prevent my knives from rusting?
We spoke to the experts at Viners to find out how to prevent kitchen knives from rusting. “It is important to care for your knives properly and the best way to prevent rust spotting is to avoid moisture sitting on the blade for long periods of time. There are several tips to consider:
After washing your knife, dry the piece straight away before placing back into storage.
Avoid leaving your knives to dry naturally.
Avoid cleaning your knives in the dishwasher, as they remain in the water longer then when hand washing, this helps maintain a longer life span.”
Planning any room of the home can be a daunting experience – and certainly not something you want to get wrong. Make designing your new bathroom a breeze by knowing in advance what things you should never do when choosing a bathroom.
There are so many bathroom ideas which need considering. Since getting them wrong can lead to costs (and stress levels!) spiralling, it’s key to know what to look out for right from the beginning.
Things you should never do when choosing your bathroom
Image credit: Victoria Plum
‘Whether you’re updating or completely renovating your bathroom it’s important to plan it out perfectly and get the design right to make the most of your space,’ says Victoria Plum content manager, Adam Chard. ‘Plumbing, ventilation, storage, lighting, and colour are all things to consider when designing your bathroom to ensure it is as functional as it is beautiful once it’s finished.’
So we’ve rounded up the experts and got them to open up about their top bathroom planning tips – and what you should most definitely avoid in planning, design choices, fittings and installation.
‘Our bathrooms are now one of the most important spaces in our homes so when planning a new bathroom it’s important to get it right!,’ says Graeme Borchard, MD, UK Bathrooms. ‘There are a few vital questions to ask before even starting to look at bathroom products; shower/bath or both? If you don’t have the space for both then choose which is most important to all of the people using the room.’
‘How much space do you have? How much do you want to spend? And don’t forget the often forgotten items such as bathroom accessories, blinds and flooring.’
1. Rush the layout – or make do with the old one
Image credit: BC Designs
‘One of the most important things to consider in a bathroom is the layout,’ says Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs. ‘Getting it right from the start will mean that you have a bathroom that works for the whole family. Don’t think about how you use your bathroom currently, but how you’d like to use it in the future and use that as a starting point.’
Clearly, an effective layout that makes good use of the space available is the most important aspect of a bathroom. Yet it can be all too easy to pick something off the shelf without consideration for your space or stick with a current layout which really doesn’t work well. Really think about how to plan a bathroom carefully. ‘The cost of a layout redesign is elevated due to changes in plumbing and electrics, however, it is needed in some cases,’ says Joe Debono, sales director at Ashton & Bentley. ‘Most traditional bathrooms were badly planned. Storage was never considered, radiators were too big and not energy-efficient, basins were often placed under windows so that mirrors couldn’t be hung and the WC was in a separate room.’
If you are adapting an existing layout, there are some smaller changes you can make. ‘If your layout isn’t quite right, think about the ways you might be able to make small but effective changes,’ suggests Barrie. ‘It might be that you add in a folding shower screen or wet room to provide a larger area to move around in.’
‘When it comes to deciding where you’re going to position your bathroom fittings, the best tip is to think about how they’re used and in what order,’ advises Phil Etherden, MD, The Albion Bath Co. ‘With this in mind, we would often recommend that the sink or basin is placed closest to the door, as it is often the last stop in most bathroom routines. The toilet and other fittings can be further into the room. This not only provides more privacy but saves you from walking through puddles left behind by people stepping out of the bath of shower.’
Layout planning is key whatever shape or style of bathroom you have, but never more so than when you’re dealing with a more petite space. By choosing the right layout, you can maximise the space – both making the room feel larger and work more efficiently.
‘With a smaller bathroom, the trick is to maximise the visible area of the floor, so use a free-standing bath on feet or a plinth,’ advises Phil. ‘High Level Toilets will create more visible space as the cistern is above eye level and wall mounted basins won’t take valuable floor area. If possible, position your bath so it’s the first piece seen when you open the door. Bath tubs are now considered decorative as well as functional, so use the bath as a feature piece. Conversely, position the toilet in a discreet area but give thought to the soil pipe routing.’
‘Above all else, don’t be tempted into cramming large items into a small room. The effect will be to lose all aesthetic value while making the room look small and cluttered,’ adds Phil.
2. Assume drainage will work with a new layout
Image credit: Saniflo
When choosing a new bathroom, the focus is often on the aesthetics. However, the less-sexy side of bathroom planning is one of the most important.
‘There are always key considerations such as dimensions, layout, ventilation, electricity supply and building regulations,’ says Ann Boardman, Head of Marketing and Product Development at Saniflo. ‘Equally importantly, however, is the location of any existing soil pipes, drainage and waste pipework. If it’s a simple update of an existing bathroom then direct replacement using new sanitaryware is a reasonably straightforward job. However, if it is an installation in a new space then the most important elements to plan will be the plumbing solutions.’
‘The toilet has stricter limitations than moving pipework due to the fall of the waste,’ adds Yousef Mansuri, CP Hart’s head of retail design. ‘Once you know where this is positioned you can start to decide where the basin, bath and shower will go. Pipework tends to be more flexible when it comes to repositioning. Once you have your layout, and therefore know how big you can have everything, the exciting part starts. Then you can begin to put together your mood boards and choose your product.’
‘Top tip?,’ continues Yousef. ‘Make sure you don’t forget about towel rails/heating when considering all of this. One big mistake we often see is once having left the shower, people have to walk across the bathroom to reach a towel.’
3. Install everything in the wrong order
Image credit: Ashton & Bentley
With any bathroom installation, forward planning is key. Choose an experienced designer that can manage the whole process and ensure they provide dimensional drawings to help you visualise the space.
Ashton & Bentley’s Joe Debono’s top tips?
1. Plan the room so that all pipe work is in place and wall coverings need minimal cutting.
2. Ensure supports are in their correct positions, taking into consideration the size of the wall coverings.
3. Position underfloor heating so that no fixings can damage it during the installation process.
4. Choose products that incorporate two-part installation, like our eco waste that is fitted before the bath.
5. If you opt for a freestanding bath, make sure it is the last thing to be fitted, as it reduces the risk of damage.
4. Not consider the practicality of your flooring
Image credit: Stone and Ceramic Warehouse
Flooring is important in any room of the home, but in a bathroom finding the right floor is key, as you’ll often be walking around, barefoot and risking slipping. ‘Our recommendation is to choose tiles. They are an ideal combination of hard-wearing, practical but can also be a way of injecting some personality and fun into the space with bold colours and patterns,’ says Barrie from BC Designs.
There are tiles aplenty on the market, but for bathrooms porcelain tiles are especially beneficial. ‘Good quality porcelain tiles are perfect for use in bathrooms and wet rooms, and look to remain the most popular surface for many years to come,’ says Jo Oliver, Director, The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse. ‘Porcelain tiles are extremely hard wearing and stain proof, making them an ideal solution for everyday use. They also won’t be damaged by detergents or any of the other chemicals we frequently use in our bathrooms.’ Plus, they can now be manufactured in a whole range of realistic finishes including marble, limestone, concrete, wood and metallics.
‘With any bathroom project it is also worth considering the slip resistance of the tiles,’ adds Isabel Fernandez, Director, Quron Stone. ‘In most instances a natural finish is sufficient for bathrooms. However in wet rooms we would always recommend using a porcelain tile in a grip or R11 finish, designed to offer more traction in wet conditions.’
5. Buy a shower without knowing your water pressure
Image credit: Matki
When choosing a shower, it’s not just what fits in your space and looks good that counts – your water pressure has a lot to answer for.
‘Before purchasing a shower and taps, it is recommended that you know what the water pressure is and that depends on where your home is in relation to the nearest supply,’ advises Nicholas Cunild, Managing Director at Matki. ‘For example, if you live in a valley, then it’s likely that the pressure will be high. But if you’re on a hill, the pressure naturally will be weaker.’
Water pressure is measured in bars, with 1 bar equal to the force needed to push water up to the height of 10 metres. In general, you will find the pressure in your home is one of three types:
1 Low Pressure (Gravity)
Cold water tank in the loft and a hot water cylinder upstairs. ‘You can find a good selection of quality taps with good flow rates that will handle a minimum pressure requirement of under 1 Bar,’ says Nicholas. ‘If you have extremely low pressure, it’s best to choose a mixer tap with a minimum pressure of less than 0.5 Bar.’
2 High pressure (Combi-boiler system)
Boiler unit in kitchen with no hot water cylinder. ‘If you have the benefit of a high-pressure system, then there is a wide range of taps and showers for you to choose from, with the right flow rate of around 5 litres per minute,’ says Nicholas.
3 High pressure (Pumped system)
Hot water cylinder with an expansion vessel, normally placed in an airing
cupboard. No cold water tank.
6. Put everything on one lighting circuit
Image credit: Albion Bath Co
‘The lighting solutions for bathrooms are often fairly low down the list of priorities in comparison to other rooms in the house. But with the increasing focus on luxury, larger-than-life bathrooms, a well-thought through lighting solution is integral to the space,’ says Marketa Rypacek, MD, Industville Ltd.
‘Consider installing the lighting in layers, creating pockets of light to create a relaxing, inviting atmosphere,’ continues Marketa. ‘This may require rewiring to a different parts of the room, so it’s essential to think about the lighting right at the beginning of the project.’
‘Bathroom lighting ideas are as important as positioning the sanitary ware,’ agrees CP Hart’s Yousef Mansuri. ‘The overall mood and atmosphere of the bathroom is dictated by this and this should be decided prior to signing off any designs. Try using two lighting circuits, one for the downlights and another which includes more inventive feature lighting. Such as recess lights, under basin lights, wall lights and marker lights fitted to the floor to up light the bath.’
7. Only install one light
Image credit: Industville
‘One of the most common mistakes when it comes to bathroom lighting is not providing enough of it,’ says Marketa from Industville. ‘That said, people will often counter this issue with a plethora of fixtures on the ceiling, which can look busy and overcrowded. Consider combining decorative lighting with LED lighting strips that provide functional light. This will create a design that’s spot on in terms of both the look and the functionality.’
‘Those who often use a bathroom for applying makeup or carrying out personal grooming tasks should avoid lighting positioned directly overhead. Instead it should be fitted over the walkway, so you are illuminated from behind when looking in the mirror,’ continues Marketa. ‘If opting for wall lights, they should be symmetrical and placed either side of your mirror to avoid an uneven glow.
‘Task lighting needs to be considered around mirrors,’ agrees Chris Jordan, MD, Christopher Wray. ‘You should always choose lights that will illuminate without causing shadows. For example, a single strip above the mirror or wall lights situated either side of the mirror.’
8. Forget about IP ratings
Image credit: Industville
When choosing your lighting, you need to consider the IP rating, which is used to define levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies like moisture.
‘Waterproof lighting is now available in more on-trend styles than ever before, so you no longer need to sacrifice style for safety,’ notes Industville’s Marketa.
‘Always check that the fitting has an IP rating that is suitable for the intended zones,’ says Chris Jordan, managing director at Christopher Wray.
There are three main bathroom zones to be aware of for bathroom lighting.
Zone 0: inside the shower or inside the bath. ‘Any light fitting in these areas must be a minimum rating of IP67 (which is completely immersion proof) and must be low voltage,’ says Christopher.
Zone 1: directly above the bath or shower. ‘Fittings here must be a minimum rating of IP65. This means that they are dust-tight and are protected from low pressure jets and that no water can seep into the fitting itself.’
Zone 2: either side of the bath or shower or a radius of 60cm from the sink. ‘Lighting here must be a minimum rating of at least IP44 which will protect from splashes of water.’
9. Buy the wrong shower tray
Image credit: Matki
When choosing showers it’s natural to focus on the shower head, the tiling and the screen, but the shower tray is one of the most important elements.
For small or awkward spaces, it might be useful to cut in place. ‘Installing a shower in an unusual space is quite easily accommodated by cuttable trays,’ says Ann Boardman, Head of Marketing and Product Development, Kinedo. ‘The trays can be cut on site, to the exact shape and dimensions of the available space.’
A current trend with shower trays is to go for a flush option to create a sleek and minimalistic look. They both look neater than traditional designs and don;’t require a step up. ‘They are particularly suited to those with mobility issues but they require the waste pipework to be installed under the floor to carry away the waste water from the shower to the soil pipe,’ advises Nicholas Cunild, Managing Director at Matki. ‘It is therefore important to check there isn’t anything that would stop you from running the pipe work under the floor.’
The issues which would stop you running the pipework underfloor include:
1 Concrete flooring
2 Pipework obstruction. ‘Sometimes the void under the floorboards beneath the shower tray is too full of pipework to run a waste pipe or to fit a shower trap,’ says Nicholas.
3 Joist obstruction. ‘In some instances the trap may fall onto a critical joist and therefore fitting it in a specific location would require excessive notching which can weaken the floor structure.
4 Drainage considerations. ‘water has to flow away from the tray downhill, under gravity. All waste pipework needs to fall away to ensure good drainage and limit blocking. It might be necessary for the shower tray to be lifted off the floor to ensure that the waste water runs away downhill to the nearest drainage point.’
10. Choose the wrong size of bath
Image credit: Albion Bath Co
‘We all aspire to the sumptuous free-standing bath in the middle of a large room with a massive chandelier hanging over the top,’ says Phil from The Albion Bath Co. ‘However, consider that most bathrooms, even in large houses, are no more than 12 square metres. So, with this amount of floor space, plan carefully and you can still create a stunning result.’
There are many smaller footprint freestanding baths on the market, around the same size of a standard sized shower, so by choosing the right size for your space you can still bathe in style. ‘These smaller footprint baths average around 1500mm in length, while models can get up to 1800mm,’ says Barrie from BC Designs. ‘If you do have the space, consider placing the bath in the centre of the room as a standalone piece but if space is limited, consider a short roll-top or slipper bath, or a back-to-the wall design.’
It’s not just about space in the bathroom either. ‘You’ll also need to make sure there’s room to bring it into your home through doorways, around corners and up the stairs,’ advises Barrie. ‘We have known people have to take windows out and higher a crane to get it into the bathroom!’
Something people also forget to take into account is the weight of their chosen bath. ‘Don’t forget to also take into account how heavy it will be when it is full of water and you are in it, as well as the empty weight,’ says Barrie. ‘If you’re in doubt about the structure of your house and the strength of your floor, do check with a builder or structural engineer before you decide to install a freestanding bath. The last thing you want is for it to fall through the ceiling.’
11. Add too many separate elements
Image credit: UK Bathrooms/Burlington Bathrooms
Tim Richards, category manager for bathrooms at Wickes says: ‘While family bathroom ideas should be practical and versatile enough to cater for everyone’s needs it doesn’t have to impact on style.’
‘Simple additions to the suite can make it more functional without the need for separate installations which is something we consider as part of the design process.’
‘For example, adding a bath screen to a standard straight bath provides a fully functional shower bath, utilising the space in a practical, yet unobtrusive way.’
12. Skimp on brassware
Image credit: CP Hart
‘The brassware is the most important part of any bathroom renovation,’ says Yousef from CP Hart. ‘As these are the working parts they have continuous water flowing through them and because of this are used the most and have the highest potential to break.’ Save your budget bathroom ideas for other, more decorative elements, of the space.
‘Most often, people’s fear of renovating their bathroom is stemmed from leaks and really this comes down to investing in a high quality brassware fitting that stand the test of time without breaking,’ continues Yousef. ‘Another reason to invest in top-quality is that the brassware is often fitted into the wall, meaning there is no direct access to fix them; because of this, you need to ensure that what is in the wall is of a high quality or face a bigger job later on.’
Choose your style of brassware carefully, too. ‘It is important to invest in quality brassware as it can be hard to match brass tapware with brass accessories or brass plug and wastes,’ notes Nicholas Cunild, Managing Director at Swadling Brassware. ‘When choosing brass tapware, a quality supplier should offer matching accessories. This can take the guesswork out of matching taps to accessories. It can look odd with different finishes in the bathroom.
‘To complement the shower design and emulate a wellness sanctuary, consider an alternative to chrome when it comes to specifying brassware,’ suggests Paul Bailey, Category Specialist, GROHE UK. ‘Metallic finishes such as brass and copper are a great way of adding colour in a subtle way and will add warmth and grandeur to the space, which is important when creating a luxurious bathroom. If working to a more industrial or monochromatic colour scheme, explore options of graphite or nickel for something a little more understated.’
13. Not include a heated towel rail
Image credit: The Radiator Centre
‘Having a warm bathroom is one of life’s little luxuries; there’s nothing worse than having a shower and stepping out into a freezing cold room,’ says Nick Duggan, Director, The Radiator Centre. ‘One way to make the bathroom that little bit warmer and more inviting is to install a good quality, heated towel rail.’
‘A towel rail radiator can warm your room – although, if size permits, we would also recommend an actual radiator in your bathroom in addition to a towel rail – and will make sure that your towels are nice and snug.’
‘When selecting a towel rail or bathroom radiator, we would always advise customers to avoid chrome radiators, as they do not emit heat as efficiently as coloured or matt finishes,’ continues Nick. ‘In fact, chrome plated radiators can give out up to 20% less heat than painted options.’
‘Finally, we would always recommend looking at a dual fuel option when it comes to bathroom heating. Many towel radiators are also now available with an optional electric heating element, which will ensure you have warm and dry towels even when your central heating is turned off in the summer.’
14. Overcrowd the floor area
Image credit: BC Designs
‘To avoid clutter, create a neat and tidy space by choosing wall mounted bathroom storage ideas and accessories around your basin to keep all your bits and bobs to hand,’ says Tom Parker, category manager for bathrooms at B&Q. ‘When adding furniture, lift items off the floor where you can. For example, opt for a wall-mounted towel rail and installing a vanity unit under your basin streamlines furniture by utilising otherwise dead space.’
Also remember to factor in breathing room around each element so the space doesn’t start to feel busy and tight. ‘Position your bathroom wisely,’ says Tom. ‘For toilets, make sure you keep 40cm of clear space in front and 20cm either side. For showers, allow 80cm of floor space, keep towels this distance for easy reaching too.’
15. Not futureproofing your bathroom
image credit: GROHE
Choosing a bathroom is a big investment, and not something you’ll want to be doing again any time soon. To make sure the bathroom design you’re opting for is right for you, really consider what changes are likely to happen in the future.
‘Think about how your bathroom use might change over time,’ advises Barrie from BC Designs. ‘Just because you don’t need a bath or shower right now, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future so think carefully about what you might require to future proof your bathroom.’
Homeowners can consider the future and incorporate a futureproof design into their bathrooms in many ways,’ says Paul from GROHE UK. ‘Shower fittings with additional safety features as well as technology which ensures the outer surface of the mixer stays cool to the touch are also a great way to ensure that the entire family can shower safely and independently. With step free access, wet rooms are often a great alternative to baths and shower enclosures and work particularly well in family bathrooms, ensuring everyone can use the shower independently.’
It’s not just practicalities of family bathroom ideas that affect future-proofing bathrooms. The environment must be thought about, too, both to do your bit for the planet and for resale value.
‘One area where bathroom design has changed recently is over the drive to save more water,’ notes Barrie. ‘Two-thirds of water used in the home is used in bathrooms and there has been a rise in demand for products that help to cut this down. There aren’t many bathrooms that don’t feature a bath, but what we are seeing is a rise in people choosing baths with no pre-drilled overflow. It means that people can opt for this positioning much lower, which makes sure less water is used during bath time.’
What should you not do when designing a bathroom?
Planning and designing a bathroom is a huge undertaking and can seem quite overwhelming. By learning what not to do when planning a bathroom, the whole process becomes much simpler. The key is to find a layout which works for your space and your needs. Don’t just put up with an existing layout – really think about what you need the bathroom to do, and what you want to fit in there. There’s no point in spending time and money on a refurb or build to not get the product you want. The other thing is to plan everything – don’t just assume you can add things in at the last minute or leave decisions until the end. A good, clear plan will help immensely and save you money in the long run.
