Kitchen Info

Choosing The Right Kitchen Company

Finding the right kitchen company to do your kitchen renovation is challenging. How do you know they are reputable; how do you know the quality of work they deliver; how do you know you can trust them in your home and how do you know they will give y...

Balancing and Compartmentalising Your Kitchen Budget

When putting together a budget for a new kitchen many consumers focus the majority of their spend on the aesthetics – how pretty the kitchen will look. But, this is not always sensible as you may end up sacrificing longevity, functionality and ergo...

The Kitchen in the Age of Loadshedding

Load shedding has become the new norm in South Africa. Many homes have started the move to alternate energy sources whether that is in the form of a basic inverter to keep a few lights and the WIFI on, going semi off grid with solar or a full scale o...

Homework To Do Before You Engage a Kitchen Company

A successful kitchen revamp is a collaboration between you and your chosen kitchen company. In order to ensure that this collaboration is successful there is some homework you should do before you event start chatting to kitchen companies....

5 Important Things to consider if you are looking at a Painted or ‘Duco’ kitchen

Acceptable Tolerances for Disputes and Site Inspections

When we, as the KSA, are called upon to do a site inspection there are a few industry norms and acceptable tolerances that we will observe. It is vital that you know about this and have a fair and realistic expectation as to what we will and will not...

Exploring Large Format Tiles

In recent years, large format tiles have gained immense popularity as a choice for kitchen worktops. These oversized tiles have given new options for the kitchen. With their sleek appearance and benefits, large format tiles are becoming the go-to opt...

KSA Kitchen Checklist

Your new kitchen is complete – before you sign off the job and make your final payment run through this checklist to ensure the job is completed and ready for you to move in....

Choosing Your Kitchen Flooring

When it comes to choosing flooring for your kitchen the choices are wide. How do you know what is best suited to you, your lifestyle and your budget? Also, when in the renovation process should the flooring be put down? Before the kitchen is in place...

Adding Colour to your Kitchen

With a kitchen renovation we are spoilt for choice when it comes to the many finishes, textures, colours, patterns and materials available to us. In all honesty, it can be quite daunting, not knowing if we’re making the right decisions. Should we p...

Featuring Glass in your Kitchen

Glass can be a very impactful addition to your kitchen. Whether it be in the form of glass fronted cabinet doors, glass backsplashes or even glass-based surfaces, the very nature of the material gives a kitchen a feeling of being alive. ...

Cooking on Stone - All you need to know

If someone had told you a few years ago that you could have a gas burner coming directly out of your stone countertop or could cook directly on the stone through induction technology, you would have laughed hysterically but today it is a reality. Whi...

Matt Finishes in the Kitchen

Over the past few years, we have seen a drastic move away from gloss finishes to matt and then ultra-matt finishes in the kitchen space. Matt offers a highly sophisticated finish with low reflectivity. The colours are intense yet allow the space to e...

A Lifetime Warranty - What does that mean?

What is a lifetime warranty and how does it pertain to components in my kitchen? ...

Designing a Family Friendly Kitchen

The modern family home has a kitchen that functions as far more than a kitchen – it is a meeting place for friends and family that needs to be designed as a multi-functional space that facilitates cooking and parenting....

The return of Granite and Marble to the kitchen spotlight

For years granite was king of the kitchen. It was the surfacing of choice for any high-end kitchen. With the development of quartz surfacing and later sintered surfacing, granite took a back seat. Marble on the other hand, was never the darling of th...

KSA Kitchen Checklist

Your new kitchen is complete – before you sign off the job and make your final payment run through this checklist to ensure the job is completed and ready for you to move in....

The Evolution of the Kitchen Pantry

Regardless of your kitchen size you most likely have some form of a pantry in your home. This might be as small as a shelf in a cupboard, or as large as a walk-in cupboard. It is where we keep the food and supplies used most often. As kitchens have e...

What to do before your kitchen company comes to site

Consumers tend to get most frustrated when they are hit with the unexpected. The unexpected usually costs money and time and maximum inconvenience when it comes to a kitchen make-over. To try and help, we put together a hit list of things that need t...

Timber Countertops

Wood countertops remain a very popular choice for homeowners as they offer a natural beauty that will enhance the appearance of any kitchen. While they went out of fashion for a period there has been a definite increase in demand for them over the la...

Appliance Advice from the Experts

The KSA recently collaborated with SADA (The South African Domestic Appliance Association) and put together a series of training for our members with our co-members BSH, Liehberr, Miele, Smeg and Whirlpool. We asked them to give us their top tips wi...

Surviving a Kitchen Renovation

Any form of renovation can be stressful but a kitchen renovation is particularly so, as you are having to live without one of the most important rooms in the house for a 4–8-week period. We have, therefor put together our advice on how best to surv...

Pimp My Kitchen

The KSA recently collaborated with Jason Wells, of PG Bison, to compile a talk called “Pimp my Kitchen.” We wanted to challenge the more traditional thought processes to combining colour and texture in a kitchen and what affordable materials you ...

Kitchen layouts

If you’re a homeowner who has recently started designing your new kitchen or remodelling your existing one, you’re probably aware of the number of details that go into the process. From choosing the kitchen layout to picking kitchen cabinet desig...

Legalities you should know about

When you are embarking on a kitchen revamp you want to make sure that what you are asking the contractor to do is within the law. We often find kitchen designers are put under pressure to design a kitchen in a specific way even though it contravenes ...

Writing a Good Kitchen Brief

Before you visit a kitchen company, you should take the time to write them a brief. This document will help the designer better understand the aims and objectives of the project, your needs, likes and dislikes and how best to spend your budget. The p...

Easy Ways to a Greener Kitchen

We have all become more aware of how to improve our lifestyles to ensure we are leaving a little less of an ecological footprint. Most of us are trying to do our bit by reducing the amount of single-use plastic we use. Recycling a bit, and maybe even...

Kitchen Trends on the Horizon

2020 gave us little opportunity to see what kitchen trends would be filtering down to the South African kitchen industry from Europe. The international shows, as well as our own interior trend expos, were cancelled. Imports of new materials and colou...

Big Ideas for a Small Kitchen

Homes are getting smaller but our kitchens are getting bigger…at least we want them to be. With more and more people downscaling to apartment and compact home living, how do they continue to enjoy cooking and entertaining without the kitchen being ...

A Connected Kitchen

As children we watched sci-fi movies where people could switch on their lights with a clap of the hand or a voice command. Where the fridge kept the grocery list and where the oven could be switched on while you were on your way home from work. These...

Kitchen Timeline

A kitchen renovation is one of the most popular home improvement projects. It’s also one of the most complex – purely because there are multiple stages and tradespeople that need to be involved. Ensuring that each stage of the renovation (or new ...

A Stress-free Kitchen Remodel

Protect Your Guarantees

When considering who will supply your new kitchen; one of the important items to weigh up is what guarantees will be in place on the kitchen and the materials. While the Consumer Protection Act affords you some protection with its prescribed guarante...

Kitchen Dictionary

Planning a new kitchen can be very daunting especially when you don’t know or understand half of what the designer is saying. So, to help, we have put together a helpful kitchen dictionary of all the words you might not know but will encounter whil...

Why Visit a Showroom

While using the internet is a useful tool to help you plan and design your kitchen renovation, the research is where it should end. Before buying, we would always recommend visiting a showroom so that you can see exactly what you’ll be receiving an...

Kitchen Living - Indoors to Outdoors

When it comes to the South African home, we can truly say the kitchen is the heart. As South Africans, our lives and cultures revolve around family, food, friends and our glorious weather. As such it is not surprising to see that more and more South ...

What should be on your Quote?

Your quotation is one of the most important documents you will receive when planning a new kitchen. It is vital that your quotation is detailed and accurate so that you are 100% certain about what exactly you are getting from the company....

Know what Quartz Surfacing you are buying

The KSA receives a lot of complaints about quartz surfacing that is chipping, staining and discolouring. When we investigate, we often find that the consumer does not have the stone they thought they were getting and have been sold a product of infe...

KSA Handover Checklist

Your new kitchen is complete – before you sign off the job and make your final payment run through this checklist to ensure the job is completed and ready for you to move in....

Kitchen Lighting

When planning a kitchen few tend to consider lighting. Adding lights to the kitchen is often a last-minute thing when there is little left in the budget for effective and attractive fittings. Your kitchen lighting should be planned as part of the fun...

Why use a Kitchen Designer?

When it comes to interior design versus kitchen design, who do you use and why? If you’re not sure whether you need an interior designer or a kitchen designer, or both, we can help....

Aligning your Tastes and your Budget

One of the biggest causes of conflict between a customer and a kitchen company is when the client’s tastes and budget do not align. Knowing what you can afford, or being able to afford, or being prepared to pay for what you want, is vitally importa...

How will European trends hit the SA market…

The trends seen in the South African kitchen industry filter down from what is showcased at Eurocucina, one of the world’s largest kitchen showcases that takes place in Italy. Many of the KSA’s members attended this bi-annual show, which most rec...

Do you know what products your kitchen company is using?

So, you have selected your kitchen company. The design is right and the price is right, but what do you know about the products and materials the kitchen company will be using to make your dream kitchen?...

Are there items you shouldn’t store in your kitchen cupboards?

It may seem strange to you but there are actually some things that it is advisable not to store inside a kitchen cupboard or drawer. We are accustomed to our kitchens being the perfect place to store most things but what if the things we are storing,...

KSA Handover Checklist

Your new kitchen is complete – before you sign off the job and make your final payment run through this checklist to ensure the job is completed and ready for you to move in....

Porcelain / Sintered surfacing - All you need to know

Granite and engineered stone have long been the material of choice for counter-tops, but as trends have begun to demand a cleaner sleeker look, there has been a need for a hard-wearing surfacing material that has similar properties to stone but that ...

To Handle or not to Handle?

There is a growing trend to move away from having handles on your kitchen units. The current trends are towards a sleek seamless design which cupboard handles detract from. Opting for the handleless look will have an effect on your budget, and there ...

How best to use Colour in the Kitchen?

The use of colour, whether it be in interior design, fashion or cosmetics, is a way for an individual to express themselves. It’s no wonder that colour finds its way into the kitchen – the most used room in the home. ...

Playing with your Budget

When we ask people what their budget is for their new kitchen, they tend to look at us slightly confused and say they have no idea. But, having a budget is vital. ...

Understanding and Signing Off your Kitchen Plans

The plans and renders that your kitchen designer present to you and that you will be asked to sign off are not just pretty pictures to assist you in visualising your kitchen. They are legal documents that depict what you have engaged and authorised t...

Hinges & Hardware - The Backbone of your Kitchen

When designing your kitchen, it is important not to overlook the interior function of your units in favour of the external aesthetics and overall appearance. The hardware you select, namely hinges for doors and runners for drawers, forms the backbone...

What is Solid Surfacing

The term solid surfacing is not well known in South Africa and one must ask why as it is one of the most popular surfacing options throughout the world for both residential and commercial application. ...

Water Saving Advice

Many parts of South Africa have been harshly affected by drought. It is imperative for all to do what they can to save water and this is something that should be taken into consideration when planning a kitchen, choosing new appliances and adapting y...

A New Kitchen - What happens, when and by whom...

When people start planning for a new kitchen they are often unsure about the process they should follow and how things will proceed on site. ...

Plumbing & Electrics - What you should know…

While it is an absolute necessity that you hire a professional to tend to and advise you on the plumbing and electrics of your new kitchen there are certain things you need to know so that you can ensure the job is being done properly and that the pe...

Understanding Your Kitchen Quote

When it comes to planning a new kitchen your quote is one of the most important documents you will receive. Reading it, understanding it and comparing one quote against another is not as easy as you may think. Many companies try and pull the wool ove...

The Hidden Costs of a Kitchen Revamp

We all want to stay on budget when we embark on a build project. It is not as simple as it sounds. Hidden costs have a way of creeping in and throwing things off track. Read about some typical pitfalls that throw most kitchen revamps out of budget....

Get that High Gloss Look in your Kitchen

For several years high gloss has been a buzz word for the kitchen. The look offers a clean, sophisticated finish that has allowed it to remain a popular kitchen finish for several years. There is more than one way to achieve this look, and to adapt i...

Built in or Free Standing? Which Cooking Appliances to Choose

For so many people making a choice about what appliances they want comes pretty far down the list when they start planning for a new kitchen. But why? Appliances are one of the more expensive items in your kitchen that have both an aesthetical and fu...

Kitchen Plumbing Advice from the Experts

A kitchen revamp is the ideal time to update your plumbing. Having your water points in the correct place and being able to accommodate the new gadgets that are now available, is vital to ensure your renovation truly adds to the value of your home. W...

Top 5 Kitchen Mistakes

They always say it is good to learn from your mistakes, but making a mistake during a kitchen revamp can cost you a fortune. Rather learn from the mistakes of others. We asked KSA registered kitchen companies to tell us what the 5 most common mistake...

Clever Storage Solutions

Optimising space in a kitchen is vital. It is one of the rooms in the home that has the most items that need to be stored out-of-sight and yet easily accessible when needed. Very few of us manage this. We scrabble in the dark recesses of corner cupbo...

The Consumer Protection Act and the Kitchen Industry

Consumers in South Africa are offered protection by the Consumer Protection Act. The Act focuses on consumer protection by clearly setting out the rights of consumers and then also the responsibility of suppliers – both of goods and services. It gi...

Beware! Kitchen Design Errors

While the kitchen is undoubtedly the heart of a home, preserving its warmth while updating its look, feel and function can be one of the most challenging aspects of kitchen design. ...

Handover Checklist

Your new kitchen is installed and your contractor is asking you to sign off the job. Here is a useful checklist that you should work through before you sign off the job as complete....

When is the Right Time for a Kitchen Re-vamp?

Is there ever a right time to tackle a kitchen refurbishment? Honestly, no. Even in the best of times being without a kitchen for four weeks and having tradesmen in your home is an inconvenience. However, there are times of the year that are more con...

Glass in your Kitchen

One never thinks that using glass as part of your kitchen could be complicated or put you or your investment at risk, but it can. If the glass used is not the right type and is not worked with or installed properly you may face problems down the lin...

Kitchen Design Through the Ages

When we sit in our kitchens it is hard to believe that they were once a dark and dingy place seldom visited by anyone other than women or servants. Today’s kitchens are the hub of the home and tend towards furniture installations rather than practi...

Let’s Talk Contracts

Too often we see disputes arise between client and kitchen company because a contract has not been signed between the parties. Although contracts can be tedious to work through they are vital for a clear understanding of responsibilities and obligati...

Stone Countertops. 10 Must Know Facts.

Stone has become one of the most popular choices for a surfacing material. But how can you ensure that you don’t get caught out because you don’t know everything about the material. We identified 10 little known, yet important facts about choosin...

What to Sink About

The sink plays a fundamental role in the kitchen - such an important role that it is included as one of the primary kitchen areas around which both the kitchen triangle and dynamic space design is based. Like with all things sink design has advanced ...

Budgets, Budgets, Budgets.

One of the first questions a kitchen designer is going to ask you is ‘What Is Your Budget?’... As much as we all shy away from the dreaded B...word, the careful consideration of a realistic budget will save you time, stress and a lot of potential...

Why invest In your kitchen

Have you ever been to view a house on show thinking what a beauty it is only to be let down by the state of the kitchen or bathrooms? Most estate agents will agree that the state of your kitchen and bathrooms can swing a sale....

Get the most out of your stone budget

Having stone counter-tops in your kitchen is something most people aspire too. Not only does it add to the sophistication of the kitchen but also the perceived value....

Board in the kitchen

When purchasing a new kitchen, you may consider the work surface, the colour scheme, handles and hinges and even the layout and how much storage space you will get. But have you considered the base materials that will make up the majority of your kit...

My nightmare using a non-KSA Member

At the KSA we hear so many horror stories of people being left in the lurch by kitchen companies that are not registered with the KSA. Mr.X (we have opted not to divulge his real name) was just such a consumer. We asked him to share his story with yo...

Planning a Kitchen - What to Expect

If you are planning a new kitchen during 2015/16 you will need to look at the trends seen at the Eurocucina 2014. By knowing the latest European trends you will ensure your new kitchen is elegant and on-trend....

Why Give Your Kitchen Designer a Budget

Budgeting and planning are the fundamental basics to consider before embarking on a kitchen renovation. ...

The Dos and Donts of Timber

Timber is a beautiful, natural product and should be appreciated for the grains, knots and colour variations that reflect the journey the tree has taken....

An Island in your kitchen

All you need to know about adding an island to your kitchen design...

Ergonomic Kitchen Design

What is ergonomic kitchen design? Why should you consider ergonomics when planning a kitchen and how will it benefit you?...

Integrated appliances - why are they making a come back?

Why are integrated appliances making a come back in kitchen design? Simply because they offer a variety of solutions. ...

LP Gas - be informed and be safe

You are keen to have gas in your kitchen - this article tells you all you need to know about the safe installation and operation of bottle gas in the home....

Make the most of a small kitchen

Advice on how to make that small kitchen look and operate like a much larger space....

The importance of a properly constructed cupboard

Without a properly constructed cupboard your kitchen will not last. Know what you are getting when it comes to a kitchen cupboard and ensure you are paying for quality....

Tips for a hot and happening kitchen

Interior designer and editor of the SA Décor & Design Guide, Marcia Margolius gives us tips on how to have a hot and happening kitchen....

House & Leisure Q&A with the KSA

House and Leisure magazine interview Stephanie Forbes of the KSA about the Kitchen Specialist's association and installing a new kitchen....

Choosing stone tops - everything you need to know

What is the difference between granite, marble and engineered stone. The KSA tells you all you need to know to make an informed choice....

3 things to do before consulting a kitchen company

The KSA tells you the three things you need to do before visiting a kitchen company for the first time. These three things will assit you in explaining what you are looking for to the kitchen company....

Kitchen Finishes

The KSA runs through the variety of kitchen finishes available when planning a kitchen....

Choosing an extractor

Advice on making the right decission when choosing an extractor for your kitchen....

Top ten trends from Europe

Straight from Europe here are the top ten trends as displayed at Eurocucina 2012....

Timber in your kitchen

Everything you need to know if you are considering using timber in your kitchen....

Glass in your kitchen

Advice from the South African Glass and Glazing Association of South Africa about using glass in your kitchen....

Vital Alternatives from Habitat Magazine

Habitat Magazine offer ideas on how best to spend your money in the kitchen with the help of KSA members and the KSA....

Vital Statistics from Habitat Magazine

Habitat Magazine examine the importance of the kitchen in the home in consultation with kitchen industry players and KSA members....

Top 7 Hints

The KSA's top 7 hints to ensure you stay sane during your kitchen installation....

Everything you need to know before starting a kitchen renovation

The majority of problems we see at the KSA (Kitchen Specialists Association) can often be traced back to clients not being fully informed about what the process of installing a new kitchen involves. All too often client’s have misconceptions about...

What is what when it comes to selecting door finishes?

Door types and materials - advantages, disadvantages and maintenance...

Tips from the Gas Safety Association

Using gas appliances in the kitchen is becoming more and more popular. Below are some helpful hints should you opt to install a gas appliance in your kitchen:...

Give your kitchen a facelift – Advice from interior design expert John Autard

John Autard, interior designer, retired head of the Cape chapter of the Institute of Interior Designers and editor of the successful e-publication Interior Placements was asked by the KSA for his thoughts on giving your kitchen a face lift:...

Going Green in the Kitchen

Environmental issues are becoming more of a concern and we are frequently asked what people can do to make their new kitchen more environmentally friendly....

Hardware - The hidden backbone of your kitchen

So few people give hardware due consideration when planning a kitchen. Because your hardware is hidden in cupboards and drawers it is often forgotten about. In reality hardware is the back bone of your kitchen. It is what keeps everything operationa...

Kitchen Installation Timeline

How long will it take to do my kitchen? Unfortunately there is no easy answer as size, finishes, and the associated trades all play a part. As a guide line we have outlined the process of an average kitchen in order to help you understand the seque...

The KSA and the Consumer Protection Act

The KSA recognises the importance of the Consumer Protection Act to both KSA members and the customer. The KSA by its very nature stands for what is fair and its mediation process has proved successful in resolving customer related issues. The med...

Helpful advice from the Master Builder’s Association (MBA)

Choose a Reliable Building Contractor, The Price, Accepting the Quotation, Insurances, Extra Work and / or Variations, Payment, Complaints Procedure MBA Contractors....

Comparing Kitchen Tops - What is what when it comes to selecting tops?

When it comes to choosing the finishes in your kitchen it is often hard to know what to choose and how different finishes compare. Below are some helpful guidelines for selecting counter top finishes....

Appliances - You and your kitchen

Kitchen appliances are a major investment in your kitchen. Appliance technology has come along in leaps and bounds and selecting your appliances has become as much about aesthetics as function. ...

Colour Trends

2011/12 colour trends see a move away from sharp contrasts and a move towards more natural shades, says Monika Fecht. Although the staples of black, white and grey will not leave the palate they become less significant with a move to more relaxed com...

Compare apples with apples when it comes to quotes

It is common for clients to obtain more than one quote before embarking on a kitchen renovation. Often there is a wide disparity on pricing. It is important to understand why to ensure you get the right kitchen from the right company....