B&Q has been named the Lowest-Priced National DIY Retailer of Kitchens 2019 for a third year running, beating rivals including Homebase and Wickes.
The accolade has been awarded to B&Q by comparison website Kitchen Compare for consistently having the lowest-priced kitchens throughout 2019. The results follow the site's meticulous daily activity monitoring and recording the prices, finance deals and promotional activity of directly comparable kitchens sold by the UK’s DIY retailers in 2019.
Kitchen Compare’s analysis takes a unique directly comparable 8-unit ‘Galley’ model, consisting of 50 individual components, across 34 different styles, sold across a variety of retailers, and records the prices daily throughout the year. At the end of 2019, price data is analysed to establish which retailer’s prices were the lowest across the comparable styles.
The data showed B&Q had more than double as many comparable, lowest-priced kitchens as its closest competitors – scooping the award across 12 kitchens, compared to Homebase’s two, and Wickes’ three.
Steve Collinge, Managing Director at Kitchen-Compare.com, said: 'It’s our mission to make it as easy and transparent as possible for shoppers to purchase their dream kitchen.
'Every day we monitor the activity of the UK’s leading kitchen retailers, including tracking the individual component prices of comparable kitchen styles. As a result, we have the most robust possible data, which allows us to confirm with certainty that B&Q are consistently outperforming competitors, including Homebase, and Wickes, to offer the lowest priced kitchens.'
Iain McColgan, Director of Showrooms at B&Q, said: 'We’re thrilled to be independently recognised for offering customers the best-value kitchens for the third year in a row, and the news follows the recent launch of a new range of GoodHome kitchens – the first for over 10 years.'
The . The affordable-chic collection includes 26 kitchen door ranges in nine different styles. You'll find everything you need as you plan a new kitchen, from appliances to surfaces, taps, sinks, storage solutions and smaller accessories.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
20 stunning dark kitchen ideas
• DARK CABINETS •
This monochrome kitchen feels incredibly spacious. The white wooden floorboards complement the matte black cabinets, while the bar area joins the workspaces together providing a space for the family to sit.
READ MORE: 7 kitchen colour ideas
• Shop the look at Scavolini Kitchens
Wooden beams and the handmade rug make this countryside kitchen feel incredibly rustic. The dark pop of blue brings an added charm.
READ MORE: Smeg debuts three beautiful new finishes to its fridges
• Shop the look at Tate & Darby
Why not match your cabinets to your kitchen island for some serious grown-up glamour? This dark sea-green kitchen unit with gold art-deco-style bar stools feels completely smart.
BE INSPIRED: 20 kitchen trends to know about in 2019
• Shop the look at Tom Howley
Here, the beautiful navy cabinets add a touch of much-needed character to this kitchen space. The large windows provide additional light, while the white walls brighten the room.
READ MORE: Le Creuset's new SS19 campaign is an explosion of colour and culture
• Shop the look at Scavolini Kitchens
Floor-to-ceiling cabinets provide practical storage spaces, while extra shelving gives the option to display books, plants and ornaments. The lighter stone flooring helps to counteract the grey matte cabinets — and it's seriously beautiful.
READ MORE: London's most incredible house extensions
• Shop the look at Life Kitchens
• DARK WALL COLOURS •
Create a restful colour scheme with dark walls in a kitchen. Whether you choose to match them with your cabinets, or simply opt for a statement wall, don't be afraid to tap into bold and cheerful hues with your paint choices. You really can't beat a deliciously dark kitchen wall.
BE INSPIRED:
• Shop the look at Farrow & Ball. This paint shade is ' De Nimes No.299'
A symphony of greens creates a smart look here, while also adding warmth to a modern home. Insider tip: Match the wall colour to the cabinets for a winning combination you will love immediately.
BE INSPIRED: 5 cheap kitchen updates that will totally transform a tired kitchen
• Shop the look at Second Nature
All-over colour in the kitchen can often be a challenge, but this striking style from Neptune proves just how it can be done. The traditional bricked wall has been coated in a dark green, with dining room table chairs and cabinets to wonderfully match.
READ MORE: 7 kitchen colour ideas
• Shop the look at Neptune
This is the kind of kitchen where you could simply spend hours trialing new recipes. Awash in a delectable fern green, both the ceiling and walls help to create a space that feels incredibly grown-up. There's nothing low-key to see here and that's why we love it.
READ MORE:
• Shop the look at Farrow & Ball. This paint is in the shade 'Bancha No.298'
By using the same paint colour on the walls, ceiling and cabinets, this kitchen feels theatrical yet sleek. Don't be afraid to embrace the darkest of shades all around your kitchen — it's a brilliant combination that will keep the guests coming back (the dog in the corner thinks so too).
READ MORE: Beautiful detached house comes with tennis courts and lush gardens
• Shop the look at Neptune
• DARK KITCHEN LARDERS •
This impressive, neatly-stacked pantry creates a practical space to store away dry goods. Folding doors give you the option to hide away items or keep them on display.
BE INSPIRED: Small galley kitchen transformed into a spacious kitchen and dining room
• Shop the look at Harvey Jones
A clever pull-out cabinet helps to create space to store cereals, cans, jars and packets of dry food. This is a smart way to make the most of kitchen cabinets, as well as helping to keep everything tucked away neat and tidy.
READ MORE: 7 kitchen colour ideas
• Shop the look at Laura Ashley Kitchens
We love this navy blue free-standing kitchen larder unit that brings in a pop of colour. to a neutral space 'The trend for dark colours in the kitchen reflects the need for a space in which to entertain friends and family. These darker colours tend to work well for those who enjoy hosting dinner parties or drinks gatherings and are looking for a more luxurious finish in their kitchen,' explains Doug Haswell, furniture manager at Caple Kitchens.
SEE MORE: 8 kitchen features that will add the most value to your home
• Shop the look at Caple Kitchens
Here, a smart navy grey pull-out larder-style cabinet helps to provide extra storage space in a small kitchen. The shelves above are excellent for placing standout accessories, and the fridge next door means you've got everything you need in one practical place.
READ MORE: 7 kitchen colour ideas
• Shop the look at Tom Howley
The inside storage of this pantry is incredibly functional for neatly storing produce and dry goods. The wooden shelves are smart and the dark paint on the outside helps to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen.
SEE MORE: Buying organic food can help with insect decline
• Shop the look at Laura Ashley Kitchens
• DARK FLOORING •
Another brilliant way to update a kitchen is by opting for dark flooring. It's a great option when you want to keep your cabinets light and fresh. Choose from dark wood, stone or a vinyl material for a standout look you will be sure to love.
BE INSPIRED: Cornish costal apartment with views over harbour and beach for sale
• Shop the look at Harvey Jones
Dark high gloss flooring creates a remarkably grown-up feel. The large floor-to-ceiling windows assist with bringing in additional light, while the raised island provides a functional unit for everyone to enjoy.
READ MORE: How to stencil wooden or concrete floors
• Shop the look at TMI Italia Kitchens MI Italia Kitchens
We love this dark parquet wooden flooring paired with the rich greens of the panelled walls. It's remarkably traditional, with an elegant feel that's worth copying. Looking for kitchen inspiration? This is the first place to start.
SEE MORE: 7 reasons why wood is the sustainable material you need in your home
• Shop the look at L'ottocento
Grey flooring in a kitchen can look incredibly sharp. If you're brave enough, why not match the wall colour in the same shade and accessorise with pops of gold.
'A dark grey will contrast with stainless steel or copper kitchen equipment and the finished look will be less stark than a white shade. The same dark greys also look great around a window frame, as it allows the eye to be drawn to the view beyond. If you make a bold choice, take time to choose the right shade and go with your heart,' explains Nelly Hall, Brand Director at M&L Paints.
READ MORE: Beautiful detached house comes with tennis courts and lush gardens
• Shop the look at Rational Kitchens
This sleek flooring works wonderfully with the grey cabinets and open shelving units. Top tip: a white ceiling and additional lighting will help to make the space brighter and bigger.
SEE MORE: 10 stylish grey rugs for an instant flooring update
• Shop the look at Hoover
Ruth Doherty
Ruth is an experienced freelance digital writer and editor, covering everything from travel and interiors to fashion and beauty. Outside of work, her biggest loves are endless cups of tea, almond croissants, shopping for clothes she doesn’t need, and booking holidays she does.