With the unseasonably warm spring we’ve been having, thoughts have naturally turned to long summer nights and the excitement of the months ahead. No season is quite like summer for socialising, so with BBQ’s and garden parties back on the menu again, it’s time to start preparing. Summer is the time to enjoy delicious, fresh food, and many people take it as a chance to try out lots of different recipes. We’ve put together our guide for getting your kitchen (both indoor and outdoor) ready for summer: get organised now, and then lie back and relax when the sun finally makes an appearance.

Of course, barbecues are somewhat mandatory in the summer months, so start looking around homeware stores for the ideal model. Many barbecues come with sophisticated gas ignition and temperature control buttons these days, but if this takes all the fun away then stick with traditional charcoal. However, outdoor kitchen installation does depend on the size of the garden and the amount of people you’ll be catering for: if you don’t have much space, consider getting a disposable model instead.

And remember, barbecues aren’t all about raw meat and caveman food: guests will be after a good mix of refreshments, so why not think about a cocktail mixer set or even an ice cream maker? You’ll be able to impress with your culinary ability, and if you provide plenty of different juices and ice cream toppings, guests will be able to have fun customising their drinks and desserts.

Remember that you’ll need plenty of space to prepare food and store the leftovers, so set aside a day now where you can give all cupboards and refrigerators a sort-out. Nothing gets you ready for a new season like a clean living space, so throw away anything that’s gone bad or won’t be used, and try to keep clutter to a minimum.

If you’re feeling a bit ‘new season, new kitchen’, then why not start considering various fitted kitchens or colour schemes? Many people find summer the best time to be creative, so if you’re looking to spruce up your kitchen then now is the time to do it. Try not to get too carried away with the summer spirit, though – bright orange may begin to grate by November. If you can, have a chat with a dedicated kitchen specialist such as Kitchens UK. They’ll help organise your thoughts and work with the space you have to create the perfect kitchen for you.

Of course, British weather is notoriously unpredictable and the odd rainy day is to be expected. Prepare for this (and fend off bored children!) by getting some fun indoor activities arranged for the little ones, and give them a summer twist. Instead of baking cakes, why not put together a cheesecake for Sunday lunch? Or perhaps have your own ‘cocktail’ party, with juices and party games? The sunshine might be an on-off affair, but with a bit of forward planning you can enjoy all the fun of the summer, whatever the weather.

In the summer months, most people want to be outside as much as possible. Why stay cooped up indoors when you could be out in the sun, sipping on a cocktail and maybe even getting a cheeky hint of a tan? But like it or not, a person needs to eat, and nothing kills that summer buzz more than sweating over a hot stove, in a kitchen than feels more like a sauna than a culinary haven. There is one solution to this though – ever thought of an outdoor kitchen?

With barbecues being borderline mandatory in the UK in summer, most people have cooked in the outdoors before, even if it’s just over a small disposable barbecue in the back garden. An outdoor kitchen installation takes this experience to a whole new level; with storage spaces, chopping units and even a kitchen sink, these are fitted kitchens with a wild side.

If you are thinking about investing in an outdoor kitchen, begin by considering the space you have and exactly how the design will work. Because everyone’s garden is different, these are the ultimate in bespoke kitchens, so begin by drawing up a plan of your garden and how everything will fit together. A curved unit with built-in storage and appliances is your best bet, especially since this won’t take up too much of the garden space overall. Put down a firm patio, and make sure there’s a path between the kitchen and your house: you don’t want to ruin the lawn by trudging backwards and forwards across it all the time.

Take some time to consider what it is most important for the kitchen to have: a cooker is generally high on the list, as well as a sink to reduce trips back to the house. Cupboards are less important, and depend on how much you’re going to store outdoors: food is a definite no-no (in case you attract vermin), but you mind find it useful to keep a few spare pots and pieces of crockery out there, just in case.

Of course, an outdoor kitchen is a tricky thing to install, so don’t cut corners by fitting it yourself: the electrics and plumbing require expertise, so talk to a dedicated kitchen specialist before doing anything. Companies such as Kitchens UK are ideal for not only installing your kitchen, but for giving advice on how it can all fit together, so book an appointment and get some specialist advice as soon as possible.

It’s also worthwhile to think about what you’ll do with the kitchen in the colder months; summer won’t last forever, so make sure that you at least have some form of overheard canopy, preferably tiles or glass. It might also be an idea to invest in coverings for the units and cooker, and separate electric cases for the sockets. It sounds like hard work but after that, all you have to do is relax, and enjoy some al fresco wining and dining: it’s summer at its best.

Designer kitchens are what interior dreams are made of, but finding the funds for that kitchen installation can take a little longer than you’d like.

But while the pennies collect, there are inexpensive ways of modernising your kitchen. A quick, cheap kitchen revival can often do the trick short term while the bespoke kitchens await your call.

Clutter clear out

Nothing makes a kitchen seem more tired and untidy than clutter.

Start by clearing out cupboards of any tins, jars and packets that are past their use by date. Add some organisation by rearranging your shelves and investing in some storage solutions to keep things neat and tidy.

When it comes to the kitchen equipment, anything that is broken, past its best or hardly used is filling valuable space in your room. Be ruthless and don’t hang on to objects you don’t need.

Fitted kitchens really benefit from appearing sleek. Try to give everything a home to keep things looking orderly.

Freshen up

A lick of paint can really work wonders.

Although your kitchen may seem well decorated, it is surprising how grease and grime to cling to the walls and fixtures of fitted kitchens.

Give sides and surfaces and good wash down and scrub the walls. Once everything has been cleaned, choose a contemporary shade of paint to freshen up your room.

Steer away from fun and funky colours for the walls; keep them to a minimum by running bold colour themes through appliances and accessories.

Installation illusion

Splashing out on items which don’t need replacing will only raise the cost of your quick-fix kitchen.

Take a look at what you have and consider speaking with a kitchen specialist. They will be able to advise which areas of your kitchen need the most attention.

Worktops are easily replaced and can give your kitchen a whole new look. Consider coating your cupboards and getting new worktops.

This will give the illusion that a brand new kitchen installation has taken place, ready for summer family gatherings and evenings with friends.

Get crafty

Your kitchen is one of the most functional rooms in the home. It is often where the memos, shopping lists and calendars are kept as well as delivering its original purpose of feeding the family.

Instead of allowing bits of paper to lie around the room, some simple crafts can really tidy up the place and make your house a home.

Fitted kitchens can look a little clinical without some homely touches. Try painting a blackboard for your wall and adding photos of your family. This is great for reminders and quick shopping lists.

A decorative corkboard is also excellent for pinning school reminders, appointment letters and business cards to. Coordinating coloured pins really works well.

Decorative items such as mugs and tea cosies, as well as hand stitched kitchen towels can really add character to a room.

A Kitchens UK kitchen specialist can help you give your kitchen a quick spruce up. When the time arrives and you can invest, Kitchens UK have bespoke kitchens to suit all tastes and budgets.