Tag: Design

Steps to Take When Getting a New Kitchen

Getting a new kitchen in your home is a big decision. It is a major financial investment plus it is a decision you will live with for several years. Here are some steps to make the process as smooth as possible and that will ensure you get a kitchen you love.

    • Decide on Your Budget – It is important to set your budget before you start looking at kitchen styles or functionality. This will prevent you from getting into a situation further into the process where you have to make compromises because of financial constraints.
    • Evaluate Your Current Kitchen – Next, look at your current kitchen from a style and functionality perspective. In terms of style, you may already have an idea of what you want your new kitchen to look like. What are the things you don’t like about the style of your existing kitchen, though? For example, did it become dated too quickly or do you think it is too dark?

As for functionality, identify things you like and don’t like about your existing kitchen. This could be anything from storage space to the design of the sink to the location of appliances. Pay particular attention to things that don’t work well and could be improved.

  • Think About How You Use the Kitchen – It is also important to think about how you use your kitchen. A family kitchen that is used for meals, making packed lunches, doing homework, and everything else that goes on in a family kitchen is very different to a kitchen used only by adults. Will you entertain in the kitchen, for example, and what are your cooking preferences and habits?
  • Decide on the Essential Elements – You may not be able to get everything you want in your new kitchen so it is important to decide on the essential elements. This includes everything from the quality of the appliances to the kitchen’s features to elements of the design. You might, for example, decide that a particular type of countertop is essential to your new kitchen, or you might want an oversize refrigerator. Prioritise what is most important.

 

  • Think About Counter Space, Appliances, and Storage – It is the job of your kitchen designer to maximise storage and counter space while also ensuring all the elements of your kitchen are accessible and work together. You can have an input in this process too, particularly if you have lived in the house for a while and know the space well.
  • Get Design Inspiration – This step only applies if you are still unsure of the exact design you want. The first tip is not to rush this part of the process as it is too important. The best advice is to get design inspiration from as many sources as you can. This includes reading interior design and kitchen design blogs and magazines, visiting kitchen showrooms, speaking to professional kitchen designers, and more.
  • Find a Kitchen Designer and Installer – Finally, appoint a kitchen designer so you can take the next steps to getting your new kitchen. Make sure the kitchen designer has experience and delivers high-quality workmanship. Professionalism is important too – after all, they will be working not only in your home but in the most important room of your home.

By following the above steps, you will get the kitchen you have always wanted.

12 Essential Elements of a Well-Designed Kitchen

A kitchen should be functional as well as attractive and comfortable to be in. That means it must be well-designed. Good design doesn’t happen by accident, however. Below are 12 elements of a well-designed kitchen. Does your kitchen have them all?

  • Makes Good Use of Space – There are two parts to this design feature. The first is using all the available space so nothing goes to waste. The second involves using the space well. For example, keeping commonly used things in your kitchen close together so you don’t spend all your time walking from one side of the room to the other.
  • Has Enough Storage – A common mistake that people make when designing kitchens is not including enough storage. In addition, the smaller the available space there is, the more important it is to come up with creative storage solutions.
  • Maximises Natural Light – Natural light is the best type of light to have in your kitchen, and well-designed kitchens make effective use of it.
  • Has Effective, Unobtrusive Lighting – You can’t use natural light all the time so your kitchen will also need lighting. The source of the lighting, however, should be almost invisible. Its placement is important too, particularly in relation to shadows. After all, you don’t want a shadow falling onto a worktop while you are preparing food.
  • Has Enough Power Points – You need enough power points for your appliances as well as other electrical devices. For example, it may be normal for you to charge your phone in the kitchen. Also, there should be sufficient power points for you to add additional electrical devices or appliances in the future.
  • Has Attractive Worktops that Are Easy to Care For – Worktops should be high-quality, durable, and attractive. It is essential, however, that they are easy to clean and maintain.
  • Includes New Appliances – If you are getting a new kitchen, the best advice is to get new appliances too.
  • Takes into Consideration Traffic – Designing a kitchen well involves thinking carefully about how people use and walk-through it. In particular, walkways should be big enough to pass while safety is important too. For example, you should keep ovens and hobs away from walkways if possible, particularly if children use the kitchen.
  • Has Effective Ventilation – Ventilation is important to protect the interior of your kitchen, to make it more comfortable to us, and to remove odours.
  • Has a Well-Placed Bin – The design and location of your bin are important. That importance increases if you keep multiple bins in the kitchen for recycling. Many people like to hide bins, but accessibility is essential too.
  • Has Doors That Are Well-Designed – The design of cabinet and appliance doors has to be well thought through when designing a kitchen. They must swing the right way for a start. In addition, they shouldn’t bang into anything when open, including other doors.
  • Includes Landing Space – Landing space is counter space located beside the refrigerator, microwave, and sink. After all, there is nothing more annoying than using any of these kitchen elements with your hands full and having nowhere in the immediate vicinity to put anything.

There will be other things that will be important to you for your kitchen. The above 12 elements apply to all kitchens, however, whatever the size or style.