kitchen Renovation Archives

Refining Your Ideas For Your Kitchen Renovation

So you know that your kitchen is in dire need of a renovation, but you are not too sure what direction you should go in for your remodel? It is definitely a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. Many homeowners are initially unsure of their ideas. And we would know as we have renovated dozens of kitchens in Christchurch!

In this article, we’ll give you some advice for refining your ideas before renovating your kitchen to end up with the best possible result!

Create A List Of Must-Haves

Even if you’re not entirely sure what to do with your kitchen renovation, you undoubtedly have a list of things you want your kitchen to have, such as new cabinets, more space, etc. Try writing a list of these features in order of priority.

Create A List Of Dislikes

It’s sometimes easier to pinpoint what you dislike over what you like. Determine all of the features in your kitchen that you dislike and general features that are often seen in kitchens that do not appeal to you.

Don’t Rely Too Heavily On Trends

When homeowners aren’t sure about what to do with their renovation, they often rely too heavily on the latest trends. The problem with this is that trends go in and out of fashion fairly quickly, and you want to enjoy your kitchen for many years to come.

Use Imagery

Having imagery is an essential tool for communicating your ideas to your kitchen designer. Use sites like Pinterest as well as lifestyle magazines to find images that appeal to you.

How Do You Want Your Kitchen To Feel?

Think of the adjectives that you want to be able to use to describe your kitchen. For example, do you want it to be cosy, inviting, modern, artistic, grand, unassuming, or anything else? Also, think about the feelings you want to experience when walking into it.

Decide On A Colour Scheme

A colour scheme really ties an entire room together. So when thinking about a potential colour scheme, consider colours that appeal to you, that are cohesive together, and that may already appear in other areas of your home.

Here at Kitchen Maker Christchurch, we have renovated dozens of kitchens in Christchurch and offer a comprehensive design service that takes all of your kitchen likes and dislikes into account. Get in touch with us today to set up a consultation!

5 Signs It’s Time for a Kitchen Renovation

When you look at your kitchen, do you love it? No? This answer itself could be grounds for a kitchen renovation. But let’s have a look at some of the other indicators that could be telling you it is high time to invest in professional kitchen renovation services.

It’s Simply Outdated

If you have an older kitchen, that is not to say that you need a renovation. But an outdated kitchen that has cracked tiles, two few plug points, and not the right plumbing for modern appliances such as dishwashers is definitely crying out for a renovation.

There isn’t Enough Space

One of the number one complaints of homeowners about their kitchens is that there is not enough space. Not enough space to store things, not enough space to prepare food, not enough space to walk around in. A kitchen renovation can really open up this space and help you achieve your dream kitchen goals, keeping your space requirements in mind.

The Design is Impractical

Are you forever bumping your hip on the kitchen island? Are the kitchen cupboards too high or too low? Impractical kitchens can be annoying and even lead to more accidents in the kitchen. Having a kitchen renovation done with your specific practical needs in mind will completely transform the way that you feel about being in the kitchen.

Dark and Dingy

If you’re like most homeowners, you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your kitchen, and therefore you want it to be a light, bright, and inviting space. Dark and dingy kitchens can make cooking really unenjoyable, and a dark kitchen often feels unhygienic as grime and dirt may be hiding in the shadows. A Kitchen renovation can focus on the proper lighting (both natural and artificial).and bring in lighter colours to make the space more inviting.

You’re Looking to Sell Your Home

When you are getting ready to sell your home, you want to present it in the best possible light to attract the right potential buyers. An outdated or grubby kitchen is a surefire way to put off potential buyers. A kitchen renovation definitely adds value to your home, and you’ll be able to sell your home more easily, as well as up your asking price.

Looking to invest in kitchen renovation design services? Get in touch with the kitchen professionals at Kitchen Maker Christchurch. We’d love to be a part of your kitchen makeover!

Two Tone Kitchen Cabinets

Baking cookies, preparing thanksgiving dinner and Sunday breakfast. Your kitchen is used everyday and not just for meals. It’s a place for the family to meet and enjoy each other while enjoying a meal and the topics of the day. The kitchen has many pieces that make it a kitchen but nothing more integral than the kitchen cabinets. The kitchen cabinets function as the base color pallet for your kitchen as well as the place for all of your storage. Without your cabinets it would be room with a kitchen and an oven. Recent kitchen renovation trends have finally given kitchen cabinets and joinery the attention they deserve. The latest trend has been the choice of colors in your cabinets. Specifically two tone cabinets that make your kitchen cabinets stand out. Two tone cabinets allow you to make your kitchen more dynamic and give your kitchen cabinets an opportunity to be major feature in your kitchen. Two tone cabinets can be made into a done in a large variety of colors and combinations. There are a lot of different materials that can be mixed and matched as well. This allows you to be as creative in your kitchen as you are in life.

Choosing A Color Pallet

So many colors to choose from, how do you even start. The choice of using a two tone cabinet can open a wide array of choices for you to use for your kitchen. It’s important that you and your designer make a clear choice on how your two tone cabinets you can choose a color pallet that is more subtle like a soft gray and and egg shell that allows you to make your kitchen a bit more interesting without screaming at the top of your lungs how unique you are. Or maybe that what you want to do. Maybe you want your kitchen cabinets to be the end all and be all of your kitchen. Then you might be choosing an olive green and a chili red to spice up the overall design of your cabinets. Don’t sell yourself short when it comes to colors. You can make any color combination that you can imagine. When you add in the choices for your countertops the combinations can feel endless. All this is supposed to bring depth and character to your kitchen that can’t be obtained with previous flat colors across the kitchen pallet.

Also Read Steps to Take When Getting a New Kitchen

Getting Creative With Your Color Pallet

Your color pallet should be something that you consider for a while with your kitchen renovation designer. There are more just a color to pick out for your cabinets. The colors you choose for your kitchen cabinet and joinery are also going to affect your splashback choices as well, weather you use stainless steel appliances or not , and what the floors will look like over all. When deciding to use two tone kitchen cabinets you are ultimately opening a can of worms. But you shouldn’t feel overwhelmed if you have good designer. They will help you realize you kitchen renovation dreams and show you how the use of many colors together can still give you a cohesive and beautiful kitchen design.

Kitchen renovations are an opportunity to create a kitchen that you will love. Kitchens play a huge role in the home so why not give it the attention it deserves. The kitchen is not just a place for food to be prepared, it is also a space for family memories to be made and stories to be shared. Two tone cabinets are a consideration you and your kitchen designer should take seriously because it comes with a long list of other things to consider. There are so many color combinations that the choices can start to feel staggering. It can be a beautiful and amazing choice but you also have to take in account the colors of everything else in the space and how they all play together. From the countertop to the appliances and the splashbacks, everything has to be taken into consideration. Choosing two tone cabinets allows you to create a creative space that is every bit as unique as your family if you and your designer can find a color pallet that works for you.

If you’d like more information on two tone cabinets or other kitchen cabinets and joinery, call Kitchen Maker CHCH so we can show you all the ways we can help you in your kitchen renovation and design.

Trendy kitchen cabinet details

Kitchen cabinets are a major part of your kitchen. It’s important that they not only function great and have tons of storage options but also be stylish in the overall grand scheme of your kitchen design. There are so many details to choose from when it comes to the features of your kitchen cabinets. From the hardware and cut outs to lighting and panels, there are so many options to consider. A kitchen joinery will be able to help you customize your new kitchen cabinets to be not only useful but also to be as stylish as anything you’ve seen in a magazine.

Handleless cabinets for moderns kitchens

Hardware and handles are a thing of the past. New trends in kitchen joinery showpiece kitchen cabinets with no hardware or handles. This makes for a modern or industrial style kitchen with clean seamless lines. Its ideal for kitchens that want to showcase other features like a fun splashback or anything else as a focus piece. This can be accomplished in a number of different ways such as cut outs, recessed details or leaving the cabinet door flat and finished. Anything you choose should work for the overall usefulness of your kitchen cabinets.

Cut Out

A new trend that has been big in kitchen renovations is having a kitchen joinery create cutout on or in the doors to create a seamless and modern way to open your cabinets. The cut outs can be large and obvious so that you can easily put you hand in the cut out to open a cabinet. Or you can make it a small cut out that’s more conspicuous to the eye. A small circle can be cut out in a convenient place or any other design that makes it look purposeful and creates a fun design in the front of your cabinets that would otherwise be flat.

Recessed details

Recessed details are another option for kitchen cabinets if your looking for a look with clean and crisp lines that’s real minimalist. Recessed details are similar to cut outs in that they are a detail in the wood of the cabinets. However they are not just a hole, they are more of a pocket made in your cabinets for you to put your hand into. These can come in a variety of shapes and sizes but the aim is that they are almost not seen in the overall design of the cabinets. Your kitchen joinery can create a recessed detail that is both beautiful and functional.

Also Read: New trends for kitchen renovation

Detailed Handles

Maybe you like the traditional or farmhouse style best with hardware on the cabinet doors. Your kitchen joinery will have a variety of different styles materials and finished to go on not only your cabinets but your drawers as well to create a kitchen design that is full of character. Don’t be afraid to mix hardware designs because that’s how you create something truly exceptional. You’ll need to decide on color material and design but you’ll also have to consider where on the cabinet you want your hardware positioned. You can have the hardware either on the rails or the stiles of your doors depending on how large the hardware is.

Hidden light features

There are other details that can be added to your kitchen cabinets to make them more accessible not only on the outside but also on the inside where you keep everything. Lights are a great addition to cabinets either inside to help you find things inside or on the outside to create more light in a workspace. This can be done with a string of LED lighting or with a single focused light to illuminate the space. Lighting can really help with the overall look of the kitchen and create the lighting layers that you need to complete your kitchen design.

Mixed Media

Your Kitchen joinery will design an amazing design that includes more than just closed kitchen cabinets. They can create a design that includes open shelves and cabinets in a well thought out layout to allow you to decorate and store all of your dishes and décor together

There are so many details when it comes to choosing what your kitchen cabinets look like. They are a major part of your overall kitchen design. From modern to contemporary and everything in between there is a cabinet design that’s going to fit your overall style. Your kitchen joinery will help you choose hardware or hardware-less cabinet doors. You will be able to choose a wide variety of recessed and cut out patterns and designs for a modern clean designed cabinet. If you chose hardware you will be able to choose materials , colors and placements as well as over all design. All these choice to give you cabinets that are not only beautiful but that also function flawlessly.

Also Read: What you need to know while Upgrading Kitchen Cabinets

Do’s and Don’ts For your Kitchen Renovation

The kitchen renovation can be a large undertaking. Full of decisions to make and construction kitchen installation in your home all the time. There is so much going on. There are a few do’s and don’ts you should be aware of to make sure your kitchen renovation goes smoothly.

Do you consider how you’ll use the space

So you’re going through with the renovation you want to ensure that you are using the space wisely. Especially if you have a small kitchen this can be very crucial. Your kitchen designer should make sure you are happy with how the space is used before the kitchen installer Christchurch installs any of the cabinets or appliances. Weather it be making better use of cabinet space or for making a way for secret storage, it is important to address all of the issues that you currently have in order to make sure that you don’t fall into those same problems in your new kitchen.

Also Read: How to Choose Countertops : 101 Guide

Don’t go over budget

Your kitchen designer should help you to ensure that you are able to stick to your budget. Make sure the choices you are making keep in line with not only your design ideas and vision but also in line with your overall budget. Don’t spend all of your money on marble countertops and then don’t have anything left for the basic cabinetry or spend all your money on appliances and then don’t have anything left over for the kitchen installation. It’s very important to stay on track and set an amount for each part of your kitchen renovation. Also set aside a portion of your budget for unexpected expenses such as unexpectedly needing a new subflooring or a change of color for your walls.

Also Read: All you need to know about Kitchen Cabinets

don’t forget storage

Storage in the kitchen is really important. Ensure that your kitchen designer finds a great way to custom make all your storage needs. Make sure you take in account all the things that you currently have and then decide what you need to make your space as functional as possible. Don’t overdo it with cabinets though also consider options as well such a shelving or even getting rid of some of the things that you currently do not use in your kitchen on a regular basis.

Also Read: New trends for kitchen renovation

Do use Cabinetry to its fullest

When it comes to where to put the toaster or the microwave have your kitchen joinery include options in your cabinets so that your stainless steel appliances don’t always clash with your design. If you can get really creative, you can even hide large appliances such as your refrigerator. This can help ensure that your very modern clean and sleek designs are the same all the way through. If your theme is a more country charming look then your joinery will have to get really creative where to match your state-of-the-art appliances your theme.

Also Read: Kitchen Renovation

Do bring cabinets up high

Don’t waste your space, ensure that you have as much storage as possible by bringing cabinets all the way up to the ceiling if possible. This will give you the storage you need for all those fancy dinner dishes and your endless supply of Christmas mugs. Large cabinets or extended cabinets up to the ceiling help to create a finished look and don’t make your kitchen look so broken up as well. A kitchen joinery should be able to create cabinets that are able to reach the heights you need in order to maximize your kitchen storage needs

Also Read: All You need to know about Small Kitchen Designs

Do find the best Pros

Ensure that you and your kitchen designer have the best pros on your team. Find the best kitchen installers in Christchurch by asking for references and making sure you ask installers in the contractors are the right ones for the job. Ensure that the team you have assembled has experience in the type of kitchen renovation that you are trying to achieve whether that be a home kitchen renovation or a commercial kitchen renovation. Don’t use somebody who doesn’t have the experience to back up the things that you need done in your kitchen renovation. Trust professionals to have credentials and years of experience to help keep your renovation stress free on track.

Also Read: What you need to know while Upgrading Kitchen Cabinets

Your kitchen renovation can be a large job. You and your kitchen designer have a long list of things to decide on from things like appliances a tree to smaller things like hardware details finishes for the floor. You want to ensure that every part of your new kitchen fits your needs, looks beautiful, and that it doesn’t drowning in debt. Don’t take your eye off the prize and know that your kitchen designer is on your team to give you everything you want and can have. Follow this list of do’s and don’ts keep your kitchen renovation on track.

How to Choose Countertops : 101 Guide

Kitchen countertops are one of the most important parts of the kitchen design. They’re the workspace and the foundation for the design of your kitchen renovation. Your kitchen designer will give you a wide range of materials, color, designs and finishes that can work with your space and vision. Make sure to check out the latest trends with your kitchen designer in Christchurch for the newest in countertops.

Veining In Patterns

Patterns in the countertop give the kitchen more character. Realistic veining in quartz, marble, and granite can create a interesting match up to your cabinets and backsplash. Each vein is a unique picture made in the material to create a one of a kind story across the countertop. Veining can give a flat countertop more style and life to make a design have some interest. There are a number of different pattern types of veining but the two major ones are crack seal growth and open space filling. And there are different ways to display the veinging like cutting into it to show it from the inside or to cut the counter to let the vein be all the way across the space.

Also Read: All you need to know about Kitchen Cabinets

Counters of Blacsplash

A new trend has started where kitchen designers use the countertop materials turn a 4in the wall as a backsplash. Designer can still use backsplash materials but running the countertop up a bit the wall tunes down the details of the backsplash. If you would like a less busy design your kitchen designer Christchurch would probably recommend this. Another option is to use the countertop all the way up to the cabinets as a backsplash. This creates seamless lines and makes the design look clean clear and cohesive.

Quartz and other materials

Quarts is a timeless material that doesn’t seem to be going out of style and 2018 is no difference. It is loved because it is a natural beauty that is easy to clean and available in a vast array of colors and veining options. Every kind of cut is different and unique so that your countertops are always one of a kind. It is also easy to cut to give you the deges that you desire and allow you to fit any sink design that you wish. It is a great alternative to more expensive materials like marble, which can break your bank. Granite, soapstone and slate are also popular materials to make your countertops out of and allow you to have a wide variety of finishes as well.

Also Read: New trends for kitchen renovation

Kitchen islands

The island is just as important as the rest of the work space in the kitchen sometimes more so because the island provides you with the opportunity to create more workspace or to move the kitchen sink to a more central location.

Whatever material, cut and color you choose for your countertops can also run kitchen island as well. If you’d like something with a bolder design and a little less matchy then you can pick a different material to cover your island worktop. This can be done with a butcher workspace and a quartz countertop to the bar side. Or maybe the cabinets of the island storage won’t match the rest of the cabinets in the kitchen. Your kitchen designer in Christchurch will be able to handle the design that meets your needs functionally and looks beautiful with a matching countertop as well. This worktop can either include a sink or it can be just extra work space with storage underneath.

Also Read: Kitchen Renovation

Edges

After you’ve chosen the material and color for your countertops it’s important to also choose the cut for the ends of the counter. Countertop edges are not something to overlook. It’s a small detail that can add an accent to your overall design. There are a number of different styles to countertop edges. A more modern trend is the waterfall edge that allows for the counter material to be taken all the way down the side of the workspace and meets the floor. This allows for clean and contemporary lines that is very sleek. A less modern edge is the cascade edge. A cascade edge is a more classic and traditional edge that clearing defines the end of the counter with some nice detail. Whatever edge you choose it should fit into your overall theme of your kitchen renovation. Remember that no detail is too small and the countertop edges are a detail that will make a big difference.

Also Read: All You need to know about Small Kitchen Designs

When remodeling your kitchen there is a wide array of choices to make when it comes to kitchen countertops. Your kitchen designer will walk you through the latest trends to assure that the materials fit the overall design.From the materials like quartz or marble to veining options and how to showcase them when it comes to cutting the edges, you’ll be able to create one-of-a-kind look for your kitchen that you will love for years to come.

Also Read: What you need to know while Upgrading Kitchen Cabinets

New trends for kitchen renovation

Kitchen renovation can be so exciting. A new kitchen of your dreams with colors, appliances and storage just the way you want and need it. Making the kitchen favorite room in the house again is not going to be easy though. There are so many things to decide and so many new trends to explore to ensure that you and your designer have a clear vision and direction before you get into your kitchen renovation. Make sure you explore all the different options that there are for flooring, sinks, and even your cabinets. Every part of your kitchen design should be taken piece by piece to make sure you get to choose everything from hardware to finishes. Nothing is too small or unimportant for you to choose for your new kitchen.

Also Read: Kitchen Renovation

Flooring

There have always been so many choices when it comes to flooring, and current trends have not forgotten about the importance of the floor. Flooring is not just about the material, though there are a lot to choose from. From wood, tile and laminate to marble and vinyl, thoe choices and finishes to complement your kitchen design. Wood floorings can be done in a variety of sizes, finishes and styles. Herbowing in wood gives the floor and very interesting and intricate design that can beautiful in any design.patterns help to create a unique design in the floors with different shapes and creative placings. Flooring also should be chosen for durability and to be aware of the needs of your home. There are so many different choices make sure you take the time to see what your kitchen showrooms have to offer.

Also Read: All You need to know about Small Kitchen Designs

Feature Ceilings

Who says the ceiling can’t be a feature piece. Don’t settle for just a plain white ceiling. Give yourself something spectacular and give your guests something to look at thats unexpected when they walk in to your kitchen. Checkered ceiling can be a fun piece to incorporate color into your design. This can be done in black and whites for a classic finish or in any other color that ties into your kitchen renovation design. Another option is to add panels and break up the space for a more sophisticated and elegant design. One design trend that is getting a lot of attention is the tin covered ceilings that can be done in a variety of colors and finishes. No matter what you choose allow your ceiling to be a large part of your overall design.

Also Read: What you need to know while Upgrading Kitchen Cabinets

Sinks

Your sink should be more than a place for you to wash dishes and clean up messes. It can be a beautiful feature as well. Colored sinks are making a splash in kitchen renovation designs allowing homeowners to add pops of color in an otherwise basic colored worktop. Farm style sinks are making a comeback in recent kitchen renovations. It gives a clean classic look and also is functionally a wide deep space for cleaning pots and pans. Cast iron sinks are a timeless and durable option but can be a bit heavy, so its best installed by a professional. Sinks are more important to the design that ever before so take the time to explore all the different options.

Also Read: 8 Kitchen Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

Floating Shelves

Cabinets especially in small kitchens can make the space feel closed off and smaller. Floating shelves installed with accent lights can draw attention to decor or dishes in way that makes everything more purposeful and inviting. Joinery in Christchurch can design and install the perfect shelves and help build cabinets anything extra. Floating shelves come in a variety of different material and finishes so that the dishes and decorations places on the shelves can match and ce pleasing to the entire design.

Also Read: How to Budget for a Kitchen Renovation

Statement Features

Whether it be the lighting fixtures or custom colored cabinets by the joinery in Christchurch. Feature lights hanging over an island can create a wonderful look to any kitchen. Custom vent hoods bring attention to your stove for masterpieces are made. Beautiful mosaic splashbacks can create beautiful backdrop to your kitchen. Floral wallpapers on an accent wall can bring light and interest into your space. Picking the right statement features for your space will give up kitchen design something special that you will love for years.

There so many trends for you to choose from. Your kitchen designer will be able to help you explore which ones will make it into your kitchen design. A joinery in Christchurch will be able to help design custom cabinets, shelving , Islands send more in all the colors and customs finishes. Your designer will help you choose the custom finishes and features that will help your design come to life. You should take the time to look at the flooring and the appliances and the sinks and really make each piece work for you functionally and aesthetically.