8 essential questions to ask yourself before you plan your new kitchen
There are lots of options when it comes to sinks these days and we want to help you make the right decision.
There are lots of options when it comes to sinks these days and we want to help you make the right decision.
When the time comes for you to replace your existing kitchen with your dream family and entertainment room, it’s easy to get ahead of yourself and maybe a little carried away?! There is time to get excited, but unfortunately, right now isn’t it.
While kitchen designers are very helpful, you shouldn’t rely solely on their every word. Their advice is great but the kitchen will be yours. That means your ideas, preferences and needs should be reflected in your final, finished kitchen.
In fact, there are 8 important details to focus on and get right, before you can start getting excited about your new and fabulous kitchen to be !
That’s right, the first thing you need to know with regards to your up and coming kitchen renovation, is exactly what your available budget is. Of course, if you’re even thinking about remodelling your kitchen you likely have a good amount set aside. But, don’t work on maybes, get that number nailed down and stick to your limit.
This one’s almost as important as the budget. It’s no good having a dream kitchen in mind if your room isn’t suitable for that idea, or can’t be easily and cost-effectively altered to suit what you have in mind. You might want open plan and a big island, but if space doesn’t and can’t allow for it, you need to let it go and move on. If there are viable ways to alter the shape of your kitchen and increase the space available to you, that’s the first job that needs to be completed.
If you can’t extend your kitchen space, you need to come up with space-saving ideas to maximise the space that is available to you. Read some home design magazines, take advice and think about what’s available. A hot water tap would negate the need for a kettle. That in turn would free up some counter top space. It takes some thought, but can be well worth the effort.
Getting recommendations is essential when it comes to a kitchen designer. But, if they don’t listen to you or have ideas that just aren’t you, you need to keep looking until you find the right one. The design has to be right or the kitchen won’t work for you, so take the time to find the right designer.
It’s not always possible to have everything exactly the way we want it and that’s quite often the case when it comes to a new kitchen. It’s great knowing what you want, but it’s also important to know what you can live without. One way to handle this is by writing a list of your preferred features in order of must-have through to nice-to-have but not essential. A ranked list makes it easier to quickly identify what has to stay and what could go. Be it for space saving or budget reasons, the art of compromise will be useful when you’re planning your kitchen!
We know, this detail sounds like a bit of a drag. But, it’s hugely important when it comes to designing your kitchen. How many power points do you need, where should they be placed to get the best use out of them, while also keeping within safety regulations, close to cupboards, or on your new kitchen island? Remember to consider this in the context of where your appliances will go. After all, there’s no point in having the perfect space for your fridge, but no power point nearby. It’s an important job and when everything’s in place you’ll be pleased you spent took the time to get it just right.
Storage is another important aspect to get straight in your mind before you finalise any cold, hard kitchen renovation plans. Even if you think you don’t need more storage than your existing kitchen offers, make sure you don’t lose any. There are some smart options available, so visit plenty of showrooms to see what you like and what would suit your needs.
Kitchens are so much more than a room for food prep and cooking. They’re the heart of the home and the design choices you make should reflect that, in relation to your needs. Is it a room that will incorporate a sofa, breakfast bar, table and lots of food prep space? Are you looking for a more peaceful place that’s just for cooking and studying? Or, is it the centre of the home where everyone can hang out together and entertain family and friends on a moment’s notice? Think, decide and then plan accordingly.
As you can see, there are a lot of details you need to consider before you begin planning your new kitchen. But, we guarantee that if you do take that time, the design process will be smoother and you’ll be the proud owner of the perfect kitchen for your home, needs and budget!
