When it comes to designing your kitchen, there’s a lot of issues to consider. Your kitchen is likely to host a variety of different tasks – cooking, entertaining, eating and cleaning – so it’s important to design a functional space that helps you successfully achieve everything you need, whilst looking good and being a space you enjoy being in. If you’re planning to re-design your kitchen, here are some tips to help you make the most of your space.
Set A Budget
When starting to design your kitchen, the costs need to be defined clearly. The design, fittings and fixtures you can have in your kitchen will depend on your budget. Start by establishing the amount that you will realistically spend on the project. Besides the kitchen, don’t forget to include some allowances, for instance, wiring, flooring, plumbing, and finishing with some design touches. It would help if you also had an additional budget available for unforeseen costs. “As the kitchen is often the most central part of the home, this often means it’s the most costly. It is, however, worth investing time and the capital – particularly if you’re looking to sell up,” comments Ruban Selvanayagam of Property Solvers.
Get Creative With Corners
The corners in a kitchen can be tricky to design, but with a bit of imagination, you can get creative with how they’re used. Special corner cupboards with pull out sections help you use all of the space in the corner without compromising on style, or you could create a display cabinet in the corner. Do be aware that it’s best not to put appliances in a corner, as there may not be ample space available for opening doors fully.
Pay Attention to Materials
The materials used for decorating your kitchen are essential because they affect the look and price and how well a particular element can be in a specific place for a long time. Materials are especially vital when looking at kitchen cabinets and work surfaces, as they need to be functional and well-constructed, plus easy to clean, as splashes and stains are inevitable at some point. It’s worth visiting various showrooms, such as Blossom Avenue Kitchens, to get inspiration and see what materials can be used to achieve an ideal kitchen.
Kitchen Island
In most modern kitchens, the kitchen island has become more ubiquitous. If you’re considering having one in your kitchen and have space, it could be a useful place for preparing meals or extra space for sitting when eating.
Lighting
It’s vital to consider kitchen lighting. Think about the various lighting layers that bring warmness and softness, such as under-counter lighting, task lighting and overhead lights. Recessed lighting, for example, can help ensure your kitchen has been lit adequately without distraction.
Sink Styles
When it comes to your kitchen sink, you need to know that size is not the only decision since there are different options you can consider. For example, a sleek stainless-steel sink looks modern and will acquire a patina over time or a granite sink which is stylish and durable.
Ventilation
Having proper ventilation is crucial since it ensures good air circulation in your kitchen, and it can help when cooking or preparing your food.
Work Surface
The design of your kitchen needs to have enough space so that you will work comfortably and not be bumping into other people or getting in the way of appliances. If you’re having a custom built kitchen, the length and height of your work surfaces can be designed to meet your own needs.
Smart Storage
Smart storage can be considered an essential part of kitchen design, especially when striving to declutter. Inevitably they’ll be a number of smaller items you’ll need in your kitchen, such as utensils for cooking, and well-positioned and hidden storage that helps streamline your space and help you be organised can be a bonus.
Flooring
Don’t forget to consider kitchen flooring options, such as ceramic tiles, natural wood or faux stone effects. Add some extra warmth and colour to your kitchen floor, and help keep your feet warm when you’re cooking, by popping a runner rug down.
Finishing Touches
When designing a kitchen that will make you happy, it’s crucial to pay attention to the details. Think about issues such as how you’d like to display your favourite cookbooks, whether you’d like bottles of wine in easy reach or if you’d like shelves to put your favourite crockery out on display. Designing your own kitchen gives you the chance to add small finishing touches that make the room personal to you.
Featured image credit: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash
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