A well designed and installed kitchen can make all the difference in making a home a home. For many people, the kitchen is the heart of their home, where family and friends spend the most time together. Kitchen renovations can be a very expensive process; it is, therefore, very important to ensure that the design is functional and suits your needs and purpose. In this article, we will be discussing 5 ways to perfect yours kitchen design and installation.
Needs vs wants
Before you start, spend some time understanding your needs and wants. Which things are essential that you can’t live without and which things are unnecessary that you haven’t used in a long time? This list would be a good point to base your design around.
Next, take a look around your kitchen and see how the current layout works for you. Does the current space work or does it need to be extended or opened up? Do you only use the kitchen to prepare meals or do you also socialize there? Make a list of all the changes you would like to make to the layout.
Lighting, heating and plumbing form an essential part of a kitchen’s functionality as well as storage space, the position and size of appliances and ease of accessibility to them. Building the list in this way helps to focus on the essential elements that you want to maintain or improve.
Know your budget
You know and work within yourself budget a limit is vital. Be honest with yourself! This will help you invest in things you really need, you will focus on where to spend and where you can save. A kitchen does not only consist of cupboards, doors and worktops; the tiles, lighting and door handles also need to be costed. You must also remember to include the installation fee which is not always included in the cost of the kitchen.
Knowing your budget also helps the designer to offer ideas and ways to save money, for example, you may be able to save money by having some open shelves or pull out drawers rather than wall mounted cupboards with the doors.
When investing in appliances, make sure you are using all the functions you are paying for; we often pay for functionality we can never use, thus wasting money. Minimalist design trends are on the rise especially in kitchens, this is a great way to save money and be stylish at the same time.
Remember to have a contingency budget, despite meticulous planning; you can never be too sure what hidden work awaits you once you’ve started work, this can inadvertently increase costs.
Consult a designer
Once you have understood your needs and have an idea of your budget, it is time to consult a designer. You will find that designs and styles may have changed immensely since you last updated your kitchen, often people find themselves at a loss with the huge range of kitchen styles, materials and finishes to choose from. Your designer will be able to guide you through the entire process.
The best place for the designer to start is to come and visit the kitchen and see the space. By understanding your needs and your budget, your kitchen designer will then offer you functional designs tailored to your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask the designer to improve the designs, after all, you need the design to be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional for your needs.
Finishing
Finishing like door handles, lighting, tiles and flooring can instantly determine the aesthetic look and feel of your kitchen. Finishes are more than just decoration, they are very important in creating the desired mood and atmosphere and feel of your kitchen.
The right finishing style and design is vital in creating a traditional feel or a minimalist modern look. Take some time to explore the variety of styles and looks and choose which will work for you and discuss these options with your kitchen designer.
Installation
Once your kitchen has been designed to your required specification, installation should be a relatively simple process. Many kitchen suppliers also offer kitchen design and installation services with an accompanying warranty. Remember that the cost of installation may not be included in the cost of the kitchen even if you are fitting it from the same company.
Kitchens can offer an installation service; however, they may not offer plumbing and electrical services. It is good to discuss this with them, you may need to coordinate the electrical and plumbing yourself.
Hopefully, these guidelines will help you in creating your dream kitchen.
