What makes a dream kitchen? Is it simply a style of kitchen that you personally dreamed of owning for years but never found the funds for? Is it a functional kitchen that has everything you need at the touch of a button? Or is it a nice, homely place where people gather and share the events of their day? The idea of a dream kitchen means something to all of us and we either have a plan of how we are going to achieve that dream kitchen, or, at least, we have a plan of what we should do if we ever build that one. – a dream. a kitchen.
But have you ever thought about it in any detail? Sometimes we get so caught up in the idea that we don’t stop to think about the execution of our ideas. Read on for our top 7 tips on what to think about and keep in mind when starting the design process for your dream kitchen.
1. What kind of chef are you?
It is important to keep in mind what kind of dishes you want to make when cooking in the kitchen. This determines the layout and the different priorities that certain workbenches will have in your kitchen. For example, as a baker, you may prefer a longer counter so you can prepare large batches of dough without having to move a lot of things. Considering your cooking style and how you work, it should give you a good idea of your kitchen layout.
2. A professional eye
There may be some cases where we simply cannot picture our perfect kitchen. We don’t know what will work with the space, we don’t know how to make the best use of the available light or we have no idea where to start when planning a kitchen. On these occasions it’s a good idea to get in touch with a professional interior designer or renovator, to see what input they might have about your available space.
Remember that while they have experience in designing and implementing advanced solutions, you also need to be able to feel comfortable in the kitchen. So going for something you would never normally choose just because it is recommended is not a good choice. Follow your heart and consider the advice given, but don’t take it as gospel.
3. Space for socializing
If you are a sociable person, or if you have a large family, you must provide space for socialization. Modernizing the kitchen we saw that it fits into our social group quite well and people can easily chat while cooking a meal at the same time. If you do not want to be slaving away all day in a separate room without anyone to talk to, you will want to save some space for a seating area so that you can be sociable with your guests.
4. Where is your dining room?
If your dining room is on the other side of the house, you may want to rethink the layout of your kitchen. You want to create a kitchen that can be easily passed through to avoid spillage when you transfer your dishes to the dining room. Every little bit helps when you’re hosting a full three-course meal for business associates at your home! Then again not everyone has a dining room, so this may not be an issue in your home.
5. Designing for longevity
Gimmick and gadget kitchens will only do so well, so if you’re really looking for a kitchen that’s worth the money, go for longevity. Choose designs that are well known for their timeless appeal and see whether or not those designs will still look good in five and even ten years. If you can afford to spend the extra money to avoid having to renovate the kitchen again in a few years, definitely go for it. It will save you a lot of time, effort and money in the long run. In addition, you will have a beautiful kitchen that you can enjoy for much longer.
6. Making room for the future
It has been predicted that in the very near future we will be able to charge phones, music players, tablets and other handheld devices through wireless sensors on kitchen counters. Smart ‘homes’ are now in the works, with ovens that can be turned on or off via text messages, or steamers that can be programmed to cook the meal just right. It is important to leave room for the future of kitchen design when planning your own kitchen. Try not to set everything too much in stone, as something that works well now may work just as well in the future. If you leave room for improvement, then you won’t have to worry about reworking everything to fit into the newest device when it comes around.
7. Small changes; big differences
Sometimes a kitchen redesign can happen with something as little as a change in the color palette of a room. If you take a step back and think about what could be changed about your current kitchen design, instead of potentially scrapping the whole thing, you can see a few small changes that can mean a big difference. For example, if there are no natural sources of light in your kitchen, switching to high powered light bulbs can really help lighten things up. A few carefully placed lamps under your cabinet will help illuminate your counter top space, and that’s just what light can do. Look at what you have and make small changes to see the effect it has.
We all have something different in mind when it comes to our dream kitchen and for some people, those dreams are closer to reality. However, it is possible to create the kitchen of your dreams if you combine good spatial awareness with longevity. It may seem a bit expensive as it is but in the long run, you’ll be glad you spent the extra money to have a beautiful kitchen built to last.
Article provided by Mike James, a freelance content writer working alongside a kitchen specialist based in Kent David Haughwho were consulted on this post.
