Kitchen Design Tips
The top 8 things to consider that go into creating the perfect Kitchen.
1. Think about the space and how you use it.
If you only have a small space to work with you will have to plan carefully to make sure you’re not cramped and tripping over each other when using your Kitchen. Learn more about Kitchen Design Tips below.
If you’re lucky enough to have a larger space then think carefully about where you place everything. If you space it out to much to fill the space then it will become less efficient.
The main three areas we use are; the Fridge, the Sink and the Cooker / Hob. You should aim to place these within an equilateral triangle so they are an equal distance apart. This means you won’t have to walk 12 feet to get something from the fridge whilst cooking.
Good worktop space close to your cooking area with storage close by for your ingredients, condiments and utensils will also save you from zooming around the kitchen whilst preparing food.
2. Think about a Statement Piece
This could be your Cooker / Hob with an elegant hood/extractor or it could be Marble Worktops.
Depending on how you use your Kitchen this could be an Island with Marble or you may decide that you want open storage to display all your tableware, spices or cookbooks.
You might decide to make your statement piece something you use socially or something more decorative or even functional.
Whatever you decide, it’s good to know early on what item would really set your kitchen apart and give it some personality. What is the one thing that always stands out for you in a beautiful kitchen?
3. Storage Space / Cabinets
It’s important that the drawers and cabinets you use the most are made from good quality materials with quality hinges, runners, handles etc. You want them to stand the test of time and not let you down for the sake of saving a little money.
Planning where you need storage is also important as you don’t want to be hopping around the Kitchen to get what you need whilst timing your meal to perfection.
Deep drawers instead of lower cupboards near to your cooking area are perfect for stacking pans, and you won’t have to get down on your knees to find the pan at the back of the cupboard.
Open storage for your serving plates, and tableware can look great but if they’re too close to your hob everything will get dirty pretty quick unless you have a good extractor.
4. Appliances & Working Areas
Again, thinking about the work triangle between, cooking area, fridge and sink will help you decide where each item should be placed.
But think about your cooking style when choosing hob and oven. Do you really need a six burner hob or will 4 be adequate? Would you be better suited to a low level double oven or a single eye level oven?
Do you need a large sink or will you be installing a Dishwasher? Remember, if you’re right handed the dishwasher would work better if it was to the right of your sink and vice versa for you lefties…
Whether you opt for integrated fridge freezer or a standalone, remember not to have it too far from your cooking area unless you like dancing round the Kitchen with a pan in your hand.
5. Lighting
Often an afterthought for many, however lighting really can make a huge difference in your kitchen by Kitchen Design Tips.
There’s lots of choice these days with; track, recessed, surface mounted, wall mounted, spots, under cabinet lighting, LED strips… and the list goes on.
Under cabinet lights can put the light where you need it the most, as wall units can often block the light from your ceiling.
Subtle floor level LED’s are perfect for when you enter the kitchen at night and don’t want to switch the main lights on, they also look amazing.
There’s lots of choice and it’s all personal preference. It does depend on how you plan to use the space, so it is worth thinking about and not leaving it as an afterthought.
6. Flooring
Wood, Stone, Porcelain?
Again the choice is endless… Your flooring could even be your statement piece.
Large tiles can be expensive but are often easier to fit and keep clean believe it or not. With less joins there are less places for dirt and spilled food to collect.
Think about how you will use the space, how much traffic it will get and how easy the floor is to maintain.
You could even consider under floor heating for those cold winter nights.
7. Style
Overall style is very personal but always try to consider how it fits the overall style of your home, this goes without saying really but an ultra modern minimal kitchen may look a little odd in a country cottage.
You could choose a style that fits certain features or furniture you already have or you may want to remodel the whole house to fit your Kitchen, the choice is yours.
If you choose bright colours choose carefully as you may have to live with the kitchen for many years, you may also consider whether others would like it if you ever come to sell your home and move on.
Going more neutral could be the answer, after all you can always add colour with other decor, walls, curtains, blinds etc.
Sometimes less is more, so go easy on the detail. Overdoing the detail may detract from your statement piece or the finishing touches you’re really proud of.
8. Planning, building & project managing
Now unless you have experience project managing building renovations it can be a real nightmare.
There are many skill sets required for a full renovation and managing the different trades people, scheduling work, delivery of parts & components needed is not an easy task.
For a slicker trouble free renovation it would always be advisable to find a supplier that can manage the whole process for you. This way you won’t have the plumber blaming the plasterer and the plasterer blaming the builder for delays.
If you can work with the same person from initial designs to final sign off then your life will be much easier. You can then sit back and enjoy your dream kitchen, whilst keeping your sanity.
We hope you like our Kitchen Design Tips, Good Luck…