The kitchen is the heart of any family home – it’s where meals and memories are made
Whether you are considering a total renovation, new installation, or just a remodel of your existing kitchen, it’s important to remember that this room is often the central social hub of the family home, influencing the overall design. With this in mind, here are some important elements to consider when planning your perfect kitchen.
1.Style and Budget
As with all interior décor decisions, be clear about the style you want and the size of your budget.
Begin by working out how you use the kitchen and consider what annoys you about your current kitchen.
Spend time looking through magazines, books, brochures, catalogues and websites like Pinterest. Visit kitchen showrooms, taking note of designs you like. Most good kitchen design companies will offer a free design service. There are also many apps now available where you can design your own kitchen and play around with different options.
The kitchen is one of the larger cost items in your home and will likely be unchanged for 10 years, so planning the best layout for the available space is a prime consideration when remodelling your kitchen.
There are many options for kitchen products. Look out for budget priced DIY flat-pack kitchens, recycled or second hand kitchens, standard showroom product or luxury designer fit-outs. A cost saving trick is a combined approach – buy a DIY carcass then have customised doors, drawers and bench top fitted.
Base your selection on what is most important to you. What fulfills your needs? For example, if you entertain a lot, do you need a large commercial style oven?
2. The Golden Triangle
This is the zone where the most used areas (the fridge, cooker and sink) are in close proximity to each other. Keep the dishwasher near the sink and the rubbish bin close by.
Countertops should be designed to maximise efficiency, with good sized preparation areas.
3. Storage
How much storage do you need? Having enough space to store cooking utensils and home wares allows bench tops to remain
clear of clutter.
Be inventive – use all space available including backs of cupboard doors, baskets above cupboards and add some shelving.
4. Island Bench
The kitchen is more than just a place to prepare food – it has become a hub for socializing as well as a workspace. Children often do their homework at the island while their parents are preparing dinner, so it is a great asset to have in your kitchen. It can also define the kitchen space from dining to living areas.
5. Lighting
Lighting is vital to illuminate your prep area and pantry so you can find foods easily. Consider whether you would like some special objects on display there, or do you prefer the minimalist look where gadgets and goods are tucked away in the cupboard? These are all considerations when selecting kitchen lighting.
6. Appliances
Appliances have come a long way and they range from a country farmhouse look to sleek minimalist styling with integrated units becoming very popular.
Think gas or electric for your cooking appliances. While gas is more efficient, there is more choice in electric cooktops and ovens.
You don’t have to choose expensive brands, just models that are energy efficient AAA+.
When choosing taps, sinks and fittings, it is important to consider quality. Remembering that you use these fixtures everyday, choosing a cheap model can sometimes cost you more in the end. In our last renovation, we used cheaper off the shelf water efficient shower heads in both bathrooms, purchased from a large hardware store. They both failed and had to be replaced, so we didn’t save any money. Oohm’s advice – choose middle range or better, if you can afford it.
7. Finishes
There is an amazing choice of finishes and colours in cabinetry and bench tops. From laminates, timbers,metallics to stones, the decision is yours. Research and find the look and serviceability that suits your needs and budget.
The truth is, it doesn’t matter if you have a large or small kitchen space. With good design and planning, your kitchen can have the form and function you desire.
Have fun creating your perfect kitchen!
Thanks to Archinet and H&G Uk.
Beth Thompson
July 10, 2015 at 12:10 am (11 years ago)Amazing photos and amazing ideas. Thanks for sharing. I wish the kitchen wasn’t the heart of our house, but you are right it is, so it make sense to make it cozy and nice.