The world of effective kitchen design is a maze of design ideas, guides and tips – and a seemingly endless stream of expert advice. Where do you begin? To navigate this culinary landscape, we’ve compiled a transformative starting point help guide you. From determining your needs to installing your work surfaces, our guide below will help you on your way to designing a dream kitchen that’s every bit as beautiful as it is practical.
Full Renovation or Modest Update?
First things first. Before you start planning your brand new kitchen on Pinterest, you first need to decide what your needs are. Do you want to simply give your kitchen a facelift, or start completely fresh? Budget, of course, will be a big determining factor. But you should also decide which elements (if any) you like in your kitchen – and would like to keep. If your kitchen layout works for example, why change it? It’s best to focus on areas in need of attention – replacing those rickety cabinets or updating the worktop can completely transform your space.
Also consider your long-term plans. Updating a kitchen if you’re planning on moving might not add as much value as you think. Many new buyers want to add their own style to their kitchens, and might not like your red-tile kitchen backsplash idea as much as you do.
The Full Kitchen Renovation
If you do want an entirely new kitchen, there are many things to consider. To help you determine your needs, ask yourself these questions:
- How can you keep the distance between your main work stations as short as possible? Most efficient kitchen layouts harness the power of the triangle.
- Where do you need the most worktop space? Next to the stove and oven, or closer to your serving area?
- What are your storage needs? Take a look at how much you need now and plan accordingly. Small kitchens require more thought and clever ideas.
- Are you a dinner party person? Do you have kids? Consider whether you need space for a table or bar for someone to sit and talk to you while cooking.
- Where do you want to store the appliances and utensils that you use most?
- Are you a gadget person? Do you want your tools stored away or out for quick use?
- What appliances are non-negotiables? Do you require a double-door fridge or gas stove? These decisions will affect your layout.
- Giving some thought about how you use your current kitchen will help you plan your new one. It’s the safest way to ensure that your daily needs aren’t overlooked.
Giving some thought about how you use your current kitchen will help you plan your new one. It’s the safest way to ensure that your daily needs aren’t overlooked.
Now you’ll want to consider the constraints of your space. Where are the doors? Where are the windows? What about the electrical outlets? These considerations will make a big difference to your kitchen layout. How to design your kitchen layout? Often, your space will determine the kitchen layout for you – but make sure to familiarise yourself the most popular ones before making any decisions.
The Modest Kitchen Update
When money’s tight, or you simply don’t need a full-scale kitchen remodel, there are thousands of design ideas can make an impact in your kitchen – without costing you an arm and a leg. To get you started, consider these options when planning your kitchen update:
- Paint – a fresh coat of paint is by far the simplest, most impactful refresh you can make in your kitchen. It’s easy to DIY and an excellent way to add personality and colour to your kitchen.
- Update your worktops and cabinet doors – many building suppliers and home department stores offer new kitchen cabinet doors and work surfaces – at a fraction of the price of a new one. Get started by discovering the modern surfaces and materials designers use today.
- Lighting – good lighting can go a long way to transforming your kitchen. Spotlights or under-counter lighting adds a futuristic touch, while classic choices like pendant lights bring a more homely feeling to your space. Consider the mood you’re going for.
- Flooring – old vinyl floors have no place in anyone’s kitchen. If your floor weathered and mucky, replacing it could lift the room dramatically. Natural materials lie stone and hardwood are more expensive, but could make a huge difference.
There are hundreds of kitchen ideas that fit each and every style, budget and layout. Get started by determining your needs and deciding whether to do it yourself or opt for professional fitment. Also familiarise yourself with the various kitchen styles to nail down the look you want. From modern kitchens to more traditional styles – there’s sure to be a look that grabs you.