If your kitchen could do with an overhaul, now is a great time to start planning your brand new design. As I mentioned in my home inspirations post last week, I have been planning a kitchen makeover for some time but have never quite got any further than painting a few tester-pot swatches of colour on the walls! There are so many different styles of kitchen to choose from that this task may seem a little daunting at first. However, this guide will show you how to ace the design process and get the kitchen that really works for you and your family – then I’m actually going to have to get started on mine!
Getting Started
Look at your existing kitchen and make a list of what you like and dislike about it. Once you’ve identified what works and what doesn’t, you’ll be better prepared to design something that suits your needs. Think about who will be using your kitchen on a daily basis and the tasks that will be undertaken there. If you cook every day or do a lot of entertaining, your specifications should reflect this. Those with young children should consider their safety and comfort when it comes to the design process. You’ll need space for children to complete their homework, perhaps in the form of a breakfast bar. Those who cook often will need plenty of worktop space. Think about the existing restrictions on your design, including beams, supporting pillars and chimney breasts. Consider whether you want your kitchen equipment and foodstuffs to be displayed or kept being closed cupboard doors.
Planning the Layout
There are plenty of online tools available to help you plan the layout of your kitchen, with drag and drop functions so you can see how cabinets and appliances will fit together. Check out the Today’s Home website for help planning your home and take the stress out of making design decisions during a build. Don’t hesitate to experiment with a variety of arrangements. Some appliances need to be situated on an outside wall, including tumble driers, extractors and range cookers.
Choosing Your Style
The style you pick for your kitchen is highly personal, so don’t feel that you have to choose something that’s currently fashionable. Shaker designs in natural wood never get old and will look consistently stylish. If you’re interested in bold handles or other finishing touches, opt for something in pale cream or a pastel shade. You can compliment soft colours with darker granite worktops and timber flooring. Modern cabinets in high-gloss are currently having a bit of a revival, like those available from specialist retailers including Better Kitchens. Handleless cabinet designs in walnut or zebrano wood are also currently popular, as are kitchens with old fashioned touches like wide ceramic sinks and range cookers.
Involving a Professional
Most guides recommend that you enlist the services of a professional kitchen designer, so that they can look over your space and give you some idea of the cost of your design. They will also be able to let you know whether what you’ve got in mind is practical and the best use of your space.
I’ve already been inspired by all of the lovely kitchen I’ve been pinning onto my ‘Kitsch Kitchen’ Pinterest board and I hope to use these ideas to feed into my own kitchen design. If I aim to get the work done over the summer holidays I think it will be achievable – and I’ll have my family around to give me hand, so it’s more likely to happen when they’re on the case!! Let me know if you’re planning your own home makeover and send me some snaps to @Cassiefairy on twitter.
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