Buying a new kitchen is probably one of the biggest purchases you will make for your home. It is exciting but can be daunting. You’ve made the decision to spend a lot of money, you have a vision but not sure how to implement it.
That’s where kitchen designers come in. Your chosen kitchen designer will be able to guide you through every step. Our blog at iKan Kitchens gives you some advice about buying a new kitchen – here are a few tips to get you started.
Things to Consider
Make a note of what you like and dislike in your existing kitchen. Do you feel your space works? You may want to open it up by removing walls, extending into a garage etc.
Think about who uses your kitchen. Is it a family with small children where you need safe spaces for them to be creative and grow? A social space where friends and family will gather or maybe there needs to be special features added like an electric height adjustment lift in an island so workspace and appliances can be accessed at different heights depending on the user. Or are you doing up a rental property where durability and value for money is key.
Whatever your needs and space, these 5 tips will help eliminate the stress and make sure you are getting exactly what you want from your new kitchen.
1. Budget
Knowing your budget is the first and most important start to your new kitchen. Knowing how much you can afford will help you make rational choices. If you see something you really can’t go without, you can cut costs in other areas.
Understanding your budget is really important for your kitchen designer. Whether you have a budget of £40k or £10k, your initial design won’t disappoint as it will be tailored to your needs.
2. Storage
The kitchen is one of the hardest rooms to get organised. There’s so much to accommodate from dry ingredients, fresh herbs, crockery, large pans to cleaning materials. While making a practical and user-friendly space, you can never have too much storage.
Open shelves to store glass jars full of dried ingredients can look stylish and also makes the shopping list easier as you can see straight away what is running low.
Adding a multi-corner drawer unit creates easy access to cutlery and crockery. For children this keeps them away from the main cooking area and promotes independence.
Keeping knives on a magnetic wall rack can be convenient and safe. A well-organised cutlery drawer is invaluable alongside deep pan drawers.
Additionally, you could opt for a smart rubbish and recycling system. As spices are best kept in the dark, these can be kept in a pull-out shelf unit making good use of those hard to reach shelves.
There are so many innovative storage ideas your kitchen designer will be able to tailor these to your needs.
3. Surface space
Taking a little bit of time planning your surface space will create an efficient kitchen layout that is both aesthetic and functional. Think about the placement of the most used appliances. Generally the hob, sink and refrigerator making access between these as simple as possible, often called the ‘kitchen work triangle’.
Space to prepare food is another element to consider, maybe incorporating a wooden chop block that can be moved around. Small free standing appliances could be hidden in a cupboard on a pull-out base in keeping with the popular minimalist look.
Adding a worktop overhang to create a breakfast bar seating area is another suggestion, or a stepped down surface for an informal dining table. This can be a practical addition for an entertaining or family space.
You could add a pop-up power socket that retracts down into the worktop so that it is only there when you really need it.
Also, think about the material, if you’re on a budget there are some good quality laminates available or maybe durability is important so a solid surface like Quarts could be your choice, Corian is lovely if you like the seamless look. Talk to your kitchen designer about the different options available.
4. Appliances
Do you want your appliances to blend in with the overall decor of your kitchen or would you like them to be more of a feature?
Induction hobs have come a long way since they first appeared on the market. They are an efficient and safe way of countertop cooking. Although some still prefer the timeless gas hobs, this really is down to personal preference.
A kitchen needs an oven but how many and how high spec is determined by personal preference, budget and space. If you dread the thought of cleaning your oven, a pyrolytic oven is a great piece of technology, a self-cleaning oven!
It’s a popular choice to have a stack of ovens or an oven and combination micro/oven in a tall unit for ease of access. Another great back saver is a high-level dishwasher, saving you having to bend down to load and unload the dishwasher.
There’s also cooker hoods and fridge freezers to incorporate. Do you need a washing machine and tumble dryer incorporating into your kitchen or do you have a separate utility room?
On top of the basics, there are so many luxury additions you can make from a wine cooler to a Blast chiller.
5. Lighting
Lighting can really put the finishing touches to your new kitchen. Whether it’s highlighting a statement piece, practical lighting in cupboards/under wall units or adding a relaxed ambience. You could go with colour changing lights or a soft warm glow all remotely controlled. Any kitchen designer will be able to help you make the right decision, emphasising your space.
