We may be biased, but we believe that the kitchen really is the most important room in the house. It has evolved over the years from a space of just cooking, to a showcase of our social skills where often work and play are combined. Choosing a new kitchen can be one of the most exciting projects out there, but with that comes a responsibility which by far escalates just colours and cupboards. From picking the right style to finding a designer and agreeing the layout, there is a lot to consider to not only make it look aesthetically pleasing, but to also be functional. There are various tips to create the perfect kitchen and ensure your dream kitchen is one which you and your family can enjoy for many years to come.
Consider the layout
When considering different kitchen design and layout ideas, one of the first things to do is look at how you will use your kitchen and how it will fit in with your lifestyle. Kitchen layouts tend to fall into six main categories:
- L-shaped kitchens
- U-shaped kitchens
- G-shaped kitchens
- Single-wall kitchens
- Island kitchens
- Galley kitchens
Depending on the available space you have, one tip is to check what does and doesn’t work in your existing kitchen and make up a wishlist of the elements you want to include in your dream design and those you want to change, so that the space can best cater for all eventualities.
Don’t forget the working triangle. To plan the preparation and cooking space, use the design concept of the working triangle of the kitchen. The three points are the fridge, sink and hob with imaginary lines between these forming the triangle shape. The three points should be near enough to each other to make meal preparation efficient but each workstation shouldn’t feel restrictive.
Define the style
Do you dream of a traditional kitchen or are your tastes more to the contemporary side? Maybe your heart is edging towards an industrial look or possibly a modern kitchen design? You may want to consider a design which already fits into the style of your home or you may want a kitchen which is in complete contrast? There are no hard, fastened rules here, it really comes down to personal preference but working with a designer form the off will enable you to start with a style in mind and progress to the finer details.
Adding texture
Often overlooked, texture is as important as colour in your kitchen design. It adds visual interest to a space and helps enhance neutral colour schemes. Well placed texture in your kitchen can make your room feel bigger, lighter or even darker. Texture in this sense can come from a variety of sources from soft fabrics and textiles with movement, to harder materials like wood and stone, on any touchable surface.
Texture can be added through walls, worktops and lighting and even leather or velvet bar stools for seating texture. The possibilities are endless and prevents the kitchen design becoming one dimensional.
Storage
Getting the right storage solutions in your kitchen is imperative. Being clever with storage and having adequate space will free up that much needed work surface space and leave your outer kitchen space free of clutter. It’s paramount that our kitchen storage solutions offer ease and functionality to assist with this. There are many options that can be explored to help make our lives that little bit easier, ranging from built-in larder cabinets, corner storage options and if space permits, a walk in pantry. Often smaller storage options are a life saver and spice racks and drawer inserts can perfect your kitchen design.
It’s all in the detail
The majority of time planning a kitchen renovation or remodel is spent on the major aspects of the remodel – the cabinetry, the countertops, the appliances and so forth. Once this is decided, the finishing touches, the finer details, are what makes your kitchen unique to you and enables you to showcase your own individuality and personality. From high quality handles to bespoke shelving, carefully positioned lighting and antiqued splash backs, it’s the small touches that will stand out in your overall design.
For further information on tips to create the perfect kitchen, please contact us here.